The Effect of Preoperative Oral Dexamethasone Supplementation on the Outcome of Thyroidectomised Patients.

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Glucocorticoids are well known for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-emetic effects. Recovery time after thyroid surgery may depend on several factors, such as postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, postoperative sore throat, voice disorders and symptomatic hypocalcaemia (low serum calcium level). However, there is little information in the literature about the preventive use of glucocorticosteroids in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical impact of preoperative oral dexamethasone supplementation on the surgical outcome in patients with multinodular goiter undergoing total thyroidectomy. Patients will be assigned to the supplementation group and the placebo group. In the supplementation group 8mg of dexamethasone will be administered orally one hour before surgery. In the postoperative period, the frequency and intensity of pain, nausea, vomiting, sore throat and hoarseness will be assessed. The incidence of symptoms of hypocalcaemia will also be evaluted. Preoperative and postoperative levels of vitamin D, cytokines, acute phase proteins and substances related to calcium metabolism will be measured in the blood. Cytokines levels in drainage fluid will also be assessed. The main hypothesis of the study is that in patients with supplementation postoperative discomfort and decrease in serum calcium and parathormone level and hypocalcemic symptoms will be less severe and the levels of proinflammatory substances will be decreased.

Detailed Description
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Recovery time after thyroid surgery may depend on several factors, such as postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, postoperative sore throat, phonation disorders associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, and symptomatic postoperative hypocalcaemia associated with postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Glucocorticoids are well known for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-emetic effects. However, there is little information in the literature on the prophylactic use of glucocorticosteroids in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. In some previous studies, preoperative intravenous dexamethasone supplementation was associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative laryngeal nerve palsy, postoperative hypoparathyroidism, and with less severe postoperative pain, postoperative sore throat, nausea and vomiting. Patients receiving supplementation also had decreased levels of inflammatory biochemical parameters and proinflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Poland. Vitamin D status has an impact on the postoperative complications in surgical patients. In previous study serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is also suggested as a negative acute phase reactant, which has implications for acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. According to the authors, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is an unreliable biomarker of vitamin D status after acute inflammatory insult. In the early stages of inflammation, phagocytic cells and endothelium secrete proinflammatory cytokines, which include: interleukins: IL-1 α / β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF. The antagonistic group is anti-inflammatory cytokines, which include interleukins: IL-4, -5, -10, -13, produced by Th2 lymphocytes. These cytokines reduce the amount of interleukins secreted by Th1 lymphocytes. Changes in the levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the postoperative period were found in studies related to the assessment of surgical trauma. Pro-inflammatory interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 play an important role in many biological processes such as inflammation, sepsis and wound healing. Interleukin 6 expression is proportional to the extent of the surgical trauma. In turn, interleukin 10 is known as a cytokine that inhibits cytokine synthesis. Is one of the strongest immunosuppressive agents. The aim of my study is to evaluate the impact of preoperative oral dexamethasone supplementation on the biochemical parameters and results of surgical treatment in patients with nontoxic multinodular goiter undergoing total thyroidectomy. Patients admitted to the Department of General and Oncological Surgery, Medical University of Lodz with preoperative diagnosis of nontoxic multinodular goitre undergoing total thyroidectomy will be inculded to the study. After obtaining written informed consent from all participants during a preoperative visit, they will be randomized to the supplementation group and the placebo group. The study will be a prospective, placebo-controlled and double-blind (for patient and surgeon) research. Intervention: In the supplementation group a single dose of 8mg of dexamethasone will be given orally one hour before surgery (Dexamethasone Krka tablets (8mg), Warsaw, Poland). In the placebo group patients will receive a single tablet of sweetener one hour before operation (Clio tablets, sweetener with a dispenser, Instantina GES, Vienna, Austria). Preoperatively in the group of all enrolled patients (in the supplementation group and in the placebo group) following tests will be measured in serum: blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine. Total thyroidectomies with routine identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands via a transverse cervicotomy under general anaesthesia will be performed by 3 experienced surgeons. During the total thyroidectomy the number of parathyroid glands found intraoperatively will be registered. At 6 hour after surgery in the group of all enrolled patients following tests will be measured in serum: blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium. In addiction, at 6 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, postoperative pain (according to VAS scale), postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative sore throat and hoarseness will be evaluated. At 24 hour after surgery in the group of all enrolled patients following tests will be measured in serum: blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 10. Additionally, the level of interleukin 1β, interleukin 6 and interleukin 10 will be evaluated in drainage fluid. In addiction, at 24 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, postoperative pain (according to Visual Analogue Scale - VAS scale), postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative sore throat and hoarseness will be evaluated. The laboratory parameters will be determined by electrochemiluminescence on the Cobas E411 analyzer and spectrophotometric method on the AU680, Beckman Coulter analyzer. