Study on the screening of thyroidal dysfunction in adult

For the purpose of screening of thyroidal dysfunction in adult, we have collected blood of 15,905 (male 11,559, female 4,346) adult normal workers and school students on filter papers at the time of the annual health examination. Both TSH and total T4 were measured by radioimmunoassay. Either TSH or total T4 or both showed abnormal values in 148 cases. For these subjects, serum TSH, total T4 and T3, free T4, TBG, antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibody were estimated. From these results, diagnosis was made as follows: 6 hyperthyroidism, 12 primary hypothyroidism (including 3 subclinical hypothyroidism who showed elevated TSH and normal free T4 values) and 29 TBG abnormality (increase: 8, decrease or deficiency: 21). The incidence by this study was: hyperthyroidism 0.038% (1/2650), primary hypothyroidism 0.075% (1/1330), TBG increase or deficiency 0.132% (1/760). Sex ratio of thyroidal dysfunction were higher in female than male. In hyperthyroidism, ratio of male to female was 1:2.66, and in hypothyroidism, it was 1:133. Most of these patients were not diagnosed before this screening. The fact that the incidence of hypothyroidism was higher than hyperthyroidism in this population was apparent in this study. TBG abnormality was noted more in male than female. This report is important to show the incidence of thyroidal abnormalities and the necessity of the screening test of thyroid in adult.     

Screening for thyroid dysfunction in a community population of diabetic patients

In a general practice population of 11 300 patients, 223 were known to have diabetes mellitus. Thirteen diabetic patients (5.8 %) had a previous diagnosis of thyroid disease. The study excluded 17 patients who received sole diabetes care at a secondary referral centre (of whom 5 had a previous diagnosis of thyroid disease), 8 with a previous diagnosis of thyroid disease receiving community care, and 1 patient who declined screening. New thyroid disease was diagnosed in 11 patients (8 female, 3 male): 5 with primary hypothyroidism, 4 with subclinical hypothyroidism, 1 with hyperthyroidism and 1 with subclinical hyperthyroidism. Thus the prevalence of undiagnosed thyroid disease in diabetic patients receiving community diabetes care was 5.5 % (9.5 % of female patients), and the prevalence of thyroid disease (previusly known and diagnosed as a result of screening) in the entire population of diabetic patients registered in the general practice was 10.8 %. These findings suggest that screening for thyroid disease should be considered in patients receiving diabetes care in the community. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Masked thyroid dysfunction among elderly patients with atrial fibrillation

Seventy-five elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (41 males and 34 females with a mean age of 75.6 years) were studied to evaluate the incidence of masked thyroid dysfunction. A thyrotropin (TSH)-releasing-hormone (TRH) test (intravenous injection of 250 micrograms of synthetic TRH) was performed in the patients and 30 age matched controls without atrial fibrillation. In the controls, no abnormal TRH stimulated TSH response was observed. In the patients with atrial fibrillation, no response of TSH to TRH (hyperthyroidism) was found in 5 cases (6.6%), while hyperresponse of TSH to TRH (hypothyroidism) was found in 6 cases (8.0%). Thyroid dysfunction (hyper or hypothyroidism) was more frequently observed in the patients than in the controls (p less than 0.05). Two of 5 hyperthyroid patients had normal thyroid hormone levels. All patients with hyperthyroidism were treated with antithyroid drugs or 131I. Unfortunately, atrial fibrillation persisted in all but 1 case. It is concluded that the TRH test is a useful screening test for detecting those patients with abnormal thyroid function among elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, and that hypothyroidism should be considered as a cause of atrial fibrillation in the elderly.     

Socio demographic wise risk assessment of thyroid function abnormalities in far western region of Nepal: A hospital based descriptive study

Objective

To know the status of thyroid disorder in population of far western region of Nepal.

Methods

A total of 808 cases (133 men and 675 non pregnant women) were included and study was carried out using data retrieved from the register maintained in the Department of Biochemistry of the Nepalgunj Teaching Hospital between 1st January, 2011 and 28th February, 2012. The variables collected were age, sex, and thyroid function profile including free T3, free T4 and TSH.

