RT Journal
A1 HALPERIN G, WALSH EL
T1 THe effect of bone transplantation on the blood calcium level
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 1929
FD March 1
VO 18
IS 3
SP 819
OP 823
DO 10.1001/archsurg.1929.04420040051005
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1929.04420040051005
AB The more radical removal of thyroid tissue for the cure of thyrotoxic states has resulted in an appreciable increase in the number of acute and chronic cases of postoperative tetany in recent years. Clinical observations and experiments with animals have established the relationship between the injury to the parathyroid glands and the symptoms of tetany with a simultaneous fall in the blood calcium level. As the symptoms of tetany disappear, the calcium rises and reaches its normal level. Because of the relationship between tetany and hypocalcemia, it is logical to speculate that any method which could raise the blood calcium level, would, at the same time, cure tetany.The greater number of cases of postoperative tetany are mild and transient, and can be combated successfully by large doses of calcium salts given by mouth. The more severe cases, however, present a formidable problem and tend to become chronic. Homotransplantation of