Incidencia de hipocalcemia e hipoparatiroidismo en cirugías de cuello / Hypocalcaemia and hypoparathyroidism' incidence in neck surgeries

INTRODUCCIÓN: el hipoparatiroidismo es la alteración causada por hipofunción de las glándulas paratiroides y la causa más común es la posquirúrgica. OBJETIVO: conocer la incidencia de hipocalcemia dentro de las 72 horas del postoperatorio y de hipoparatiroidismo permanente de tiroidectomías en nueve años. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de pacientes con tiroidectomías entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2019 en el Hospital de Clínicas. Se dividió la muestra por grupos etarios, se consideró hipocalcemia a valores ≤8,5 mg/dl e hipoparatiroidismo permanente cuando persistían por lo menos un año luego de cirugía. RESULTADOS: fueron 202 pacientes, 182 mujeres y 20 hombres, media de edad ± ES para mujeres 47.3±1.2 años y para hombres 55.1±3.4. El 61,5% presentó hipocalcemia en las primeras 72 horas del postoperatorio: 60,2% de mujeres y 71,4% de hombres (p=0.42). El 79% fueron hipocalcemias asintomáticas, 7,5% tuvo síntomas y 13,5% sin datos. El signo de Trousseau fue negativo 68% y positivo en 9%. Respecto a la patología hubo 107 resultados benignos, 94 malignos. CONCLUSIONES: el 90% fueron mujeres, 6 de cada 10 presentaron hipocalcemia en las primeras 72hs, en la gran mayoría fueron asintomáticas y tuvieron signo de Trousseau negativo. No hubo correlación entre hipocalcemia con edad, sexo, duración o tiempo de la cirugía, ni resultado de patología. La incidencia de hipoparatiroidismo transitorio fue 75,7% y permanente 7,3%. Cuando no hubo hipoparatiroidismo transitorio tampoco hubo hipoparatiroidismo permanente.

INTRODUCTION: hypoparathyroidism is the alteration caused by hypofunction of the parathyroid glands and the most common cause is post-surgery. OBJECTIVE: to know the incidence of hypocalcaemia within 72 hours of the postoperative period and of permanent hypoparathyroidism of thyroidectomies in nine years. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: observational, descriptive and retrospective study of patients with thyroidectomies between January 2011 and December 2019 at Clinical's Hospital. The sample was divided by age groups, hypocalcemia was considered at values ≤8.5 mg/dl and permanent hypoparathyroidism when they persisted for at least one year after surgery. RESULTS: there were 202 patients, 182 women and 20 men, mean age ± SE for women 47.3±1.2 years and for men 55.1±3.4. 61.5% presented hypocalcaemia in the first 72 hours after surgery: 60.2% of women and 71.4% of men (p=0.42). 79% were asymptomatic hypocalcemia, 7.5% had symptoms and 13.5% without data. Trousseau's sign was negative in 68% and positive in 9%. Regarding the pathology, there were 107 benign results, 94 malignant. CONCLUSIONS: 90% were women, 6 out of 10 presented hypocalcemia in the first 72 hours, the vast majority were asymptomatic and had a negative Trousseau sign. There was no correlation between hypocalcaemia with age, sex, duration or time of surgery, or pathology result. The incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism was 75.7% and permanent 7.3%. When there was no transient hypoparathyroidism, there was also no permanent hypoparathyroidism.

QTc, Tp-e Interval and Tp-e/QTc Ratio in Patients with Hypocalcemia-case Control Study

Abstract Background: To the best of our knowledge, there are studies related to QT and QTc interval in patients with hypocalcemia, but there are no studies evaluating T wave peak and end interval (Tp-e interval), Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios used to evaluate cardiac arrhythmia risk and ventricular repolarization changes rates. Objectives: Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether there is a change in Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios in patients with hypocalcemia. Methods: Retrospectively, 29 patients with hypocalcemia in the emergency department were included in the study. Twenty-nine patients with similar age and sex distribution were included in the study as the control group. All patients underwent 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). In addition to routine measurements, Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were measured on ECG. The study data were grouped as patients with and without hypocalcemia. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.24 ± 4.95 years. QTc interval, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc values were found to be significantly higher in patients with hypocalcemia (p <0.001 for each). QTc interval, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio showed a significant negative correlation with calcium levels. Conclusion: Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratios are significantly increased in patients with hypocalcemia compared to those without hypocalcemia and this can be used more effectively in the follow-up of cardiac fatal arrhythmias.

