Abstract
Background: Hypoparathyroidism (HPT) is one of the most common complications following thyroidectomy. However, the risk factors and time interval within which HPT is likely to develop post-operatively are not yet well defined. In this study, we aimed to predict hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy by assessing the risk factors developing at specific time intervals during the post-operative period in thyroidectomy performed subjects.
Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out involving 156 subjects who underwent different types of thyroidectomy during the period between 2009 and 2017. Data were collected and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) with a confidence interval of 95% and a p-value of ≤0.05 for significance.
Results: Among 156 subjects included in the study, 37 subjects developed HPT within 24 hours post-operative period (post-op). Further, 28 subjects developed HPT within 2 hours post-op and the remaining 9 developed HPT between 12 hours -24 hours post-op. The family history of thyroid disorders and pre-operative period (pre-op) diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were identified as predictors of HPT within 24 hours, and operation time was found to be a predictor of HPT within all post-op time-intervals including 2, 12 and 24 hours.
Conclusion: HPT was found to occur commonly within 2 hours post-op although HPT could also occur later after surgery even after several weeks post-op. Operation time, family history of thyroid disorders and pre-op DBP (mmHg) were implicated as predictors of HPT development within the first 24 hours post-surgery following total thyroidectomy. The mean age for the subjects who needed follow up for early detection of HPT was found to be 43.94 from the current study.

Key words: Hypoparathyroidism, thyroidectomy, post-operative period