Preoperative serum calcium levels as an indicator of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Abstract

our data suggest that preoperative serum calcium levels may correlate with the development of postoperative hypocalcemia. A serum calcium level of 2.27 mmol/L is an important threshold separating patients with an elevated risk of hypocalcemia from those who will likely remain normocalcemic. These data are relevant and useful clinically in identifying patients at risk for hypocalcemia. Current studies are investigating whether patients below our critical threshold of 2.27 mmol/L would benefit from early prophylactic supplementation.