Hipomagnesemia en recién nacidos con encefalopatía hipóxico isquémica en hipotermia corporal total / Hypomagnesemia in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and whole-body hypothermia

Resumen: Introducción: En recién nacidos (RN) con encefalopatía hipóxico isquémica (EHI) en hipotermia se describen alte raciones metabólicas que se asocian a pronóstico neurológico. La hipomagnesemia ha sido reportada en la literatura, pero no es medida ni corregida en todos los centros de atención neonatal. Objeti vo: Evaluar la frecuencia de hipomagnesemia e hipocalcemia en RN con EHI en tratamiento con hipotermia corporal total y evaluar la respuesta al aporte de sulfato de magnesio. Pacientes y Méto do: Estudio prospectivo, observational y descriptivo en RN con EHI sometidos a hipotermia corporal total, hospitalizados entre los años 2016-2017. Se realizó medición seriada en sangre de magnesemia (Mg) y calcemia (Ca). Con Mg menor o igual de 1,8 mg/dl se administró suplemento como sulfato de Mg para mantener niveles entre 1,9 y 2,8 mg/dl. Se describió la frecuencia de hipomagnesemia e hipocalcemia y su presentación en el tiempo. Se realizó registro prospectivo de evolución clínica. Se hizo un análisis estadístico descriptivo, con medidas de tendencia central. Resultados: Se incluyeron 16 pacientes. Presentaron hipomagnesemia 13/16 (81,3%), la que fue precoz (6-36 h de vida), nor malizándose con aporte de sulfato de magnesio, requiriendo 2a dosis 4 de ellos. Presentaron hipo- calcemia 6/16 (37,5%). Conclusiones: La hipomagnesemia es frecuente (80%), similar a lo descrito en la literatura. Dado su importancia fisiológica debe controlarse y corregirse, de igual manera que el calcio.

Abstract: Introduction: In newborns with the diagnosis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with hypother mia, metabolic alterations are observed, which are associated with neurological prognosis. Hypo magnesemia has been reported frequently in the literature in these patients, but it is not measured or corrected in all neonatal healthcare centers. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of hypomag nesemia and hypocalcemia in newborns with HIE treated with whole-body hypothermia and to evaluate the response to the magnesium sulfate administration. Patients and Method: Prospective, observational and descriptive study in hospitalized newborns with the diagnosis of HIE and trea ted with whole-body hypothermia between the years 2016 and 2017. Serial blood measurement of magnesemia (Mg) and calcemia (Ca) was performed. When presenting an Mg level < 1.8 mg/dl, supplementation with magnesium sulfate was administered to maintain levels between 1.9 and 2.8 mg/dl. The frecuency of hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and clinical evolution was registered. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, with central tendency measures. Results: Sixteen ca ses were included, 13 of them presented hypomagnesemia (81.3%), with early-onset (6-36 hours of life), which was normalized with magnesium sulfate treatment, receiving a second dose 4 patients. Six of 16 patients presented hypocalcemia (37.5 %). Conclusions: Hypomagnesemia is frequent (80%), similar to that described in the literature, and should be controlled and corrected early, given its physiological role, in the same way that calcium is controlled.

Incidencia de hipocalcemia posquirúrgica en tiroidectomías en el Hospital de Clínicas / Incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia at the Clinicas Hospital / Incidência de hipocalcemia pós-cirúrgica em tireoidectomias no Hospital de Clínicas

Resumen: Introducción: la hipocalcemia es la complicación más frecuente en tiroidectomías. Objetivo: conocer la incidencia de hipocalcemia en las primeras 72 horas del posoperatorio y de hipoparatiroidismo permanente como complicación de las tiroidectomías en seis años. Pacientes y método: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de pacientes tiroidectomizados entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2016. Hipocalcemia: valor de calcio total <8,5mg/dl. Las variables fueron: sexo, edad, tipo y duración de cirugía, manifestaciones clínicas de hipocalcemia aguda y anatomía patológica; se cruzaron con la medida de valor mínimo de calcemia. Se consideró hipoparatiroidismo permanente cuando persistían bajo tratamiento por lo menos un año luego de cirugía. Resultados: total 141 casos, 130 mujeres, media de edad 45,9 años. El 95% presentó hipocalcemia en las primeras 72 horas del posoperatorio; por edad y sexo: <29 años, 90% (p 0,38), 30-49, 96% (p 0,4), 50-69, 98% (p 0,52) y >70, 92% (p 0,16); 97% de mujeres tuvo hipocalcemia y 91% de hombres (p 0,26). Duración de cirugía: < 130 minutos, 130-185, >185, hipocalcemia en 4, 2 y 1 pacientes respectivamente. Lesiones malignas en 60 pacientes, 58 tuvieron hipocalcemia; de 81 benignos, 76 la presentó (p 0,537). En grupo de tiroidectomías, 95% tuvo hipocalcemia (p<0,05). El 71% fue hipocalcemias asintomáticas, 10% tuvo síntomas y 19% sin datos. Ocho con hipoparatiroidismo permanente, en 11 no hubo datos. Conclusiones: la mayoría presentó hipocalcemia. No hubo correlación entre hipocalcemia con edad, sexo, duración de la cirugía ni resultado de anatomía patológica. En tiroidectomías hubo correlación con hipocalcemia. Uno de cada diez presentó síntomas de hipocalcemia. La incidencia de hipoparatiroidismo permanente fue de 6%.

Summary: Introduction: hypocalcemia is the most frequent complication in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Objective: to learn about the incidence of hypocalcemia during the first 72-hour period after surgery and permanent hypoparathyroidism, as a complication of thyroidectomy in 6 years. Methods: descriptive and retrospective study of patients undergoing thyroidectomy between January 2011 and December 2016. Hypocalcemia is defined as total serum calcium concentration < 8.8 mg/dL. Variables considered cwere gender, age, type and duration of surgery, clinical manifestations of acute hypocalcemia and pathological anatomy, and they were crossed with the minimum measurement of calcemia. Permanent hypoparathyroidism was defined when patients were still under therapy at least one year after the surgery. Results: 141 patients, 130 women, average age was 45.9 years old. 95% of them presented hypocalcemia within the first 72 hours of the postoperative period; as to age and gender: <29 years old, 90% (p 0.38), 30 - 49, 96% (p 0.4), 50 - 69, 98% (p 0.52) and =70 92% (p 0.16); 97% of women and 91% of men (p 0.26) suffered from hypocalcemia. Duration of surgery: < 130 minutes, 130 - 185, >185, hypocalcemia was seen in 4, 2 and 1 patients respectively. Malignant lesions were found in 60 patients, 58 had hypocalcemia; out of 81 benign cases, 76 had hypocalcemia (p 0,537). In a group of thyroidectomies, 95% had hypocalcemia (p<0.05). 71% were asymptomatic hypocalcemia, 10% presented symptoms and there was no data for 19%. Eight of them have permanent hypoparathyroidism and there was no data for 11 cases. Conclusions: most patients presented hypocalcemia. There was no correlation between hypocalcemia and age, gender, duration of surgery or pathology results. Correlation was found between thyroidectomies and hypocalcemia. One out of ten presented symptoms of hypocalcemia. Incidence of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 6%.

Resumo: Introdução: a hipocalcemia é a complicação mais frequente nas tireoidectomias. Objetivo: conhecer a incidência de hipocalcemia nas primeiras 72 horas do pós-operatório e de hipoparatireoidismo permanente como complicação das tireoidectomias em 6 anos. Pacientes e métodos: estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, de tiroidectomizados entre janeiro de 2011 e dezembro de 2016. Considerou-se hipocalcemia o valor de cálcio total ?8,5mg/dl. As variáveis estudadas foram: gênero, idade, tipo e duração da cirurgia, manifestações clínicas de hipocalcemia aguda e anatomia patológica; estas variáveis foram cruzadas com o valor mínimo de calcemia. Considerou-se hipoparatireoidismo permanente quando persistiam sob tratamento pelo menos durante um ano pós-cirurgia. Resultados: foram estudados 141 pacientes sendo 130 mulheres, com idade média de 45,9 anos. 95% apresentou hipocalcemia nas primeiras 72 horas do pós-operatório; por idade e gênero: ?29 anos, 90% (p 0,38), 30 - 49, 96%(p 0,4), 50 - 69, 98%(p 0,52) e ?70, 92%(p 0,16); 97% das mulheres teve hipocalcemia e 91% dos homens (p 0,26). Duração da cirurgia: < 130 minutos, 130 - 185, ?185, hipocalcemia em 4, 2 e 1 pacientes respectivamente. Dos 60 pacientes com lesões malignas, 58 apresentaram hipocalcemia e 76 dos 81 casos benignos (p 0,537). No grupo de tireoidectomias, 95% tiveram hipocalcemia (p<0,05). 71% foram hipocalcemias assintomáticas, 10% apresentaram sintomas e em 19% não havia dados. Oito pacientes quedaram com hipoparatireoidismo permanente e em 11 não havia dados. Conclusões: a maioria apresentou hipocalcemia. Não se observou correlação entre hipocalcemia e idade, género, duração da cirurgia nem resultado da anatomia patológica. Nas tireoidectomias observou-se correlação com hipocalcemia. Um de cada 10 pacientes apresentou sintomas de hipocalcemia. La incidência de hipoparatireoidismo permanente foi de 6%.

