Catherine Brophy1, Robbie Woods1, Matthew S Murphy2, Patrick Sheahan1,3. 1. Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. 2. Department of Endocrinology, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. 3. Department of Surgery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We have previously shown an association between hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. However, little is known regarding the trend in magnesium levels in the days after thyroidectomy. Our objective was to study this trend in magnesium levels after thyroidectomy. METHODS: Retrospective review of 173 thyroidectomies with analysis of calcium and magnesium levels on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and POD2. RESULTS: Across the whole group, there was a highly significant decline in magnesium levels between preoperative (0.87 ± 0.06 mmol/L), POD1 (0.80 ± 0.07 mmol/L), and POD2 (0.78 ± 0.08 mmol/L) (P < .0001). The magnitudes of the magnesium level declines were significantly higher, and the absolute magnesium levels on POD1 and POD2 significantly lower, in patients developing hypocalcemia (n = 69). CONCLUSION: Magnesium levels after total thyroidectomy demonstrate a downward trajectory which persists through POD2 and is highly correlated with hypocalcemia. Further study is required to determine if magnesium replacement can alter the course of hypocalcemia in hypocalcemic patients after total thyroidectomy.
BACKGROUND: We have previously shown an association between hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. However, little is known regarding the trend in magnesium levels in the days after thyroidectomy. Our objective was to study this trend in magnesium levels after thyroidectomy. METHODS: Retrospective review of 173 thyroidectomies with analysis of calcium and magnesium levels on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and POD2. RESULTS: Across the whole group, there was a highly significant decline in magnesium levels between preoperative (0.87 ± 0.06 mmol/L), POD1 (0.80 ± 0.07 mmol/L), and POD2 (0.78 ± 0.08 mmol/L) (P < .0001). The magnitudes of the magnesium level declines were significantly higher, and the absolute magnesium levels on POD1 and POD2 significantly lower, in patients developing hypocalcemia (n = 69). CONCLUSION:Magnesium levels after total thyroidectomy demonstrate a downward trajectory which persists through POD2 and is highly correlated with hypocalcemia. Further study is required to determine if magnesium replacement can alter the course of hypocalcemia in hypocalcemicpatients after total thyroidectomy.
Authors: Rui Han Liu; Christopher R Razavi; Hsien-Yen Chang; Ralph P Tufano; David W Eisele; Christine G Gourin; Jonathon O Russell Journal: JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Date: 2020-03-01 Impact factor: 6.223