Impact of total versus subtotal thyroidectomy on calcium metabolism and bone mineral density in premenopausal women

Abstract

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to compare the impact of total versus subtotal thyroidectomy on calcium metabolism and bone mineral density in euthyroid, premenopausal women.Subjects:The study included 24 premenopausal women who had undergone total (n = 10) or subtotal (n = 14) thyroidectomy and who were receiving nonsuppressive doses of thyroxine. The median post-operative period was four years. We determined, in all patients, the following parameters associated with calcium metabolism: total serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, intact parathormone, calcitonin and alkaline phosphatase. The bone mineral density of the spine and hip were measured using a Hologic QDR 4500C bone densitometer and were compared with controls matched for age and peak bone mineral density (using the t-test).Results:The measured calcium metabolism parameters were normal in all patients, and none had osteoporosis. There was no significant difference in the bone mineral density measurements for the spine and hip, comparing patients who had undergone total versus subtotal thyroidectomy (using the t-test).Conclusion:The impact of total thyroidectomy on bone mineral metabolism is not significantly different from that of subtotal thyroidectomy, in premenopausal women with normal thyroid-stimulating hormone values.