Factores perioperatorios relacionados con la hipocalcemia postiroidectomía total / Perioperative factors related to hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy / Fatores peri-operatórios envolvidos com hipocalcemia pós tireoidectomia total

INTRODUCCIÓN: Pretendemos analizar qué factores son los que determinan la aparición de hipocalcemia en el postoperatorio de la tiroidectomía total, mediante análisis estadístico, utilizando el paquete SPSS versión 25. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se han estudiado 105 pacientes intervenidos de tiroidectomía total en nuestro centro durante los años 2015 a 2017. RESULTADOS: Se trataba de 85 mujeres (81%) y 20 hombres (19%), con edades comprendidas entre 30 y 91 años, con media de 57 años. El diagnóstico anatomopatológico más frecuente fue patología benigna (82,9%), con 87 casos...

INTRODUCTION: We intend to analyze which factors are responsible for the appearance of hypocalcemia in the postoperative period of total thyroidectomy, using statistical analysis with the SPSS version 25 package. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied 105 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in our center during the years 2015 to 2017. RESULTS: There were 85 women (81%) and 20 men (19%), aged between 30 and 91 years, with an average of 57 years. The most frequent anatomopathological diagnosis was benign pathology (82.9%), with 87 cases…

INTRODUÇÃO: Pretendemos analisar quais são os fatores que determinam a ocorrência de hipocalcemia na tireoidectomia total no pós-operatório, utilizando análise estatística usando SPSS versão 25. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram estudados 105 pacientes que foram submetidos a tireoidectomia total em nosso centro ao longo dos anos 2015 a 2017. RESULTADOS: Foram 85 mulheres (81%) e 20 homens (19%), com idade entre 30 e 91 anos, com média de 57 anos. O diagnóstico anatomopatológico mais frequente foi a patologia benigna (82,9%), com 87 casos...

Fatores preditores para hipocalcemia pós-tireoidectomia / Predictors factors for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência e os fatores preditores da hipocalcemia e hipoparatireodismo definitivo pós-tireoidectomia. MÉTODOS: Foi dosado cálcio iônico no pré e no pós-operatório (primeiro, segundo e 30ºdia) em 333 pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia. Naqueles que apresentaram hipocalcemia, as dosagens foram feitas também aos 90 e 180 dias de pós-operatório, quando se dosou também o paratormônio. Os pacientes foram agrupados segundo a presença ou ausência de hipocalcemia e avaliados segundo idade, sexo, função tireoidiana, volume tireoidiano, número de paratireoides identificadas e necessidade de reimplante de paratireoides, tipo de operação, tempo operatório e diagnóstico histopatológico. RESULTADOS: A incidência de hipocalcemia temporária foi de 40,8% (136 pacientes), e hipoparatireoidismo definitivo de 4,2% (14 pacientes). Tireoidectomia total ou reoperação, esvaziamento cervical, hipertireoidismo, tempo operatório e idade acima de 50 anos foram fatores determinantes de incidência significativamente maior de hipocalcemia e hipoparatireodismo definitivo (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: os fatores preditores da hipocalcemia pós-operatória incluem idade (>50 anos), tireoidectomia total, reoperação, esvaziamento cervical e tempo operatório. Os fatores preditores do hipoparatireoidismo definitivo pós-tireoidectomia incluíram tipo de operação, diagnóstico histológico e hipertireoidismo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and predictors of post-thyroidectomy definitive hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. METHODS: We assessed ionic calcium preoperatively and postoperatively (first, second and 30th day) in 333 patients undergoing thyroidectomy. In those presenting hypocalcemia, measurements were also made 90 and 180 days after surgery, when parathormone was also dosed. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of hypocalcemia and evaluated according to age, gender, thyroid function, thyroid volume, number of parathyroid glands identified and need to parathyroid reimplantation, type of operation, operative time, and histopathological diagnosis. RESULTS: The incidence of temporary hypocalcemia was 40.8% (136 patients), and of definitive hypoparathyroidism 4.2% (14 patients). Reoperation or total thyroidectomy, neck dissection, hyperthyroidism, operative time and age above 50 years were factors related to higher incidence of hypocalcemia and definitive hypoparathyroidism (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: predictors of postoperative hypocalcemia included age (> 50 years), total thyroidectomy, reoperation, neck dissection and operative time. The predictors of post-thyroidectomy definitive hypoparathyroidism included type of operation, histological diagnosis and hyperthyroidism.

