AuthorisedTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

The "MAGNEFFICIENT" Prospective Trial: Preoperative Administration of MAGNesium for EFFICIENT Parathyroids after Thyroidectomy

This study, called "MAGNEFFICIENT," is looking into whether giving magnesium before thyroid surgery can help prevent a common problem called hypoparathyroidism. This condition causes your body to have very low calcium levels after surgery. The parathyroid glands, which are near your thyroid, are responsible for controlling calcium. Sometimes, after thyroid surgery, these glands don't work properly, leading to low calcium. Researchers want to see if magnesium can help keep these glands healthy. Participants will either receive magnesium or a dummy (placebo) pill, and doctors will watch to see who develops low calcium in the months after surgery. This is a Phase III study, meaning it's a final step to confirm if this treatment works.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Henry Dunant Hospital Center

Enrolment target

500

Start

22 Oct 2025

Postoperative Hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery.

What is this study about?

When you have surgery on your thyroid gland, which is in your neck, there's a chance that small glands nearby, called parathyroid glands, might be affected. These parathyroid glands are really important because they produce a hormone that controls the amount of calcium in your blood. If they don't work properly after surgery, your calcium levels can drop too low. This condition is called hypoparathyroidism, and it can cause symptoms like muscle cramps, tingling, and numbness.

This study is trying to find a way to prevent hypoparathyroidism from happening after thyroid surgery. Researchers are investigating whether giving people magnesium before their operation can help their parathyroid glands work better afterwards. They believe magnesium might protect these glands and reduce the risk of low calcium levels.

To find out, some people in the study will receive a magnesium supplement, while others will get a 'dummy' pill (called a placebo) that looks exactly the same but doesn't contain any active medicine. Doctors will then carefully monitor everyone to see who develops hypoparathyroidism in the months following their surgery and how their calcium levels behave. The main goal is to see if taking magnesium makes a real difference in preventing this problem long-term.

Key takeaways

The study aims to prevent low calcium after thyroid surgery.
It tests if magnesium given before surgery can help.
Participants will receive either magnesium or a dummy pill.
Safety and symptom relief will be closely monitored.
The follow-up period lasts for about 6 months post-surgery.
It's a large-scale study (Phase III) to confirm treatment effectiveness.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. There's no upper age limit, so people of all adult ages can join.

Both men and women can participate in this study. The study wants to include a wide range of people to see if the magnesium treatment works for everyone.

Before you can join, the study team will check your medical history and do some tests to make sure it's safe for you and that you meet all the specific requirements. This is to ensure the study is suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you scheduled to have thyroid surgery?
Are you willing to take a study pill (magnesium or dummy) before surgery?
Are you able to attend follow-up appointments for about 6 months?
Are you comfortable with doctors monitoring your blood calcium levels regularly?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be given a supplement to take before your thyroid surgery. This will either be magnesium or a dummy pill which looks the same. You won't know which one you're taking, nor will your doctors, to keep the study fair. After your surgery, doctors will regularly monitor your blood calcium levels and listen to any symptoms you might have. You'll have follow-up appointments at roughly 30 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after your surgery. During these visits, doctors will check your calcium and vitamin D levels and ask about any new symptoms. The total time you'll be actively involved in the study's follow-up will be about 6 months.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that if magnesium helps prevent low calcium levels, you might avoid some of the problems associated with hypoparathyroidism after surgery. However, there's no guarantee, and you might receive the dummy pill. Like any medicine, magnesium can have side effects, though it's generally well-tolerated. The study team will monitor you closely for any unwanted effects. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Greece

Common questions

What is hypoparathyroidism?

It's a condition where your parathyroid glands don't produce enough hormones, leading to very low calcium levels in your blood.

Why is this study important?

It's trying to find a way to prevent low calcium levels after thyroid surgery, which is a common and often uncomfortable problem for patients.

What is a 'dummy pill'?

A dummy pill, or placebo, looks like the real medicine but contains no active ingredient. It helps researchers fairly compare the active treatment.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You'll be followed for about 6 months after your thyroid surgery to check your calcium levels and overall health.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any point without it affecting your medical care or treatment.