Prospective Observation of 5-Year Clinical Course of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Korean Population

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common clinical condition, whereas it''s natural course has not been identified distinctly. We evaluated the natural history of 169 SCH patients over 5-yr and the prognostic factors including thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid ultrasonographic (USG) findings related to develop overt hypothyroidism. After 5 yr, 47.3% of patients showed normalization of TSH, while 36.7% of patients remained persistence of high level of TSH, and overt hypothyroidism developed in 11.2% of patients. There were painless thyroiditis (2.9%) and hyperthyroidism (1.7%) during 5 yr follow-up. The thyroid nodule was seen in 48.6% of patients. Most of patients had 1 to 2 nodules whereas only 3% of patients with thyroid nodule had more than 6 nodules. Overt hypothyroidism patients had more heterogenous echogenecity in USG compared to patients with normalization or persistent SCH (76.5% vs 50.0% vs 35.0%, P = 0.048) and higher prevalence positive anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO Ab) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg Ab) and titer of anti-TPO Ab than other two groups. The cut off values for prediction of overt hypothyroidism were TSH > 7.45 µIU/mL, free T₄ < 1.09 ng/dL and Anti-TPO Ab > 560 IU/mL. SCH has various courses and initial TSH, free T₄, presence of thyroid autoantibody, titer of thyroid autoantibody; and thyroid USG findings can serve as a prognostic factor for progression of overt hypothyroidism. These parameters suggest consideration to initiate thyroid hormone treatment in SCH.     

131I治疗结节性甲状腺肿并甲亢260例临床分析

目的 对131I治疗结节性甲状腺肿并甲亢的效果进行临床分析.方法 对确诊为结节性甲状腺肿并甲亢的260例患者采用131I治疗,结合结节情况、甲状腺吸碘率、甲状腺重量及甲状腺B超检查等确定131I剂量,并随访3～60个月.2～6个月复查甲功,根据甲功情况给予左甲状腺素钠片25 ～ 150μg/日,抑制TSH增高及治疗甲减.结果 260例患者131I甲亢治愈率为65.39％ （170/260）,甲亢好转率为20.00％ （52/260）,甲减发生率14.61％ （38/260）,总体有效率100％（含甲减）;131I治疗后结节消除占78.85％ （205/260）,结节缩小占15.39％ （40/260）,结节治疗无效占5.77％ （15/260）.结节直径越小的疗效越好（P＜0.05）.结论 131I治疗结节性甲状腺肿并甲亢疗效较好,适合有手术禁忌证或拒绝手术的患者.     

Screening for thyroid disorders in a working population

Summary Subclinical thyroid disorders have received increasing attention in recent years due to refined laboratory methods and a stronger emphasis on the role of preventive medicine. We performed a screening for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on 6884 persons in a working population. In cases in which TSH was not within the normal range we also measured the levels of triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG). All persons who did not present with exclusion criteria or other nonthyroidal illnesses (n = 59) and the controls (n = 39) were submitted to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-testing. Additionally, sonography of the thyroid was performed on 120 persons (59 subjects with abnormal hormone levels and 61 controls) to determine thyroid size and rule out morphological abnormalities. Based on the TRH test and T₃, T₄, and TBG measurements we found a prevalence of 0.03% (2/6884) for overt hyperthyroidism, 0.33% (23/6884) for subclinical hyperthyroidism, 0.09% (6/6884) for subclinical hypothyroidism, and 0.015% (1/6884) for overt hypothyroidism in the healthy population. In subjects with overt or subclinical hyperthyroidism the prevalence of goiters (thyroid volume > 18 ml in women, > 25 ml in men) was 28%. Of this group 48% had structural abnormalities. All persons with goiters and/or structural abnormalities were over 35 years of age. Among the euthyroid, 20% had thyroid enlargement, and the same proportion presented with structural abnormalities. There were no differences between the two age groups. In the group with overt/subclinical hypothyroidism 47% presented with structural abnormalities of the thyroid; however, none presented with thyroid enlargement. Thyroid nodules were found only in older persons (> > 35 years) with euthyroidism or hypothyroidism. These data confirm the relatively high prevalence of functional and morphological abnormalities of the thyroid. An early substitution with iodine is warranted to prevent functional and morphological disorders of the thyroid in older age. People with subclinical hyperthyroid disorders must avoid exposure to iodine, which can cause an exacerbation of the disease.Abbreviations TBG thyroxine-binding globulin - TRH thyrotropin-releasing hormone - TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone - T₃ triiodothyronine - T₄ thyroxine Dedicated to Prof. Dr. N. Zöllner on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Thyroid disorders in patients with myasthenia gravis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundOur purpose was to determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders in myasthenia gravis (MG) or whether MG was associated with an increased risk of thyroid disorders.MethodsPubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane database, Google Scholar and the Chinese Biomedical Databases were searched about the relationship between thyroid disorders and myasthenia gravis up to November 30, 2018, without language restrictions. The prevalence and relative risk (RR) for thyroid disorders were pooled by the R and STATA software.Results39 papers with 24,927 MG patients were ultimately included for analysis in this meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of thyroid autoimmunity prevalence in MG patients was 10.1% (95%CI 6.7%–15.1%). Subgroups in patients with thyroid autoimmunity showed the prevalence of positive TGAb was the highest in MG patients (12.6%, 95%CI 8.1%–19.1%), followed by GD (6.0%, 95%CI 4.2%–8.5%), HT (4.6%, 95%CI 1.9%–10.5%). Moreover, the pooled estimated prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in MG patients was 6.8% (95%CI 4.6%–9.8%). After stratification, the results showed the prevalence of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in MG cases were 5.6% (95%CI 3.9%–8.0%) and 2.6% (95%CI 1.7%–4.1%), respectively. In addition, meta-analysis of 2 studies showed that MG was significantly associated with the increased risk of thyroid autoimmunity (OR = 2.86; 95%CI 1.54–5.28, P = .001).ConclusionsThis systemic review and meta-analysis provides reliable evidence that thyroid disorders are prevalent in MG, especially TGAb positivity, GD, hyperthyroidism, and HT, and MG is associated with increased risk for thyroid autoimmunity.     

