title: Relationship between onset of hypocalcemic symptoms and the recovery time from transient hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to examine whether the time required for recovery from transient hypoparathyroidism is correlated with the onset of hypocalcemic symptoms in patients with total thyroidectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of 54 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The correlation between the onset of hypocalcemic symptoms and the recovery time were compared for all patients divided into 3 groups based on first appearance of hypocalcemic symptoms; group 1, onset within 24 hours; group 2, onset at 24 to 48 hours; and group 3, onset >48 hours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a negative correlation between onset and recovery times (p < .001). Serum parathyroid hormone levels 1 year after surgery were significantly lower in group 1 than in groups 2 or 3 (p < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recovery time can be predicted by time of onset of hypocalcemic symptoms and signs. Earlier onset leads to longer recovery times.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Yong Sang
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Hang-Seok
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Woong Youn
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Kee-Hyun
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Nam
authors.forename: Cheong Soo
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D018263:Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000209:etiology*; D007011:Hypoparathyroidism / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000077273:Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: calcium; hypocalcemia; hypoparathyroidism; parathyroid hormone; total thyroidectomy