Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and effects of pre-operative calcium supplements on its incidence

Objective: To determine the effects of pre-operative Calcium supplements on post-total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial (IRCT Id20231016059739N1). Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Bahawalpur Pakistan, from Sep 2022 to Sep 2023. Methodology: All the patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and having normal Calcium levels were included. Baseline demographic data, medical history, and pre-operative Calcium levels were recorded for all participants. A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the study, with 52 patients assigned to the intervention group (Group-A) and 53 patients assigned to the control group (Group-B). Group-A was given a Calcium supplement and Group-B was given a placebo. Post-operative follow-up assessments were conducted at designated time points to evaluate serum Calcium levels and monitor for the occurrence of hypocalcemia. Results: The demographic characteristics, baseline Calcium levels, and surgical procedures were similar between the two groups, ensuring comparability. The mean value of the post-operative Calcium level of the interventional group was 8.904±0.4542 mg/dl and control group was 8.647±0.4964 mg/dl showing statistically significant difference (p-value 0.007). In the Group-A, 8 out of 52 patients (7.6%) developed hypocalcemia, whereas in the Group-B, 20 out of 53 patients (19%) experienced hypocalcemia showing statistically significant difference (p-value 0.009). Conclusion: Preoperative Calcium supplementation may not only decrease the occurrence of hypocalcemia but also promote a faster recovery from this complication following thyroid surgery. (author)