Results

The percentage of thyroid disorders was 33.66% in far western region of Nepal. The people were highly affected by overt hyperthyroidism (14.9%) followed by subclinical hyperthyroidism (9.9%). The subclinical hypothyroidism was 7.9% while 1% overt hypothyroidism only in a far western region of Nepal. Females were highly affected by overt hyperthyroidism (17.8%), followed by subclinical hyperthyroidism (11.9%). A total of 5.9% females were affected by subclinical hypothyroidism while only 1.2% by overt hypothyroidism. Males were affected only by subclinical hypothyroidism (18.0%) in this present study. High number of total thyroid dysfunction was observed in 21 to 40 years of age groups, followed by 41 to 60 years of age groups. Less than 40 years people were having 1.03, 0.99, 2.51 and 1.15 times risk of developing overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism respectively compared to greater than 40. Female were having 0.29 times risk of developing subclinical hyperthyroidism compared to male. But overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism female were having more risk of developing compared to male.

Conclusions

The thyroid disorder, especially overt hyperthyroidism (14.9%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (9.9%) was high. Further studies are required to characterize the reasons for this high prevalence.     

249名老年人中甲状腺疾病的发生及转归临床分析

目的研究老年人甲状腺疾病的患病率和发生发展特点。方法249例来自我国辽宁省、河北省的老年人(男102名,女147名;年龄60~88岁)参加了1999年的横断面调查,5年后进行了随访。初访和随访时均测定血清促甲状腺激素(TSH)、甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)和甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TgAb),TSH异常者加测游离甲状腺激素(FT3、FT4)。结果该研究人群TSH正常范围为0.28~4.75mU/L。甲状腺功能异常(含临床和亚临床型)的总患病率10.84%,TPOAb和TgAb的阳性率分别为12.85%和11.65%。初访时确定为正常甲状腺功能的老年人(n=222,随访率79.7%),5年后新发临床甲状腺功能亢进(甲亢)1例、亚临床甲亢2例(均为男性),亚临床甲减3例(均为女性)。初访时甲状腺自身抗体阴性者,随访时有6例出现抗体的阳转,但未伴有甲状腺功能的异常。结论老年人甲状腺疾病患病率较高,应当开展甲状腺疾病筛查;老年人的亚临床甲状腺疾病多数可自行缓解,可采取以观察为主的处理方式。     

Thyroid ultrasound versus antithyroid peroxidase antibody determination: a cohort study of four hundred fifty-one subjects.

Autoimmune thyroiditis is mirrored by a hypoechoic ultrasound pattern. We determined diagnostic precision of thyroid sonography compared to that of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) concentration. Ambulatory patients with unknown thyroid status (n = 451; 407 female, ages 44 +/- 16 years; 45 male, ages 50 +/- 14 years) excluding those with suspected hyperthyroidism or on drugs known to cause hypothyroidism were recruited consecutively. Subjects were recruited from a specialized thyroid outpatient unit with higher frequencies of thyroid disorders than in the general population. Before determination of thyroid function and TPOAb concentration thyroid volume (normal values: women < 12 mL, men < 14 mL) and echogenicity (grade 1 = normal: similar to submandibular gland, hyperechoic to neck muscles; grade 2: hypoechoic to submandibular gland, hyperechoic to neck muscles, grade 3: iso-/hypoechoic to neck muscles) were determined. Positive predictive value of grade 3 pattern for detection of autoimmune thyroiditis was 94% (with overt hypothyroidism) and 96% (with any degree of hypothyroidism), that of grade 2 or 3 85% and 87%, respectively. Negative predictive value of grade 1 pattern for detection of euthyroid TPOAb negative subjects was 91%. Goiter was present in 31% and 21% of TPOAb postive and negative subjects, respectively, while 11% and 15% had an atrophic thyroid gland (p = not significant [n.s.]). Given a high intraobserver and interobserver agreement abnormal thyroid ultrasound patterns were highly indicative of autoimmune thyroiditis and allowed the detection of thyroid dysfunction with 96% probability.     

Serum TSH and total T4 in the United States population and their association with participant characteristics: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2002).