Morbilidad neonatal de los prematuros tardíos en embarazos únicos: estudio de caso-control / Neonatal morbidity of late preterm: a case-control study

Objetivo: Comparar los riesgos de morbilidad neonatal entre los prematuros tardíos (PT) y neonatos de término. Método: Estudio de caso control. Se revisan fichas clínicas de partos durante el año 2007. Se excluyen neonatos con malformaciones congénitas mayores, alteración neuromuscular, embarazos múltiples y aneuploidias. Los casos corresponden a todo PT nacido durante el periodo estudiado y los controles a nacidos de término en el mismo periodo. Los resultados neonatales fueron obtenidos y los riesgos calculados usando pruebas de Chi cuadrado y exacto de Fisher. Resultados: Se identifican 1536 partos, con una tasa de PT de 7,1 por ciento (109 casos), 62 cumplieron con criterios de inclusión. El grupo control consistió en 124 partos de término. PT presentaron 2 veces más riesgo de cesárea (p=0,0094) que los de término. El riesgo de ser admitido en UCIN fue de 88 (p=0,000). Los riesgos de morbilidad neonatal fueron: SDR (OR 23; p=0,000), hipoglicemia (OR 6; p=0,014), hipocalcemia (OR 6; p=0,014), hiperbilirrubinemia (OR 28; p=0,000) y necesidad de fototerapia (OR 23; p=0,000). No hubo diferencias en la presentación de enterocolitis necrotizante (p=0,478) ni sepsis neonatal (p=0,615). La mortalidad neonatal fue significativamente superior en los PT (p=0,044). Conclusión: Los PT deben ser considerados de alto riesgo en el período neonatal. Nuestros resultados son importantes para tomar decisiones clinicas respecto al mejor momento de finalizar un embarazo con riesgo inminente de prematurez.

Objective: To compare neonatal morbidity risks between late preterm (LP) and term deliveries. Methods: Case control study. Medical records in 2007 were reviewed. Major congenital malformations, neuromuscular handicap, twin pregnancies and aneuploidies were excluded. The Study group corresponds to all LP births during that period and the control group to term deliveries in the same period. Neonatal outcomes were collected and different risks were calculated using Chi square test and Fisher exact tests. Results: 1536 deliveries with a LP rate of 7.1 percent (109 cases) were observed, 62 cases met inclusion criteria. The control group consisted in 124 single term deliveries. LP had 2 times more risk of cesarean section (p=0.0094) than term deliveries. The risk of NICU admission was 88 (p=0.000). Neonatal morbidity risks were: RDS (OR 23, p=0.000), hypoglycemia (OR 6, p=0.014), hypocalcaemia (OR 6, p=0.014), hyperbillirrubinemia (OR 28, p=0.000) and phototherapy (OR 23, p=0.000). There were no differences in necrotizing enterocolitis (p=0.478) and risk of neonatal sepsis (p=0.615). Neonatal mortality was significantly higher in LP babies (p=0.044). Conclusion: LP newborn must be considered as high risk in the neonatal period. These results are important in making clinical decisions about the better time to end pregnancy.

Cost-effectiveness analysis regarding postoperative administration of vitamin-D and calcium after thyroidectomy to prevent hypocalcaemia / Análisis de costo-efectividad de la administración postoperatoria de Vitamina D y calcio después de tiroidectomía para la prevención de la hipo calcemia

Objective Hypocalcaemia is a frequently arising complication following total thyroidectomy. Routine postoperative prophylactic administration of vitamin D or metabolites and calcium reduce the incidence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia; this article reports evaluating its cost-effectiveness in Colombia. Methods Meta-analysis was used for comparing the administration of vitamin D or metabolites to oral calcium or no treatment at all in patients following total thyroidectomy and a cost-effectiveness analysis was designed based on a decision-tree model with local costs. Results The OR value for the comparison between calcitriol and calcium compared to no treatment and to exclusive calcium treatment groups was 0.32 (0.13-0.79 95 %CI) and 0.31 (0.14-0.70 95 %CI), respectively. The most cost-effective strategy was vitamin D or metabolites and calcium administration, having a US $0.05 incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Conclusion Prophylactic treatment of hypocalcaemia with vitamin D or metabolites + calcium or calcium alone is a cost-effective strategy.

