Preoperative Vitamin D Deficiency is a Risk Factor for Postthyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Abstract

Context: Whether preoperative vitamin D deficiency (VDD) contributes to postoperative hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) risk is unknown.

Objective: This work aimed to meta-analyze the best available evidence regarding the association between preoperative vitamin D status and hypoPT risk.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus databases, up to October 31, 2020. Study selection included patients undergoing thyroidectomy with preoperative vitamin D status and postoperative hypoPT data. Two researchers independently extracted data from eligible studies. Data were expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. The I2 index was employed for heterogeneity.

Results: Thirty-nine studies were included in the quantitative analysis (61 915 cases with transient and 5712 with permanent hypoPT). Patients with VDD demonstrated a higher risk for transient hypoPT compared with those with preoperative vitamin D sufficiency (RR 1.92, 95% CI, 1.50-2.45, I2 = 85%). These results remained significant for patients with preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations less than or equal to 20 ng/mL (mild VDD; RR 1.46, 95% CI, 1.10-1.94, I2 = 88%) and less than or equal to 10 ng/mL (severe VDD; RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.42-2.76, I2 = 85%). The risk of permanent hypoPT was increased only in cases with severe VDD (RR 2.45, 95% CI, 1.30-4.63, I2 = 45%). No difference was evident in subgroup analysis according to study design or quality.

Conclusion: Patients with preoperative VDD are at increased risk of transient hypoPT following thyroidectomy. The risk for permanent hypoPT is increased only for those with severe VDD.

Keywords: deficiency; hypocalcemia; hypoparathyroidism; insufficiency; postoperative; vitamin D.