OBJECTIVE: Describe thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) levels in the U.S. population and their association with selected participant characteristics. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected from 4392 participants, reflecting 222 million individuals, during 1999-2002. RESULTS: Hypothyroidism prevalence (TSH > 4.5 mIU/L) in the general population was 3.7%, and hyperthyroidism prevalence (TSH < 0.1 mIU/L) was 0.5%. Among women of reproductive age (12-49 years), hypothyroidism prevalence was 3.1%. Individuals aged 80 years and older had five times greater odds for hypothyroidism compared to 12- to 49-year-olds (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.0, p = 0.0002). ORs were adjusted for sex, race, annual income, pregnancy status, and usage of thyroid-related medications (levothyroxine/thyroid, estrogen, androgen, lithium, and amiodarone). Compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks had a lower risk for hypothyroidism (OR = 0.46, p = 0.04) and a higher risk for hyperthyroidism (OR = 3.18, p = 0.0005), while Mexican Americans had the same risk as non-Hispanic whites for hypothyroidism, but a higher risk for hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.98, p = 0.04). Among those taking levothyroxine or desiccated thyroid, the adjusted risk for either hypothyroidism (OR = 4.0, p = 0.0001) or hyperthyroidism (OR = 11.4, p = 4 x 10(-9)) was elevated. CONCLUSIONS: Associations with known factors such as age, race, and sex were confirmed using this data set. Understanding the prevalence of abnormal thyroid tests among reproductive-aged women informs decisions about screening in this population. The finding that individuals on thyroid hormone replacement medication often remain hypothyroid or become hyperthyroid underscores the importance of monitoring.     

A sensitive thyroid stimulating hormone assay for screening of thyroid functional disorder in elderly Japanese

The use of a screening test for thyroid functional disorder by sensitive thyroid stimulating hormone assay in the elderly was investigated. The basal thyroid stimulating hormone levels predicted the response of thyroid stimulating hormone to thyrotropin releasing hormone; it was suppressed in 99 (99.0%) of 100 hyperthyroid patients. Therefore, not only primary hypothyroidism but also hyperthyroidism can be excluded when the serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels are normal. An epidemiological study was then performed on 2,421 (76.7%) of the Japanese general population aged 40 or over recruited from the residents in Hisayama town and also in 122 residents between 20 and 40 years of age. Additional free T4 measurement was necessary in about 10% of the residents with abnormal TSH levels to confirm the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or distinguish latent from overt hypothyroidism. There was a significant correlation between age and serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels after logarithmic conversion (r = 0.1533, P less than .001). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction found in 1,026 males and in 1,395 females aged 40 or over was, respectively: hyperthyroidism, less than 0.1% and 0.2%, latent (subclinical) hypothyroidism, 3.2% and 5.5%, and overt hypothyroidism, 0.4% and 0.7%. We conclude that the screening with this sensitive thyroid stimulating hormone assay and additional free T4 measurement is useful for detection of patients with thyroid functional disorder.     

Subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. I. Prevalence and clinical relevance

Subclinical hypothyroidism has a prevalence of approx. 6% in the general population; it is more common in females and in the elderly. The incidence of progression to overt hypothyroidism is 5–15% per year; women with positive thyroid antibodies are especially at risk. The biological significance appears to be small; there may be an association with depression. Subclinical hypothyroidism does not cause significant hypercholesterolaemia. Thyroxine treatment results in improvement of symptoms in 25–30%.Subclinical hyperthyroidism has a prevalence of approx. 1%; it is also more common in older age groups, but its female preponderance is less marked. The incidence of progression to overt thyrotoxicosis is approx. 5% per year; subjects with autonomous thyroid adenoma or nodular goiter are especially at risk. The biological significance appears to be small. Bone density is slightly reduced in cortical bone (radius and femoral neck) but not in trabecular bone (lumbar spine). There might be an association with atrial fibrillation, which is possibly more likely to convert to stable sinus rhythm after antithyroid treatment.In view of the high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism one might consider screening programs in the general population, which are feasible by the availability of an appropriate screening test (the sensitive TSH assay) and effective treatment. Such screening programs, however, are not justified at the present time because (a) the associated burden of disease is small and (b) it has not been proven beyond doubt that early diagnosis and treatment in the asymptomatic phase improves clinical outcome. A high degree of suspicion of thyroid function disorders is, however, warranted, especially in females over 40 years presenting with non-specific complaints.     

