IMPACT OF VITAMIN D RATES ON RISK OF POST-THYROIDECTOMY HYPOCALCEMIA

Hypocalcemia is a common postoperative complication of thyroidectomy, with an incidence reported in the literature ranging from 1.6% to 50%, depending on the surgical team and technique. Its etiology may involve parathyroid gland injury due to devascularization or trauma, as well as the release of calcitonin triggered by thyroid manipulation. In addition to these factors, preoperative vitamin D levels may influence the risk of developing postoperative hypocalcemia.This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between preoperative vitamin D levels and the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy. We conducted a prospective observational cross-sectional study in 2019, involving 42 patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Serum vitamin D levels were assessed preoperatively, while serum calcium levels were measured on postoperative days 1 and 2. Patients were categorized into three groups based on vitamin D status: deficiency, insufficiency, and normal levels. Postoperative calcium levels were then compared across these groups using appropriate statistical tests.