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Reversal of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Fails to Facilitate the Management of Recalcitrant Hypocalcaemia Caused by Primary Hypoparathyroidism

Journal Contribution - Journal Article

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is thought to reduce calcium absorption from the gut. Here, we report the case of a patient with a RYGB, who developed primary hypoparathyroidism after a total thyroidectomy, leading to recalcitrant hypocalcaemia. Despite aggressive oral calcium and calcitriol supplementation, she remained hypocalcaemic and required intravenous (IV) calcium supplementation to control her symptoms, and to keep calcium serum levels within an acceptable range. Teriparatide treatment improved calcium levels marginally. This treatment, however, was poorly tolerated and ultimately stopped by the patient. As a last resort, reversal of RYGB was performed to improve calcium absorption from the gut. Unfortunately, IV calcium supplementation remained necessary. This case illustrates that the reversal of RYGB is not always a guarantee for success in managing recalcitrant hypocalcaemia.
Journal: OBESITY SURGERY
ISSN: 0960-8923
Issue: 12
Volume: 30
Pages: 5150 - 5152
Publication year:2020
BOF-keylabel:yes
IOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:3
CSS-citation score:1
Authors:International
Authors from:Higher Education
Accessibility:Open