Effectiveness of perioperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia: network meta-analysis of randomized trials
Gkanis V, Papaconstantinou D, Lanitis S, Dafnios N, Papakonstantinou I, Nastos K
Published in BJS Open, Vol. 10 (4)
Methodology
Bayesian network meta-analysis of 20 randomised trials (3,669 adults) after total or near-total thyroidectomy comparing no routine supplementation, calcium alone, and calcium with vitamin D analogues; PROSPERO-registered, RoB 2 assessed.
Key Findings
Calcium plus vitamin D reduced clinical hypocalcaemia versus no supplementation (OR 0.31, 95% CrI 0.17-0.51) and versus calcium alone (OR 0.52, 0.25-1.04), and cut intravenous calcium needs (OR 0.15). Calcium alone showed no significant benefit.
Conclusions
Combined calcium and vitamin D is the most effective way to prevent hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy; calcium alone was not clearly effective.
Limitations
Heterogeneous supplementation protocols; network estimates rely partly on indirect comparisons.
Supplements Studied
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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