Objetivos La hipo calcemia es la complicación más frecuente después de tiroidectomía. La administración profiláctica de vitamina D o metabolitos y calcio reduce la incidencia de hipocalcémia sintomática. Se evalúa su costo-efectividad en Colombia. Materiales y métodos Utilizamos la información de un meta-análisis que comparó la administración de vitamina D o metabolitos contra calcio no tratamiento en pacientes llevados a tiroidectomía total y diseñamos un análisis de costo-efectividad basados en un modelos de decisiones con costos locales. Resultados El valor del OR para la comparación entre calcitriol y calcio comparado con no tratamiento o calcio exclusivo fue de 0.32 (95 % IC, 0.13- 0.79) y 0.31 (95 % IC, 0.14-0.70), respectivamente. La estrategia más costo-efectiva fue la administración de vitamina D o metabolitos y calcio, con una relación de costo-efectividad incremental de US $0.05. Conclusiones El tratamiento profiláctico de la hipo calcemia con vitamina D o metabolitos y calcio o calcio exclusivo después de tiroidectomía total es una estrategia costo-efectiva.

Early post-operative complications after thyroidectomy for benign goiters

To find frequency of early complications after thyroid surgery for benign thyroid conditions. Quasi-experimental study. Combined Military Hospital [CMH] Lahore, from March 2005 to Sep 2007.Early complications after thyroid surgery for benign thyroid conditions were studied. One hundred patients with FNAC confirmed benign goiter or follicular growth admitted for elective thyroidectomies were included in the study. Data was collected in the pre-designed proforma and entered in SPSS-10 version. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate frequency of each complication in the early post-thyroidectomy period. The frequency of complications after thyroidectomy was 27%. Out of them 8 patients [8%] developed subcutaneous haematoma, 5 patients [5%] wound infection, 4 patients [4%] tension haematoma, 4 patients [4%] hypocalcaemia, 3 patients [3%] respiratory obstruction and 3 patients [3%] developed recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. Surgery for benign thyroid enlargement but may be associated with significant numbers of post operative complications including wound haematoma, wound infection and hypocalcaemia

Assessment of the relationship between hypocalcaemia with hypotension, during hemoadialysis at Imam Khomeini and Fatemeh Zahra Hospitals in Sari 2007

Hypotension during Hemoadialysis is one of the risk factors of mortality and morbidity in patients. This study was preformed at Imam Khomeini and Fatemeh Zahra Hospitals, in Sari during 2007. 100 Hemoadialysis patients were evaluated. Serum calcium and serum albumin levels were measured prior to Hemoadialysis. Patient's blood pressure was measured before, during and after Hemoadialysis and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, X[2] test. Hypotension, during Hemoadialysis was seen in 28% of patients. Of the total patients, 25% had hypocalcaemia. Of 25 patients with hypocalcaemia, 39.3% had hypotension, while 19.4% had normal blood pressure, thus, showing a significant difference between the two groups. It is suggested to revise the calcium concentration of dialysate

Incidencia de hipocalcemia pos tiroidectomía total / Incidence of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy

Background: Postoperative hypocalcemia is one of the most common complications of thyroid surgery. It is related to the type of disease (malignant or benign), the number of identified parathyroid glands during the surgical procedure, and the surgeon's experience. Total thyroidectomy is the procedure of choice in our hospital for benign and malignant thyroid disease, but it can increase the incidence of complications. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia in patients subjected to a total thyroidectomy. Material and methods: Two studies were performed. A retrospective review of medical records of 448 patients subjected to total thyroidectomy, looking for serum calcium levels of less than 8 mg/dl and clinical signs of hypocalcemia. In a second study, 45 patients were followed with measurements of preoperative and postoperative serum calcium levels. Results: In the retrospective study, only 136 records had reliable information. Clinical signs of hypocalcemia were registered in 14 percent of patients and a low serum calcium level was detected in 50 percent. In the prospective study, 42 percent of patients had a postoperative low serum calcium level and seven patients (15 percent) had symptoms. Patients were handled with oral calcium and calcitriol in some cases. Ninety nine percent of patients had normal serum calcium levels two moths after surgery. Conclusions: In this series, the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy is similar to internaitonal reports.