Screening for thyroid disease in the elderly. Serum free thyroxine and thyrotropin concentrations in a representative population of 81-year-old women and men

Thyroid function in individuals from a representative population of 81-year olds was evaluated clinically and from assay of serum thyrotropin (TSH) and serum free thyroxine (free T4). Among the 144 men, 2 had markedly abnormal values; L-thyroxine treatment had been prescribed for both, one because of primary hypothyroidism (concentrations at screening were high for TSH and low for free T4) and one because of panhypopituitarism (low free T4 at screening). Among the 250 women, 10 had TSH concentrations greater than 10 mU/L; L-thyroxine therapy had been prescribed for 3 of them. Only 1 non-L-thyroxine treated woman had a high free T4 concentration. She had few clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism (mainly weight loss), and multinodular goiter. Total and free 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine concentrations were normal but her total and free T4 concentrations were high at ages 70, 75 and 79 years, indicating that "T4-toxicosis" had been present for at least 11 years without evidence of progression of her hyperthyroidism. The results indicate that clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disease in the elderly may be too subtle for diagnosis.     

Frequency of Thyroid Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients: Value of Annual Screening

A randomly selected group of 1310 adult diabetic patients attending a diabetic outpatient clinic received annual screening for thyroid disease, by estimating serum free thyroxine and TSH concentrations. The overall prevalence of thyroid disease was found to be 13.4%, and was highest (31.4%) in Type 1 diabetic females, and lowest in Type 2 diabetic males (6.9%). As a direct result of screening, new thyroid disease was diagnosed in 6.8% (89 patients) of the population screened; the commonest diagnosis was subclinical hypothyroidism (4.8%), followed by hypothyroidism (0.9%), hyperthyroidism 0.5%), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (0.5%). Female patients with Type 1 diabetes had the highest annual risk of developing thyroid disease (12.3%), but all patient groups had a higher incidence of thyroid dysfunction, compared to that reported in the general population. This study suggests that thyroid function should be screened annually in diabetic patients to detect asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction which is increased in frequency in a diabetic population.     

妊娠中晚期孕妇甲状腺功能异常和自身抗体筛查的研究

目的 研究妊娠中晚期孕妇甲状腺功能异常及自身抗体阳性的患病率,探讨在孕妇群体中进行甲状腺筛查的必要性.方法 研究对象为2006年6月至2008年2月期间在上海交通大学附属第一人民医院就诊的妊娠中晚期孕妇,以问卷调查方式采集病史资料,根据孕妇是否有甲状腺疾病既往史、家族史或其他相关疾病既往史,分为高甲状腺疾病风险组(高风险组)和低甲状腺疾病风险组(低风险组).对所有孕妇检测血清FT3、FT4、TSH、甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)和促甲状腺激素受体抗体水平.结果 共筛查孕妇2 101名,发现有各种甲状腺功能异常或甲状腺抗体阳性712例(33.89％).高风险组孕妇中有较高比例的甲状腺功能异常,而低风险组1 983名孕妇中亦有2.27％(45例)诊断为甲状腺功能减退,11.60％(230例)为亚临床甲状腺功能减退,0.20％(4例)为甲状腺功能亢进,1.06％(21例)为亚临床甲状腺功能亢进,6.45％(128例)为低甲状腺素血症,10.74％(213例)甲状腺功能正常但TPOAb阳性.在TPOAb阳性孕妇中,甲状腺功能异常者更多见.其中79.74％甲状腺功能异常或TPOAb阳性孕妇经本次筛查发现.结论 妊娠中晚期孕妇中进行甲状腺筛查可发现33.89％孕妇存在甲状腺功能异常或TPOAb阳性,TPOAb阳性孕妇出现甲状腺功能异常的患病率增加.如果仅对高风险孕妇进行甲状腺筛查,则可能导致高达79.74％患者漏诊.     

