RCT | Perioperative vs. postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:09h | UTCSummary:
This study aimed to compare the efficacy of perioperative vs. postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in reducing symptomatic hypocalcemia in patients who underwent thyroidectomy.
In a randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 134 patients, one group received calcium carbonate and alfacalcidol both 3 days before surgery and for 14 days after surgery, while the other group received the same treatment only after surgery.
Results showed that the perioperative group had significantly lower rates of symptomatic and biochemical hypocalcemia compared to the postoperative group. Patients who underwent central neck dissection were at increased risk of symptomatic hypocalcemia in this study, so perioperative supplementation could be more beneficial for these patients.