Abstract
INTRODUCTION: After total thyroidectomy (TT), postoperative hypoparathyroidism (PH) is the most frequent complication. Yet, management strategies for PH remain disputed. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of a reactive supplementation in case of symptomatic PH. Additionally, risk factors for symptomatic PH and readmission due to PH were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent TT or completion from 2017 to 2022 were considered for inclusion. During this period, a reactive to symptom vitamin-calcium supplementation was used. The primary outcome was the occurrence of severe PH after discharge resulting in readmission. RESULTS: Overall, 307 patients were included, of which 98 patients (31.9%) developed symptomatic PH including 43 patients before discharge. Independent risk factors for developing symptomatic PH were age (p = 0.010) and postoperative day 1 (POD1) PTH level (p < 0.001). Overall, 264 patients (86%) did not present PH before discharge and were discharged home. Among them, 55 patients (20.8%) experienced symptomatic PH, requiring readmission in 18 patients. The overall readmission rate owing to symptomatic PH requiring intravenous supplementation despite oral vitamin-calcium supplementation was 6.8% (n = 18). Independent risk factors for symptomatic PH-related readmission were age (p = 0.007) and POD1 PTH level (p < 0.001). Adequate cut-off values for predicting readmission were POD1 albumin-adjusted calcium = 2.1 mmol/l (Sensibility = 0.95, Specificity = 0.30) and POD1 PTH = 11.5 pg/ml (Sensibility = 0.90, Specificity = 0.71). CONCLUSION: Supplementing only symptomatic patients was safe and efficient. This attitude does not alter on morbidity, mortality or readmission rate which is in line with current literature.