Unusual clustering of diseases and manifestations in pediatric admissions of a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Cluster investigations has been an important tool in investigations of diseases. While clustering of diseases or a manifestation in community can cause great public alarm, similar unexplained clustering in hospital admissions has baffled clinicians. Objectives: (a) To determine whether perceived unexplained clustering of diseases and manifestations among hospital admissions is real or significant. (b) To look for possible explanations of such clustering. DESIGN: One-year prospective observational and two-year retrospective study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cases admitted under pediatric and neonatal services (excluding rooming in babies) from September 2002 to August 2003 formed material for prospective and cases admitted for 2 years prior for retrospective study. Whenever an unexplained cluster of disease/manifestation was perceived, case definition was finalized and cases recorded. Retrospective cluster analysis was done for some significant unexplained clusters detected prospectively. These clusters case rate were analyzed in relation to age, sex, climatic conditions, etiology of case, etc. to detect any correlation. Pearson correlation coefficient, chi-square test, centroid method and Z test of proportion were used for statistical significance. RESULTS: Eight unexplained clusters were perceived in prospective study. 3 (hyperbilirubinemia in exchange range hypocalcemic seizures and vesicoureteric reflux) proved statistically not significant. 3 were small clusters of uncommon diseases / manifestations (biliary atresia, cardiomyopathy, and acral gangrene). Two large significant clusters, major non-traumatic bleeding manifestations (MNTBM) and acute renal failure (ARF) occurred to which retrospective study was extended. Tmax and Tmin (average maximum and minimum daily temperature) had statistically significant positive correlation with ARF (gamma = + 0.83, P <0.001 for Tmax and gamma =+ 0.56, P = 0.002 for Tmin) and negative correlation with MNTBM (gamma = - 0.34, P = 0.040 for Tmax and gamma = - 0.59, P <0.001 for Tmin). Barometric pressure has significant negative and positive correlation with MNTBM and ARF respectively (gamma =+ 0.57, P <0.001 for MNTBM and gamma = -0.45,P = 0.006 for ARF). The clusters also had significant positive correlations with female sex and age under 1 year (Z = 2.48, P <0.001,chi2=13.83, P<0.001 for sex and age of MNTBM and Z =3.11, P <0.001, chi2 =10.85, P <0.001 forage and sex of ARF cases respectively). Three small clusters and a small subgroup of MNTBM(subcutaneous nodules as manifestations of bleeding disorders) occurred predominantly under one year and different sexes were involved. CONCLUSIONS: Several significant unexplained clustering were noted among hospital admissions. There was significant correlation with climatic conditions, age and sex. Larger, longer and multicentric studies in different geographical areas are required to investigate more plausible but complex biological phenomenon and associations related to diseases or manifestations. Cluster awareness has diagnostic and management implications for clinician as it also helps in early recognition of disease outbreak and dissemination of information and hospital staff to be prepared to handle increased number of cases and its treatment.

Hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism in Beta thalassemia major patients

This is a retrospective analysis of case records of b-thalassemia major patients who developed hypoparathyroidism [HPT]. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism in b-thalassemia major patients being followed at King Khalid University Hospital [KKUH], Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients and Diagnosis was based on low serum calcium [S/Ca], high serum phosphate [Po4], normal serum magnesium and alkaline phosphatase, and low serum parathyroid hormone levels. Other parameters analyzed included age, sex, serum ferritin levels, age of onset of HPT, any symptoms of hypocalcemia, and presence of other complications in these patients. Out of 40 patients, eight [20%] were diagnosed to have HPT. The mean age at diagnosis was 13.6 years [range 11-16 years], mean serum calcium was 1.88 mmol/L [range 1.58-2.04], mean serum ferritin was 7490 micro g/L [range 2000-23,064] and mean serum phosphate was 1.88 mmol/L [range 1.50-2.73]. Serum parathyroid hormone [PTH] levels were low in most of the patients. Only two patients [25%] had mild symptoms of hypocalcemia. Growth retardation was present in all patients, while four patients had liver dysfunction, two had diabetes mellitus and two had cardiac dysfunction. HPT due to iron overload may develop in a significant number of thalassemia major patients, especially when chelation therapy is not optimal, therefore, all thalassemics should be carefully watched for this complication from early in their second decade

Hipocalcemia e síndrome convulsiva em alcoólatras: uma associaçäo frequentemente näo diagnosticada / Hypocalcemia and convulsive syndrome in alcoholics: an association frequently not diagnosed