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels will be measured using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) (Architect 25-OHD). Interleukins levels will be determined by enzyme immunoassay method (EIA) (DGR Medtek) on ElizaMat 2 X analyzer. Hypocalcemic symptoms will be categorized as mild (a tingling sensation and numbness of the hands or feet and perioral numbness) or severe (a positive Chvostek sign, Trousseau sign, tetany, and carpopedal spasms). Postoperative hypocalcaemia will be defined as corrected calcium levels <2.0 mmol/l, even if recorded in one measurement only. In both groups participants who will develop postoperative hypoparathyroidism (parathormone level <1.6 pmol/l at 6 or 24 hour after surgery) or symptomatic hypocalcaemia during hospitalisation will be treated with oral calcium (3 g/d - taken 1 g every 8 hours) and vitamin D derivatives (1 ug/d alfacalcidol taken once). Intravenous calcium gluconate will be administered if symptoms persist despite oral supplementation. Patients with symptomatic hypocalcaemia will receive supplementation until the symptoms subside. The treatment will be extended to 6 weeks in patients with hypoparathyroidism on the day of discharge. The data will be statistically analysed. The main hypothesis of the study is that in patients with supplementation postoperative discomfort and decrease in serum calcium and parathormone level and hypocalcemic symptoms will be less severe and the levels of proinflammatory substances will be decreased. Vitamin D deficiency is probably common in operated patients and postoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are lower than those measured preoperatively. The use of oral dexamethasone might be an effective strategy of prevention of complications after total thyroidectomy. To the best of our knowledge, this is a pioneering study assessing the usefulness of preventive oral dexamethasone supplementation before total thyroidectomy in homogeneous group of patients with nontoxic multinodular goiter undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Official Title
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The Impact of Preoperative Oral Dexamethasone Supplementation on the Biochemical Parameters and Results of Surgical Treatment in Patients With Nontoxic Multinodular Goiter Undergoing Total Thyroidectomy.

Conditions
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Hypocalcemia, Vitamin D Deficiency, Postoperative Complications, Postoperative Nausea, Postoperative Pain, Voice Hoarseness, Hypoparathyroidism Postprocedural

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Dexamethasone oral tablet 8mg (Dexamethasone Krka tablets(8mg), Warsaw, Poland).
* Drug: Placebo oral sweetener (Clio tablets, sweetener with a dispenser, Instantina GES, Vienna, Austria).
* Diagnostic Test: Preoparative blood laboratory tests
* Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory blood tests at 6 hour
* Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory blood tests at 24 hour
* Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory drainage fluid tests at 24 hour
* Procedure: Total thyroidectomy
* Other: Symptomatic hypocalcaemia at 6 hour
* Other: Symptomatic hypocalcaemia at 24 hour
* Other: Postoperative pain at 6 hour
* Other: Postoperative pain at 24 hour
* Other: Postoperative nausea and vomiting at 6 hour
* Other: Postoperative nausea and vomiting at 24 hour
* Other: Postoperative sore throat and hoarseness at 6 hour
* Other: Postoperative sore throat and hoarseness at 24 hour


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: patient's consent adult patients preoperative diagnosis of nontoxic multinodular goiter total thyroidectomy Exclusion Criteria: lack of patient's consent hyperthyroidism currently or in the past retrosternal goiter thyroid malignanacy or suspected malignant thyroid tumor parathyroids disease malingant tumor in any location currently or in the past state after neck surgery state after radiotherapy bone diseases, osteoporosis sarcoidosis liver failure, hepatitis kidney stones, kidney failure (eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2) taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs steroid treatment stomach and duodenal ulcer disease currently or in the past active infection at the time of the study history of tuberculosis a period of 8 weeks before and 2 weeks after administration of the live vaccine unregulated hypertension diabetes psychiatric disorders glaucoma corneal ulcers or corneal injuries severe heart failure pheochromocytoma myasthenia gravis epilepsy head injury ulcerative colitis diverticulitis pregnancy breast-feeding hypokalaemia galactose intolerance lactase deficiency dexamethasone allergy, allergic to lactose, allergic to gelatinized starch, allergic to corn starch, allergic to colloidal anhydrous silica, allergic to magnesium stearate allergic reaction to substances contained in the sweetener: sodium cyclamate, sodium saccharin, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate. taking medications that affect calcium metabolism: anti-resorptive drugs, anabolic drugs, bisphosphonates, systemic glucocorticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, furosemide, proton pump inhibitors, antacids containing magnesium or aluminum salts, cholestyramine, colestipol, paraffin oil, salicylates, estrogen-containing oral contraceptives (hormonal contraceptives) , preparations containing calcium salts (regular intake), preparations of vitamin D or its analogues (regular intake) taking medications that increase the side effect of dexamethasone or enter into drug interactions with dexamethasone: acetazolamide, loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, diuretics, amphotericin B, glucocorticosteroids, mineralocorticosteroids, tetracosactide and laxatives, carbenoxolone, chlorokine, hydroxychlorokine and meflocin, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, thalidomide, cholinesterase inhibitors in patients with myasthenia gravis, fluorochonolones, ephedrine, barbiturates, rifabutin, rifampicin, phenytoin and carbamazepine, aminoglutethimide, bile acid binding resins, such as cholestyramine, antacids,activated carbon, antifungal azoles, ketoconazole, HIV protease inhibitors, macrolide antibiotics, estrogens, anti-tuberculosis drugs (isoniazid), cyclosporin, praziquantel, oral anticoagulants (coumarin), atropine and other anticholinergic drugs, somatotropin, protirel.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 100 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Patients will be randomly assigned (coin toss) to the supplementation group (preoperative oral supplementation of dexamethasone (8mg in one dose) taken one hour before surgery) and to the placebo group (preoperative oral supplementation of sweetener taken one hour before surgery).
