Preoperative Parathyroid Hormone Levels as a Predictor of Postthyroidectomy Hypocalcemia

Abstract

A decline in the preoperative PTH level of 70% or greater at 1 hour following total thyroidectomy appears to be a reliable predictor of patients at risk of developing hypocalcemia. By allowing thyroid surgeons to identify these patients in the early postoperative period, calcium supplementation can be initiated sooner.