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Horm Metab Res 2006; 38(12): 821-826
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-956504
Original Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Calcitriol Plus Hydrochlorothiazide Prevents Transient Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia

A. Testa 1 , V. Fant 2 , A. De Rosa 3 , G. F. Fiore 2 , V. Grieco 2 , P. Castaldi 2 , R. Persiani 3 , S. Rausei 3 , D. D'ugo 3 , G. De Rosa 2
  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy
  • 2Department of Internal Medicine, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy
  • 3Department of Surgery, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Received 26 January 2006

Accepted after revision 12 September 2006

Publication Date:
12 December 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Background: The aim of our double-blinded randomized prospective placebo-controlled study was to test if a week long pre-treatment with hypercalcemic drugs may prevent transient post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and reduce hospital stay. Methods: Forty-two patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were randomized into two groups. Group 1: 22 patients treated with calcitriol 1.5 mcg/die plus hydrochlorothiazide; Group 2: 20 patients only treated with placebo (mineral integrates) as control group. Calcium and PTHi serum levels were assayed baseline and the days before and after thyroidectomy. Results: Baseline calcium and PTHi did not differ between the two groups. Pre-surgery calcemia significantly increased in group 1 (p<0.05) while PTHi significantly decreased (p<0.05). Post-surgery calcemia and PTHi further significantly decreased in both groups, hypocalcemia (<2.10 mmol/l) occurring in 1 out of 22 patients in group 1 without symptoms and in 10 out of 20 in controls (20% developing symptoms) (p<0.01). The hospital stay resulted significantly shorter in group 1 (2.4±0.6 days) in respect to the control group (3.6±1.4 days, p<0.05). Conclusion: The administration of calcitriol plus hydrochlorothiazide is able to prevent transient post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia and to reduce hospital stay.

Key words

Hypocalcemia - tetany - hypoparathyroidism - parathyroidectomy - thyroidectomy

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