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: supplementation group<br>Patients will receive preoperative oral supplementation of 8mg of dexamethasone (Dexamethasone Krka tablets (8mg), Warsaw, Poland) in a single dose taken once one hour before surgery. At 6 and 24 hour after surgery, clinical and laboratory parameters will be measured and evaluated. | Drug: Dexamethasone oral tablet 8mg (Dexamethasone Krka tablets(8mg), Warsaw, Poland).<br>* Preoperative oral dexamathasone supplementation in a single dose of 8mg.<br>* Other names: Supplementation;Diagnostic Test: Preoparative blood laboratory tests<br>* Preoperative parameters such as blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronin will be measured in serum.<br>* Other names: preoperative blood test;Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory blood tests at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery such parameters as blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium will be measured in serum.<br>* Other names: blood tests 6 hour;Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory blood tests at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery such parameters as blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 will be measured in serum.<br>* Other names: blood tests 24 hour;Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory drainage fluid tests at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery such parameters as interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 will be measured in drainage fluid.<br>* Other names: drainage fluid tests 24 hour;Procedure: Total thyroidectomy<br>* Patients will undergo total thyroidectomy under general anesthesia.<br>* Other names: thyroidectomy;Other: Symptomatic hypocalcaemia at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery patients will be assessed for signs of hypocalcaemia.<br>* Other names: symptoms 6 hour;Other: Symptomatic hypocalcaemia at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery patients will be assessed for signs of hypocalcaemia.<br>* Other names: symptoms 24 hour;Other: Postoperative pain at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative pain will be evaluated according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).<br>* Other names: pain 6 hour;Other: Postoperative pain at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative pain will be evaluated according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).<br>* Other names: pain 24 hour;Other: Postoperative nausea and vomiting at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative nausea and vomiting will be evaluated.<br>* Other names: nausea 6 hour;Other: Postoperative nausea and vomiting at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative nausea and vomiting will be evaluated.<br>* Other names: nausea 24 hour;Other: Postoperative sore throat and hoarseness at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness will be evaluated.<br>* Other names: hoarseness 6 hour;|
| Placebo Comparator: placebo group<br>Patients will receive preoperative oral supplementation of sweetener (Clio tablets, sweetener with a dispenser, Instantina GES, Vienna, Austria) taken once in a single dose one hour before surgery. At 6 and 24 hour after surgery, clinical and laboratory parameters will be measured and evaluated. | Drug: Placebo oral sweetener (Clio tablets, sweetener with a dispenser, Instantina GES, Vienna, Austria).<br>* Preoperative oral supplementation of sweetener in a single dose.<br>* Other names: Placebo;Diagnostic Test: Preoparative blood laboratory tests<br>* Preoperative parameters such as blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronin will be measured in serum.<br>* Other names: preoperative blood test;Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory blood tests at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery such parameters as blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium will be measured in serum.<br>* Other names: blood tests 6 hour;Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory blood tests at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery such parameters as blood count, calcium, inorganic phosphates, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, C reactive protein, procalcitonin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrinogen, parathormone, magnesium, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 will be measured in serum.<br>* Other names: blood tests 24 hour;Diagnostic Test: Postoperative laboratory drainage fluid tests at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery such parameters as interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, interleukin 10 will be measured in drainage fluid.<br>* Other names: drainage fluid tests 24 hour;Procedure: Total thyroidectomy<br>* Patients will undergo total thyroidectomy under general anesthesia.<br>* Other names: thyroidectomy;Other: Symptomatic hypocalcaemia at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery patients will be assessed for signs of hypocalcaemia.