Calcium gluconate supplementation during hemodialysis treatment after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism

Purpose: Calcium supplementation is required early after parathyroidectomy (PTx) because of the remarkable decrease of serum calcium levels. We administered calcium supplementation during hemodialysis treatment to prevent hypocalcemia after PTx. Thirty-six patients underwent parathyroidectomy between January 2002 and July 2003. These 36 patients consisted of the group (14 patients) receiving intravenous drip injection of calcium gluconate in a ward, and the treatment group (22 patients) who received calcium gluconate during hemodialysis session using the hemodialysis route. The frequency of drip infusion therapy was significantly decreased in the treatment group. Furthermore, several complications such as pain and swelling caused by calcium gluconate injection were decreased compared with those in the control group. The levels of serum calcium were rapidly increased and stabilized during the hospital stay. We conclude that calcium supplementation during hemodialysis promotes an earlier increase in serum calcium levels after parathyroidectomy. In addition, the patients experienced fewer complications related to intravenous injection of calcium gluconate.