J. Stowers, W. Michie, S. Frazer
Jan 21, 1967
Citations
0
Influential Citations
7
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Lancet
Abstract
Abstract The trisodium edetate (T.S.E.) infusion test for parathyroid hypofunction has been used in 60 patients selected from a large group of postthyroidectomy patients on a basis of clinical or anatomical suspicion of hypoparathyroidism. 39 were considered to have shown a subnormal response to the T.S.E. infusion test and 24 of these, who also had symptoms possibly suggestive of hypoparathyroidism, took part in a double-blind trial of treatment with calcium gluconate (equivalent to 720 mg. of calcium per day) versus a placebo. The oral calcium supplement was shown to have no significant effect on symptoms or on serum-calcium. The T.S.E. infusion test failed to indicate a need for treatment for hypoparathyroidism. Moreover the test has proved to be non-specific as an index of parathyroid function since in 1 patient a subnormal T.S.E. response reverted to normal when the patient was given maintenance treatment with calciferol. The longer the interval between thyroidectomy and the T.S.E. test the less likely were patients to show any hypocalcaemic symptoms during or after the test.