妊娠早期甲状腺功能筛查策略的有效性分析

目的 获得妊娠早期甲状腺功能异常的患病率,进行妊娠早期甲状腺功能筛查策略的有效性分析.方法调查中国沈阳2 899名妊娠早期妇女(4～12周).通过问卷调查方法收集所有孕妇的背景资料,将孕妇分为高风险组与非高风险组.应用妊娠早期特异性甲状腺功能正常参考范围,获得妊娠早期甲状腺功能异常患病率.结果高风险组甲状腺功能减退症患病率明显高于非高风险组(16.3%对5.3%,RR=3.1,95%CI 2.4～4.0,P＜0.01).甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)阳性(RR=4.7,95%CI3.6～6.0,P＜0.01),甲状腺疾病个人史(RR=3.2,95%CI 1.9～5.4,P＜0.01)均可显著增加甲状腺疾病患病的风险.高风险组甲状腺功能亢进症的患病率明显高于非高风险组(3.1%对1.4%,RR=2.2,95%CI 1.2～3.9,P=0.006).TPOAb阳性(RR=2.6,95%CI 1.3～5.0,P=0.007),甲状腺疾病个人史(RR=4.7,95%CI 1.7～12.5,P=0.006)均可显著增加甲状腺功能亢进发生的风险.高风险组与非高风险组间相比低T4血症患病率差异无统计学意义(0.9%对0.9%,x2=0.008,P=0.928).仅在高危孕妇中筛查甲状腺功能会漏掉56.7%甲状腺功能减退症(临床和亚临床)患者及64.7%甲状腺功能亢进症(临床和亚临床)患者.结论推荐对妊娠早期所有孕妇进行甲状腺功能的筛查.筛查指标应当包括TSH、FT4和TPOAb.     

The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in a population with borderline iodine deficiency

OBJECTIVE: We lack information on the influence of borderline iodine deficiency on the occurrence of thyroid dysfunction. Iodine deficiency has been reported to facilitate the development of toxic nodular goitre, whereas a high iodine intake may increase the prevalence of autoimmune hypothyroidism. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of a random sample of the general population in our region with borderline iodine deficiency 2656 (65%) of 4073 men and women aged 41 to 71 years participated. Records were made of previous thyroidal illness. Blood samples were drawn for thyroid parameters and TPO Ab values. Iodine and creatinine was assessed in casual urine samples. RESULTS: Previous or present hyperthyroidism was reported by 1.4% of the participants whereas 0.6% had unknown biochemical hyperthyroidism. All cases of undiagnosed hyperthyroidism were among women. Previously diagnosed and treated hypothyroidism was reported by 1.0% and undiagnosed hypothyroidism was found in 0.4%. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was found in 1.3% and subclinical hypothyroidism in 0.7%. TPO Ab titres >200 kU/l were found in 16.9% of the women and 6.6% of the men, and 83% of participants with TSH >5 mU/l had TPO Ab titres >200 kU/l. Participants with TPO Ab titres between 100 and 200 kU/l had no increased frequency of thyroid dysfunction. The median iodine excretion rate was estimated as 103 microg/day. Serum TSH values were higher in women than in men and showed higher dispersion in women as well as in old age. Serum free T3 was found to be higher in women than in men and increased with age. Serum free T4 showed no sex difference but values increased with increasing age. CONCLUSION: In our region with borderline iodine deficiency more than 5% of the general population has clinical or subclinical thyroid dysfunction. We found a relatively high prevalence of hyperthyroidism, especially previously undiagnosed disease, but a low prevalence of hypothyroidism as would be expected in an area of iodine deficiency. Hypothyroidism was related to TPO Ab titres of >200 kU/l. Thyroid hormone levels varied with age and sex.     

Postpartum thyroid dysfunction in pregnant thyroid peroxidase antibody-positive women living in an area with mild to moderate iodine deficiency: is iodine supplementation safe?