Hipocalcemia é um fator importante contribuinte para a epilepsia, e estudos anteriores mostraram que o etanol diminui o cálcio plasmático. Objetivo. Estabelecer a prevalência de hipocalcemia na populaçao convulsiva em geral e identificar um subgrupo específico de risco para hipocalcemia. Métodos. Realizamos um estudo prospectivo de dosagem de cálcio ionizado plasmático em 78 pacientes consecutivos admitidos no Serviço de Emergência da Escola Paulista de Medicina devido à síndrome convulsiva. Desses pacientes, 22 por cento eram alcóolicas. Foi também dosado o cálcio ionizado plasmático numa populaçao de 44 alcoólatras nao-convulsivos em seguimento ambulatorial. Resultados. Uma alta prevalência de hipocalcemia foi encontrada na populaçao alcoólatra convulsiva (32 por cento), em contraste com os convulsivos nao-alcoólatras e o grupo alcoólatra nao-convulsivo (ambos os grupos sem distúrbio do cálcio). O cálcio ionizado plasmático do grupo de alcoólatras convulsivos teve valores significantemente menores que o grupo de convulsivos nao-alcoólatras (p<0,05) [mediana de 1,20; variaçao entre 1,04 e 1,32 mmoI/L/; mediana de 1,24; variaçao entre 1,16 e 1,29 mmol/L, respectivamente]. O grupo de alcoólatras nao-convulsivos apresentou valores de cálcio ionizado entre 1,17 e 1,32 mmol/L, com mediana de 1,26mmol/L. Estes valores nao diferiram dos obtidos nos convulsivos nao-alcoólatras, mas foram significantmente maiores que os do grupo de alcoólatras convulsivos (p<0,05). Os níveis de paratormônio sérico, funçao hepática, fosfatemia e amilasemia estavam normais em todos os pacientes estudados. Conclusao. Estes estudo mostra a importância da dosagem de cálcio plasmático em pacientes alcoólatras com síndrome convulsiva e sugere que a correçao da hipocalcemia possa ser medida importante a ser adotada nestes casos.

Clinical and laboratorial correlation of postoperative hypocalcemia after extensive thyroidectomy

The medical records of 84 patients submitted to extensive thyroidectomy from January 1991 to April 1995 were reviewed and the data there was analyzed in order to verified a correlation between postoperative laboratories results and physical findings suggestive of hypocalcemia. It was verifed that was hypocalcemia in 51.2 percent of the patients, of which only 18.6 percent presented symptoms. It was concluded that asymptomatic hypocalcemia is frequent in extensive thyroidectomy and a routine screening for serum calcium in the postoperative period following thyroidectomy and calcium reposition must be systematic.

Aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e terapêuticos da hipocalcemia de vacas leiteiras / Hipocalcemia in a Brazilian dairy cattle herd: some epidemiological, clinical and therapeutical considerations

No decorrer de 1987 e 1988 acompanhou-se o aparecimento de casos clínicos de hipocalcemia, durante o puerpério, em vacas leiteiras da raça Holandesa ou mestiças Gir-Holando, de uma propriedade do Vale do Paraíba, Estado de Säo Paulo. A incidência de hipocalcemia foi de 4,25 por cento. Näo se observou influência do grupo genético e da época do ano (seca ou chuva) no aparecimento da afecçäo. Quanto maior a ordem de lactaçäo maior a incidência de hipocalcemia, näo ocorrendo a enfermidade em vacas com menos de três lactaçöes. A hipocalcemia foi mais frequente no decorrer do primeiro dia pós-parto, 64,10 por cento, que no segundo 30,80 por cento, e após, 5,10 por cento. A maioria dos casos, 84,10 por cento, foi detectada em animais que apresentavam o segundo estádio clínico da afecçäo (depressäo, paralisia flácida etc.), mais do que no terceiro (comatose, depressäo da consciência etc) ou no primeiro (tetanias, hiperexcitabilidade etc) estádios. Todas as vacas acometidas foram tratadas com doses crescentes de cálcio injetável, num máximo de nove gramas, até a recuperaçäo do animal. Quanto maior a dose de cálcio empregada maior o sucesso acumulado no tratamento. O exame laboratorial do soro sanguíneo revelou que vacas com afecçäo apresentaram hipocalcemia, hipofosfatemia e hipermagnesemia quando comparadas com vacas parturientes hígidas

Prevalence of hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia in the elderly males in Haryana.

Concentrations of serum calcium and inorganic phosphate and serum alkaline phosphatase activity have been determined in 75 males over the age of 60 years and 40 young adult controls. Serum calcium and inorganic phosphate levels were significantly lower in the elderly group. Serum calcium-inorganic phosphate product was below 30 in 36% of the aged individuals. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was elevated in one subject only. These results indicate the existence of mild vitamin D deficiency in the elderly males in this region.