<br>* Other names: symptoms 6 hour;Other: Symptomatic hypocalcaemia at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery patients will be assessed for signs of hypocalcaemia.<br>* Other names: symptoms 24 hour;Other: Postoperative pain at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative pain will be evaluated according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).<br>* Other names: pain 6 hour;Other: Postoperative pain at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative pain will be evaluated according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).<br>* Other names: pain 24 hour;Other: Postoperative nausea and vomiting at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative nausea and vomiting will be evaluated.<br>* Other names: nausea 6 hour;Other: Postoperative nausea and vomiting at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative nausea and vomiting will be evaluated.<br>* Other names: nausea 24 hour;Other: Postoperative sore throat and hoarseness at 6 hour<br>* At 6 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness will be evaluated.<br>* Other names: hoarseness 6 hour;Other: Postoperative sore throat and hoarseness at 24 hour<br>* At 24 hour after surgery the incidence and intensity of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness will be evaluated.<br>* Other names: hoarseness 24 hour;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Postoperative hypocalcaemia | To evaluate the incidence of laboratory hypocalcaemia (corrected calcium serum level <2.0 mmol/l), the change in calcium levels and symptomatic hypocalcaemia in the postoperative period in the supplementation group and in the placebo group. | preoperatively and at 6 and 24 hour after surgery | 
| Postoperative hypoparathyroidism | To evaluate the incidence of hypoparathyroidism (parathormone serum level <1.6 pmol/l) and the change in parathormone levels in the postoperative period in the supplementation group and in the placebo group. | preoperatively and at 6 and 24 hour after surgery | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Postoperative pain | To evaluate the intensity of postoperative pain according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS scale) in the postoperative period in the supplementation group and in the placebo group. Minimum value is 0 (no pain) and maximum value is 10 (the worst possible pain). Higher scores mean a worse outcome. | at 6 and 24 hour after surgery | 
| Postoperative nausea on a verbal rating scale | To evaluate the incidence and the intensity of postoperative nausea in the postoperative period in the supplementation group and in the placebo group. The intensity of nausea will be rated on a verbal rating scale based on verbal responses of the patient to questions: 0 - no nausea; 1 - mild nausea (1 episode of nausea); 2 - moderate nausea (2 or 3 episodes of nausea ); and 3 - severe nausea (>3 episodes of nausea ). Higher scores mean a worse outcome. | at 6 and 24 hour after surgery | 
| Postoperative vomiting on a verbal rating scale | To evaluate the incidence and the intensity of postoperative vomiting in the postoperative period in the supplementation group and in the placebo group.The intensity of vomiting will be rated on a verbal rating scale based on verbal responses of the patient to questions: 0 - no episodes of vomiting; 1 - mild vomiting (1 episode of vomiting); 2 - moderate vomiting (2 or 3 episodes of vomiting); and 3 - severe vomiting (>3 episodes of vomiting).Higher scores mean a worse outcome. | at 6 and 24 hour after surgery | 
| Postoperative sore throat on a verbal rating scale | To evaluate the incidence and the intensity of postoperative sore throat in the postoperative period in the supplementation group and in the placebo group. Postoperative sore throat will be defined as discomfort at larynx or pharynx at rest and during swallowing after surgery. The intensity of sore throat will be rated on a verbal rating scale based on verbal responses of the patient to questions: 0 - none; 1 - mild sore throat (less severe than with a cold); 2 - moderate sore throat (similar with a cold); and 3 - severe sore throat (more severe than with a cold). Higher scores mean a worse outcome. | at 6 and 24 hour after surgery | 
| Postoperative hoarseness on a verbal rating scale | To evaluate the incidence and the intensity of postoperative hoarseness in the postoperative period in the supplementation group and in the placebo group. The intensity of hoarseness will be rated on a verbal rating scale based on verbal responses of the patient to questions: 0 - none; 1 - mild hoarseness (noticed by the patient only); 2 - severe hoarseness (obvious to observer); 3 - aphonia (silence of voice). Higher scores mean a worse outcome. | at 6 and 24 hour after surgery | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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dexamethasone, hypocalcaemia, hypocalcemic symptoms, postoperative complications, vitamin D deficiency, cytokines, postoperative pain, postoperative nausea, postoperative vomiting, hoarseness, acute phase proteins, hypoparathyroidism