In moderately iodine-deficient, pregnant, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab)-positive women the role of iodine supplementation in the development of postpartum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD) was studied in a placebo-controlled, randomized, double blind trial. Screening for TPO-Ab was performed in early pregnancy in a population of healthy pregnant Danish women with no previous diagnosed thyroid disease (prevalence, 117 of 1,284; 9.1%). The participants were randomized, stratified according to TPO-Ab level, to three groups. All participants received a daily vitamin and mineral tablet with 150 microg iodine or no iodine. The +/+ group received iodine during pregnancy and the postpartum period, the +/- group received iodine during pregnancy only, and the -/- group received no iodine supplementation. A total of 66 TPO-Ab positive women were followed, and in the postpartum period sera were collected at 8-week interval for biochemical evaluation of thyroid function and antibody level. Compliance was evaluated by 24-h urinary iodine measurements. PPTD developed in 55% of the participants. In 67% of the cases abnormal TSH was accompanied by abnormalities in thyroid hormones, whereas 33% had abnormal serum TSH only. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of PPTD in the three groups: +/+ group, 59% (95% confidence interval, 36-79%); +/- group, 60% (36-81%); and -/- group, 46% (26-67%). There were also no differences in the severity of the PPTD, as evaluated by duration and grade of deviation of TSH and thyroid hormones from normality. The occurrence, severity, and type of PPTD predominantly depended on the TPO-Ab level: TPO-Ab below 200 U/L at screening, 35% developed PPTD; TPO-Ab of 200-900 U/L, 54%; and TPO-Ab above 900 U/L, 75% developed PPTD. Women with low levels of antibodies predominantly remained euthyroid or had hyperthyroidism only, whereas women with high antibody levels had hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism only. We conclude that iodine supplementation (150 microg) during pregnancy and the postpartum period to TPO-Ab-positive women living in an area with mild to moderate iodine deficiency did not induce or worsen PPTD. The study confirmed that screening for TPO-Ab in early pregnancy can predict women at high risk for development of PPTD.     

Prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and its relation to socioeconomic deprivation in the elderly: a community-based cross-sectional survey

CONTEXT: Population-based screening has been advocated for subclinical thyroid dysfunction in the elderly because the disorder is perceived to be common, and health benefits may be accrued by detection and treatment. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and unidentified overt thyroid dysfunction in an elderly population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional survey of a community sample of participants aged 65 yr and older registered with 20 family practices in the United Kingdom. EXCLUSIONS: Exclusions included current therapy for thyroid disease, thyroid surgery, or treatment within 12 months. OUTCOME MEASURE: Tests of thyroid function (TSH concentration and free T4 concentration in all, with measurement of free T3 in those with low TSH) were conducted. EXPLANATORY VARIABLES: These included all current medical diagnoses and drug therapies, age, gender, and socioeconomic deprivation (Index of Multiple Deprivation, 2004). ANALYSIS: Standardized prevalence rates were analyzed. Logistic regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with the presence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 5960 attended for screening. Using biochemical definitions, 94.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 93.8-94.6%] were euthyroid. Unidentified overt hyper- and hypothyroidism were uncommon (0.3, 0.4%, respectively). Subclinical hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were identified with similar frequency (2.1%, 95% CI 1.8-2.3%; 2.9%, 95% CI 2.6-3.1%, respectively). Subclinical thyroid dysfunction was more common in females (P < 0.001) and with increasing age (P < 0.001). After allowing for comorbidities, concurrent drug therapies, age, and gender, an association between subclinical hyperthyroidism and a composite measure of socioeconomic deprivation remained. CONCLUSIONS: Undiagnosed overt thyroid dysfunction is uncommon. The prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction is 5%. We have, for the first time, identified an independent association between the prevalence of subclinical thyroid dysfunction and deprivation that cannot be explained solely by the greater burden of chronic disease and/or consequent drug therapies in the deprived population.     

