Early hospital discharge through prediction of post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism

Introduction: Hypoparathyroidism is the most common postsurgical complication of total thyroidectomy. Furthermore, it is the main cause of prolonged hospitalization after this procedure. Objective: To predict the probability of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia according to the levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), as well as to determine the needs for treatment with exogenous calcium according to the levels of serum calcium (Ca). Materials and methods: Retrospective study was carried out on patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between January 2017 and January 2020 at Los Arcos del Mar Menor University Hospital (HULAMM). iPTH and Ca levels were measured at 4, 24 and 48 hours after the surgery. Follow-up was 6 months. Results: Ninety-four patients were operated on. Temporary and permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism percentages were, respectively, 51.06% and 6.38%. PTHi level 24 hours after the procedure was the most reliable predictor of post-thyroidectomy temporary hypoparathyroidism (Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC)=0.933, P<.001). iPTH levels >= 29 pg/ml predicted normal parathyroid metabolism. Conclusions: The combined values of iPTH and Ca levels 24 hours after thyroidectomy seems to be a reliable, safe and efficient method to control the post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism. Our protocol could reduce the hospital stay of patients at low risk of hypocalcemia, allowing them to be discharged from the hospital on the first postoperative morning and identifying patients at high risk of hypocalcemia early. (c) 2024 Sociedad Espanola de Otorrinolaringolog<acute accent>& imath;a y Cirug<acute accent>& imath;a de Cabeza y Cuello. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.