The measurement of the serum sex-hormone binding globulin in various thyroid diseases

Synthesis of "sex-hormone binding globulin" (SHBG) is influenced by thyroid hormones and its concentration in the serum of female subjects may be a marker of thyroid hormone effect at the peripheral tissue (liver) level. Compared to the levels found in euthyroid females (n = 46), the mean (+/- S.D.) serum SHBG concentration was found elevated in overt hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease: n = 56; 141.6 +/- 37.6 vs. 48.3 +/- 16.2; toxic nodular goiter: n = 16; 119.9 +/- 50.7 vs. 48.3 +/- 16.2 nmol/l; P less than 0.001). In contrast, it was decreased in manifest hypothyroidism (n = 25; 24.9 +/- 14.8 vs. 48.3 +/- 16.2; P less than 0.001). In the group of preclinical hyperthyroidism (n = 43), despite suppressed TSH secretion, the serum value of SHBG was normal (47.4 +/- 16.8), while its serum level approached the lower border of the normal range in subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 10; 33.6 +/- 6.1 vs 48.3 +/- 16.2 nmol/l; P less than 0.01). Data indicate that the pituitary responds more sensitively than the liver to a slight change of the serum thyroid hormone level. During thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism, measurement of serum SHBG may provide help to assess the response of the target organ to the given therapy. In patients with generalized resistance to thyroid hormone, the serum SHBG level is within the normal range (51.3 +/- 9.8 nmol/l), thus, its determination supports the diagnosis of this disease.     

Impact of hypothyroidism on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A 4-year retrospective cohort study

Background/Aims

Hypothyroidism is reported to contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We compared the risk of the development of NAFLD among three groups with different thyroid hormonal statuses (control, subclinical hypothyroidism, and overt hypothyroidism) in a 4-year retrospective cohort of Korean subjects.

Methods

Apparently healthy Korean subjects without NAFLD and aged 20-65 years were recruited (n=18,544) at health checkups performed in 2008. Annual health checkups were applied to the cohort for 4 consecutive years until December 2012. Based on their initial serum-free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, they were classified into control, subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH >4.2 mIU/L, normal fT4), and overt hypothyroidism (TSH >4.2 mIU/L, fT4 <0.97 ng/dL) groups. NAFLD was diagnosed on the basis of ultrasonography findings.

Results

NAFLD developed in 2,348 of the 18,544 subjects, representing an overall incidence of 12.7%: 12.8%, 11.0%, 12.7% in the control, subclinical hypothyroidism, and overt hypothyroidism groups, respectively. The incidence of NAFLD did not differ significantly with the baseline thyroid hormonal status, even after multivariate adjustment (subclinical hypothyroidism group: hazard ratio [HR]=0.965, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.814-1.143, P=0.67; overt hypothyroidism group: HR=1.255, 95% CI=0.830-1.899, P=0.28).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the subclinical and overt types of hypothyroidism are not related to an increased incidence of NAFLD.     