妊娠早期合并亚临床型甲状腺功能异常的超声表现

目的 探讨妊娠早期甲状腺血清学异常患者甲状腺超声表现特点.方法 选择2018年1月-2019年1月在深圳市龙岗区人民医院就诊的53例孕妇进行甲状腺超声检查.入组孕妇在孕早期检测血清促甲状腺激素(TSH)、血清游离甲状腺素(FT4)、甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPoAb)水平并首次发现甲状腺功能或血清TPoAb 抗体水平异常.比较血清TPoAb≥45 IU/mL和血清TPoAb<45 IU/mL孕妇甲状腺回声异常发生率及腺体血流增多发生率差异.结果 53例孕妇当中其中有41例为亚临床型甲状腺功能亢进,5例为亚临床型甲状腺功能减低,7例为单纯TPoAb水平的增高.41例亚临床型甲状腺功能亢进孕妇中,35例不伴有TPoAb 水平升高的孕妇甲状腺超声表现未见明确异常,而其余有TPoAb水平升高的6例孕妇当中有2例孕妇(33.3%)甲状腺实质回声有弥漫性的改变;5例亚临床型甲状腺功能减低的孕妇当中,其中3例不伴有TPoAb水平升高的孕妇甲状腺实质回声出现弥漫性的改变,而2例伴有TPoAb水平升高的孕妇中1例(50.0%)出现甲状腺实质回声弥漫性改变;7例单纯TPoAb 水平升高的孕妇中,其中4例孕妇(57.1%)甲状腺实质回声出现弥漫性改变.在所有血清TPoAb水平升高的15例孕妇中,10例孕妇血清TPoAb≥45 IU/mL,5例孕妇血清TPoAb<45 IU/mL.血清TPoAb≥45 IU/mL的孕妇甲状腺回声异常发生率高于血清TPoAb<45 IU/mL的孕妇(7/10 vs 0/5);血清TPoAb≥45 IU/mL的孕妇甲状腺血流增多发生率高于血清TPoAb<45 I U/m L的孕妇(4/1 0 vs 1/5).结论 妊娠期具有甲状腺血清学检测指标异常的患者当中,可以出现不同的超声影像学表现,但超声影像学表现与血清学检测结果 并不完全一致.     

The Systematic Screening and Management of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism During Pregnancy

Altogether, thyroid function abnormalities during pregnancy can affect up to 10% of all women. The high prevalence of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, the obstetrical repercussions associated with thyroid dysfunction in the mothers, as well as the potential role of maternal thyroid dysfunction as an influence on fetal development constitute solid arguments for a further increase of our knowledge of the pathophysiological processes underlying the alterations of thyroid function related to the pregnant state. In this review, the focus will be on the most clinically relevant aspects associated with hypothyroidism [autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITDs), subfertility, risk of miscarriage, risk of hypothyroidism in women with AITD and treatment of hypothyroid women] and with hyperthyroidism (clinical presentations during pregnancy, Graves' disease and its management, fetal hyperthyroidism in women with antithyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies and gestational transient thyrotoxicosis associated with human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation of the maternal thyroid gland). I also propose a global strategy for the systematic screening of hypo- and hyperthyroidism in the pregnant state.     

Circulating lipids and minor abnormalities of thyroid function

OBJECTIVE: We determined the effect of subclinical hyperthyroidism (defined as low circulating TSH with normal serum free T4) and subclinical hypothyroidism (raised serum TSH with normal free T4) on fasting levels of blood lipids. DESIGN: Prospective study of lipid concentrations in patients identified as having abnormal TSH. PATIENTS: Patients were identified in a population screening study of those over 60 years, with persistently low TSH with normal free T4 (n = 27) or high TSH but normal free T4 (n = 57). Patients were matched to controls with normal serum TSH by age, sex and body mass index. MEASUREMENTS: Serum TSH, free T4, free T3, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. RESULTS: Serum free T4 measurements were significantly higher in those with subclinical hyperthyroidism than in their controls (P < 0.001) and lower in those with subclinical hypothyroidism than in matched controls (P < 0.001). Measurement of fasting lipids in patients and controls revealed a marked (12.2%) reduction in serum total cholesterol in subclinical hyperthyroidism (P < 0.01); no significant difference in fasting lipids between patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and controls was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in free T4 between those with low or high TSH and controls with normal TSH suggest that abnormalities of TSH directly reflect thyroid hormone excess and deficiency. A reduction in cholesterol in those with subclinical hyperthyroidism suggests a direct influence of thyroid hormone excess on lipid metabolism in these patients.