ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to investigate whether parathyroid score can predict hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection (CLND) and to determine clinical value of parathyroid score for treatment of hypocalcemia. METHODS: A prospective review of 209 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with CLND for papillary thyroid cancer from January to December 2012 was conducted. Parathyroid score was designed based on the number and color of parathyroid preservation (Save and intact color of a parathyroid was 2; Save but mild discoloration was 1.5; Not identification was 1.2; Autotransplantation was 1.0; Sacrifice was -1). RESULTS: The mean numbers of parathyroid glands were as follows: save & intact color was 2.0; save & mild discoloration was 0.8; not identification was 0.8; autotransplantation was 0.4. The average parathyroid score was 6.54+/-0.69 (range 3.4~8.0). The average PTH was 16.3 at the 1st POD. Transient and permanent hypocalcemia were 33.4% (70/209) and 0.9% (2/209), respectively. Parathyroid score was 6.78+/-0.54 in patients without transient hypocalcemia, 5.93+/-0.67 with hypocalcemia, parathyroid score was significantly lower in transient hypocalcemia, abnormal PTH at the 1st POD (P<0.001, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Parathyroid score may predict patients at risk of developing transient hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy with CLND.