Key result
Total ablation of the normal thyroid gland resulted in mild, transient clinical signs of parathyroid insufficiency in 17% of patients, which was effectively controlled with calcium therapy.
Observational (n=73)
No
Total thyroidectomy, a historical treatment for intractable heart disease, was associated with a 17% incidence of mild, mostly transient postoperative tetany due to parathyroid trauma.
Transient hypoparathyroidism appears manageable; leaves open any role for total thyroidectomy in contemporary refractory heart disease.
RemarksCalcium medication discontinued 5 months after operation Calcium medication discontinued 2 months after operation Calcium medication discontinued second week after operation Calcium medication discontinued 3 weeks after operation No medication Calcium medication omitted second week after operation Calcium medication still continued 9 nionths after operation.Viosterol added No medication No medication Calcium medication omitted second week after operation Calcium medication discontinued I month after operation Calcium medication still continued 2 months after operation.Viosterol added * Calcium measured by Clarke permanganate method.t Permanent cessation of signs and symptoms of parathyroid insufficiency.t Beginning with the second month after operation some of these patients were receiving small doses of thyroid (Armour's, 1/8 to 1/2 grains daily) to obviate distressing myxedema symptoms.
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Gilligan et al. (1934) conducted an observational in Intractable heart disease (congestive heart failure and angina pectoris) (n=73). Total ablation of normal thyroid gland was evaluated on Incidence of clinical signs or symptoms of mild parathyroid insufficiency (tetany). Total ablation of the normal thyroid gland resulted in mild, transient clinical signs of parathyroid insufficiency in 17% of patients, which was effectively controlled with calcium therapy.
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