Relationship between thyroid dysfunction and chronic kidney disease in community-dwelling older adults

Objectives

Renal function has been shown to be influenced by thyroid status in animal models and human studies. We aimed to assess the cross-sectional association between thyroid hormones and function with prevalence of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in older adults.

Study design

1571 Blue Mountains Eye Study participants aged ≥60 years were analyzed in 2002–4. Thyroid dysfunction was defined using serum thyrotropin (TSH) screen, followed by serum free T4 (FT4) assessment. Baseline biochemistry including serum creatinine was measured. Moderate CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m².

Results

After adjusting for age, sex, receipt of pension payment, body mass index, smoking, hypertension and diabetes, persons with any thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) had 84% higher likelihood of having CKD, odds ratio, OR, 1.84 (95% confidence intervals, CI, 1.03–3.31). Participants in the highest versus lowest quartile (reference) of serum TSH and FT4 had a significantly greater odds of prevalent CKD, OR 1.82 (95% CI 1.22–2.71), and OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.10–2.45), respectively. Similarly, among participants not receiving treatment for their thyroid dysfunction (n = 1329), those in the third and fourth quartiles of serum TSH had significantly greater odds of having prevalent CKD, OR 1.83 (95% CI 1.15–2.92) and OR 1.96 (95% CI 1.23–3.13), respectively, P_trend = 0.001. Significant associations were not observed between type of thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) and prevalent CKD.

Conclusions

Increasing serum TSH was associated with a greater likelihood of prevalent CKD among older adults, independent of the influence of age, diabetes and hypertension.     

甲状腺功能减退与妊娠期血栓前状态的相关分析

目的 探讨甲状腺功能减退对凝血功能的影响,分析甲状腺功能减退与妊娠期血栓前状态的相关性.方法 选取2012年1月至2017年2月我院临床甲状腺功能减退孕妇46例为甲减组,亚临床甲状腺功能减退孕妇39例为亚临床甲减组,随机抽取50例甲状腺功能正常且无合并其他疾病的健康孕妇为对照组,比较3组受试者的甲状腺功能与凝血功能相关指标.结果 与对照组比较,甲减组的促甲状腺激素(TSH)、纤维蛋白(FIB)较高,游离甲状腺素(FT4)、凝血酶原时间(PT)较低,亚临床甲减组TSH较高,PT较低,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).甲减组与亚临床甲减组比较,甲减组FIB较高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 甲状腺功能减退会导致妊娠期血栓前状态,增加患者体内血栓形成的风险,临床上应予重视并给予积极治疗.     

左甲状腺素钠治疗先天性甲状腺功能低下的疗效

目的 探讨左甲状腺素钠治疗先天性甲状腺功能低下的疗效。方法 选取2012年1月~2017年12月在我院接受治疗的先天性甲状腺功能低下患儿210例作为研究对象,所有患儿均接受低剂量左甲状腺素钠治疗。观察患儿甲状腺功能（TSH、FT3、FT4）、智力状况、身高和体重。结果 治疗后患儿TSH水平降低,FT3、FT4水平升高,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;治疗后患儿大运动、精细动作、语言发育和社会适应能力均达到正常水平,经丹佛儿智力筛查84.29%患儿发育商达85分以上,99.52%患儿达70分以上,仅有1例异常;93.81%患儿身高达到正常水平,96.19%患儿体重达正常水平。结论 低剂量左甲状腺素钠治疗先天性甲状腺功能低下效果确切,可以改善患儿的甲状腺功能,促进患儿体格和智力的发育。     

亚临床甲状腺功能紊乱的发病率及病因分析

目的：探讨亚临床甲状腺功能紊乱的发病率及病因。方法：对12592例本地区的门诊及住院病例的甲状腺功能检测的七项指标进行筛查分析。结果：12592例检测者中有874例TSH在异常范围内,检出率为6．94％,其中TSH高于正常者397例,检出率为3．15％,TSH低于正常者477例,检出率为3．79％;874例处于亚临床甲状腺功能紊乱者多见于伴相关甲状腺疾病者,如甲亢治疗后、甲减甲状腺制剂替代治疗中及其他甲状腺病变（甲状腺结节、甲状腺炎）。除外上述因素在无明显疾病的143人中,亚临床甲减者109人（874人中12．47％）,亚临床甲亢者34人（874人中3．89％）。亚临床甲状腺功能紊乱与TGA、TMA多同步上升,升高者269例,发生率为30．78％,其中TSH高于正常者147例,占16．82％,TSH低于正常者122例,占13．96％;874例中≥60岁老年人有256例,检出率为29．29％。结论：临床应重视对亚临床甲状腺功能紊乱的检测,特别是老年人具有较高的发病率。     

A randomised,controlled trial of fluoxetine in methadone maintenance patients with depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND: Lithium is known to induce subclinical or overt hypothyroidism and changes of thyroid volume in manic-depressive patients. Little is known about alterations of thyroid echogenicity due to drug-induced dysfunction. METHODS: Twenty manic-depressive patients receiving lithium therapy for at least 6 months and 20 euthyroid volunteers without any antidepressive medication as control group, matched in age and gender, were investigated by laboratory measurements and thyroid ultrasonography including standardized grey scale analyses in representative regions of interest (ROI). RESULTS: Thyroid function was normal in all patients (mean FT4 1.1+/-0.2 ng/dl, mean TSH 1.6+/-0.9 micro U/ml) and controls (mean FT4 1.5+/-0.4 ng/dl, TSH 1.1+/-0.3 micro U/ml). Except for two patients, no thyroid autoantibody levels could been detected. Thyroid volumetry revealed significant higher mean values for the lithium treated patients (16.9+/-11.9 ml) compared with the controls (11.4+/-4.5 ml, P<0.05) with a considerable number of goiters (six patients vs. one control). Thyroid echogenicities in both groups were similar (patients 23.9+/-3.7 grey scales, Grauwerteinheiten = GWE, controls 24.2+/-1.3 GWE) and did not depend on the size of the organs. CONCLUSION: Lithium treatment contributes to increased thyroid volumes, probably due to inhibition of thyroid function and TSH upregulation, but not to changes of thyroid echo levels in patients with still euthyroid function. Further echogenicity studies on patients with lithium-induced overt hypothyroidism and autoimmune activity will be of special interest.     

The Association Between the Socioeconomic Status and Thyroid Cancer Prevalence; Based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2011

The incidence of thyroid cancer has recently increased in most industrialized countries, including Korea. To date, few studies have examined the association between thyroid cancer and socioeconomic status (SES). The current study was based on data collected from a total of 12,276 subjects (5,277 men and 6,999 women) by the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) between 2010 and 2011. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (odds ration [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.05), being female (OR, 8.16; 95%CI, 2.99-22.24), being overweight (OR, 1.04; 95%CI, 1.01-1.06), monthly household income (OR, 3.27; 95%CI, 1.16-9.20 for medium-highest household income vs lowest household income; OR, 3.30; 95%CI, 1.16-9.34 for highest household income vs lowest household income), educational level (OR, 2.74; 95%CI, 1.16-6.46 for 10-12 yr vs < 7 yr) and alcohol consumption (OR, 1.89; 95%CI 1.08-3.32) were significant risk factors for thyroid cancer. Our results indicate that the recent increase in thyroid cancer is attributable to better early detection rather than to any increase in actual prevalence.     

Disorders of the thyroid gland in neonates and youth: latent hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

Etiology and clinical manifestation of subclinical hypothyroidism is different in neonates and in young. In the neonatal period babies present with jaundice and/or constipation due to thyroid hypoplasia, thyroid ectopia or transient hypothyroidism. The main reason for subclinical hypothyroidism in the youth is Hashimoto thyroiditis. Indication for thyroxin therapy in subclinical hypothyroidism is discussed controversial in the literature. For best growing and maturation in childhood thyroxin therapy should be given. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is rare in childhood. The main reasons are Graves' disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis (initial period). The therapy of subclinical hyperthyroidism is the same as in overt hyperthyroidism.     

Biologic blood markers reflecting thyroid hormone effect at peripheral tissue level in patients receiving levothyroxine replacement for hypothyroidism.

Plasma fibronectin, serum procollagen-III-peptide and sex-hormone-binding globulin as non-specific markers of thyroid hormone effect at peripheral tissue level were determined and their values were related with serum levels of TSH, free-thyroxine and triiodothyronine during levothyroxine sodium replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Low levels of biologic markers characteristic of hypothyroidism were normalized in consequence of hormone replacement and a negative correlation between their serum levels, and TSH concentration was demonstrated in most subjects. However, in some patients a discrepancy in the response to levothyroxine between the pituitary and other target organs was revealed. Additional evidence was disclosed that the pituitary thyrotroph sensitizes a minor decrease in serum thyroxine level, which would not be recognized by other target organs. Furthermore, it was revealed that during L-T4 replacement therapy in a large fraction of patients with subnormal serum TSH concentration blood levels of the measured markers often exceeded the upper limit of the normal range indicating a possibility of "tissue" thyrotoxicosis, besides the pituitary, in other target organs, too. According to the present study, which takes into consideration markers reflecting end-organ responsiveness to thyroid hormones, it is recommended to adjust the dose of levothyroxine to maintain serum TSH in the normal range. For patients with subnormal TSH concentration a close follow-up is obligatory and in case of concomitantly raised free-thyroxine level the reduction of the levothyroxine dosage is proposed.     

The efficacy of moxifloxacin-based triple therapy in treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Recent evidence shows that moxifloxacin could exert an antimicrobial effect against Helicobacter pylori in both in vitro and in vivo models. To systematically evaluate whether moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy could improve eradication rates and reduce side effects in first-line or second-line anti-H. pylori treatment, eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases. We included all randomized trials comparing moxifloxacin-based triple therapy with standard triple or quadruple therapy during H. pylori eradication treatment. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.0.10. Subanalysis/sensitivity analysis was also performed. We identified seven randomized trials (n=1263). Pooled H. pylori eradication rates were 79.03% (95%CI: 75.73-82.07) and 68.33% (95%CI: 64.44-72.04) for patients with moxifloxacin-based triple therapy or with standard triple or quadruple therapy, respectively (intention-to-treat analysis). The odds ratio (OR) was 1.82 (95%CI: 1.17-2.81), the occurrence of total side effects was 15.23% (95%CI: 12.58-18.20) and 27.17% (95%CI: 23.64-30.92) for groups with or without moxifloxacin, and the summary OR was 0.45 (95%CI: 0.26-0.77). In subgroup analyses, we noted that the second-line eradication rate in the moxifloxacin group was significantly higher than that in the quadruple therapy group (73.33 vs 60.17%, OR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.16-2.73, P<0.001). However, there was no difference in first-line eradication treatment. Findings from this meta-analysis suggest that moxifloxacin-based triple therapy is more effective and better tolerated than standard triple or quadruple therapy. Therefore, a moxifloxacin-based triple regimen should be used in the second-line treatment of H. pylori infection.     

水源性高碘地区健康人群甲状腺自身抗体阳性筛查分析

目的:探讨沧州市健康体检人群甲状腺自身抗体的阳性率及其与甲状腺功能异常的相关性。方法:采用电化学发光免疫分析技术测定沧州市3 218 名健康体检人群血清促甲状腺激素(TSH)、游离三碘甲腺原氨酸(FT3)、游离甲状腺素(FT4)、甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)和甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TgAb),分别以TPOAb>34 U/ ml 和TgAb>115 U/ ml 为阳性,对检测结果进行统计分析。结果:健康人群甲状腺自身抗体的总阳性率为16.19%,且随年份增加呈明显的增高趋势,不同性别之间的阳性检出率有显著性差异(P <0.001),其中TPOAb、TgAb、TPOAb 和TgAb 同时阳性的检出率分别为14.57%、12.74%和11.12%,1 686 名女性的阳性检出率(21.53%、19.16%、16.67%)显著高于男性(6.92%、5.68%、5.03%),差异有统计学意义(P 均<0.001),且随年龄增加阳性检出率逐渐升高,女性阳性率高峰在逸70 岁年龄组,男性阳性率高峰在50 ~59岁年龄组。甲亢和亚甲亢、甲减和亚甲减甲状腺自身抗体的阳性检出率和OR 均有显著性差异(P<0.001)。结论:沧州市健康体检人群甲状腺自身抗体的阳性率较高,对甲状腺功能正常而自身抗体阳性者进行动态监测、随访或早期干预,有利于甲状腺疾病的早期诊断、鉴别诊断及其防治。     

妊娠中期妇女甲状腺功能筛查结果分析

目的 探讨妊娠中期妇女甲状腺功能筛查的重要性,为妊娠中期妇女甲状腺疾病的诊疗提供依据.方法 选择277例妊娠中期妇女为妊娠组,162位非妊娠育龄妇女为对照组.采用放射免疫法(RIA)检测FT3、FT4,采用免疫放射法(IRMA)检测TSH.结果 ①妊娠组甲状腺疾病总患病率为14.08％ (39/277),对照组甲状腺疾病总患病率为8.02％(13/162),两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).②妊娠组中甲亢(包含亚临床甲亢)患病率为1.44％(4/277),和甲减(包含亚临床甲减)患病率为12.64％(35/277)比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).对照组甲亢(包含亚临床甲亢)患病率为1.23％(2/162),和甲减(包含亚临床甲减)患病率为6.79％(11/162),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).妊娠组甲减(包含亚临床甲减)患病率较对照组升高,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).③两组FT3、FT4、TSH结果比较,妊娠组FT4水平低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);妊娠组TSH水平低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P ＜0.05);FT3水平无显著差异(P＞0.05).结论 妊娠中期妇女甲状腺疾病患病率增高,以甲减(包含亚临床甲减)居多,对妊娠中期妇女甲状腺功能进行筛查具有重要意义,妊娠期特异性甲状腺激素参考值范围有待明确.     

Thyroid disease, behavior, and psychopharmacology

The authors review psychiatric complications of thyroid disease and the use of psychotropic agents in hyper- and hypothyroid patients. Neuropsychiatric symptoms of hyperthyroidism tend to resolve with treatment of excessive thyroid production; those of hypothyroidism respond in a variable manner to thyroid replacement, but most patients improve substantially after becoming euthyroid. The judicious use of most psychotropics has its place even in the presence of overt thyroid disease. The important antithyroid effects of lithium should be noted when treating patients with thyroid disease. Routine monitoring of thyroid function in otherwise healthy patients taking antipsychotic agents, tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is not believed necessary.     

Hypothyroidism,new nodule formation and increase in nodule size in patients who have undergone hemithyroidectomy

Introduction

The current medical literature has conflicting results about factors related to hypothyroidism and nodular recurrences during follow-up of hemithyroidectomized patients. We aimed to evaluate factors that may have a role in new nodule formation, hypothyroidism, increase in thyroid lobe and increase in nodule volumes in these patients with and without Hashimoto''s thyroiditis (HT), and with and without levothyroxine (LT4) use.

Material and methods

We enrolled 140 patients from five different hospitals in Ankara and evaluated their thyroid tests, autoantibody titre results and ultrasonographic findings longitudinally between two visits with a minimum 6-month interval.

Results

In patients with HT there was no significant difference between the two visits but in patients without HT, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and nodule volume were higher, and free T4 levels were lower in the second visit. Similarly, in patients with LT4 treatment there was no difference in TSH, free T4 levels, or lobe or nodule size between the two visits, but the patients without LT4 had free T4 levels lower in the second visit. Regression analysis revealed a relationship between first visit TSH levels and hypothyroidism during follow-up.

Conclusions

Patients who have undergone hemithyroidectomy without LT4 treatment and without HT diagnosis should be followed up more carefully for thyroid tests, new nodule formation and increase in nodule size. The TSH levels at the beginning of the follow-up may be helpful to estimate hypothyroidism in hemithyroidectomized patients.     

Substantially elevated TSH,not traditional clinical subclinical thyroid disorder groupings,are associated with smaller LDL-P mean size: ELSA-Brasil

BackgroundLDL appears to drive atherogenesis in overt hypothyroidism, but in subclinical dysfunction, its role is not completely elucidated.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate subfractions of LDL in subclinical (SC) thyroid disorders.MethodsIndividuals were divided into three groups by baseline thyroid function (SC hypothyroidism, euthyroidism, and SC hyperthyroidism). LDL particle (LDL-P) subfractions were analyzed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The association between LDL-P subfractions and thyroid groups and quintiles was evaluated by linear regression models.ResultsWe evaluated 3304 participants (54.1% women, 51.2% white, mean age 50.6 ± 8.7 years). In the univariate analysis, small LDL particle concentrations (SLDL-P) were not different between SC hypo- and hyperthyroidism compared to euthyroid individuals (p = 0.485 and p = 0.314, respectively). Large LDL-P (LDL-P) levels also did not differ in SC hyperthyroidism and SC hypothyroidism compared to euthyroidism (p = 0.698 and 0.788 respectively). Intermediate LDL-P levels were not different across the groups. These numbers did not materially change in multivariate analysis. However, we also analyzed LDL subfractions according to quintiles of TSH. We showed that in the higher TSH quintile LDL subfractions presented a significantly smaller mean size of LDL subfractions compared to the first quintile.ConclusionsSC thyroid disorders are not associated with significant changes in LDL-P subfractions measured by NMR spectroscopy. However, it seems that the LDL mean size decreases as TSH levels increase, which may represent a more atherogenic lipid profile.