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Hypomagnesemia associated with hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy: an observational study Volume 29, issue 2, June 2016

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Authors
1 Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School (LIM 28)
2 Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), São Paulo, Brazil
* Correspondence: Renata Regina da Graça Lorencetti Mahmoud, Leandro Luongo Matos. Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 255, 8th floor, room 8174. ZIP: 05403-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Introduction: Serum magnesium is frequently low in patients with hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. The aim of the present study was to analyze the variations in serum magnesium and calcium concentrations after total thyroidectomy, and the relationship between both ions. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational study of 142 patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy, measuring serum calcium and magnesium levels preoperatively and on the day following surgery. The incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia was compared with that of postoperative hypomagnesemia. Results: A total of 142, total thyroidectomies were performed: 54 patients (38%) presented with hypocalcemia on the first postoperative day. A marked decrease in blood magnesium in the group of patients with hypocalcemia was observed when compared to those with normal calcemia on the first postoperative day (mean variation respectively, 0.125 ± 0.065 mmol/L versus 0.035 ± 0.020 mmol/L; P = 0.0002). Conclusion: Hypomagnesemia is significantly associated with early hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy.