Transient hyperthyroidism after surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism: a common problem

Background

Postoperative hyperthyroidism occurs in approximately one third of patients following parathyroidectomy due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), but has only rarely been described in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP). The frequency, course, and laboratory markers of postoperative hyperthyroidism in SHP remain unknown. Our purpose was to evaluate the frequency and the clinical course of postoperative hypcrthyroidism following surgery of SHP and to determine the diagnostic value of thyroglobulin in this setting.

Material and Methods

A total of 40 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy because of SHP were included in this study. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fl4), and thyroglobulin (Tg) were determined one day before and on day 1, 3, 5, 10, and 40 after surgery. At each of these visits patients were clinically evaluated for signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Results

Biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism was evident in 77% of patients postoperatively despite of preoperatively normal serum levels. TSH dropped from 1.18 ± 0.06mU/L to 0.15 ± 0.07mU/L (p = 0.0015). Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and fT4 levels increased from 2.86 ± 0.02ng/L and 10.32 ± 0.13ng/L, respectively, to their maximum of 4.83 ± 0.17ng/L and 19.35 ± 0.58ng/L, respectively. Thyroglobulin levels rose from 3.8 ± 0.8ng/mL to 111.8 ± 45.3ng/mL (p < 0.001). At day 40 all thyroid related laboratory values were within normal range. Correlation analysis of postoperative values revealed significant correlations for lowest TSH (r = -0.32; p = 0.038), and highest fT3 (r = 0.55; p < 0.001) and fT4 levels (r = 0.67; p < 0.001) with Tg.

Conclusion

Transient hyperthyroidism is frequent after parathyroidectomy for SHP with Tg being a suitable marker. Awareness of this self-limiting disorder is important to avoid inappropriate and potentially harmful treatment.     

虚实结合挂线法治疗高位复杂性肛瘘的疗效观察

为探讨虚实结合挂线法治疗高位复杂性肛瘘的临床疗效,将120例高位复杂性肛瘘患者随机分为两组,各60例,一组采用虚实结合挂线法治疗（治疗组）,另一组采用传统的切开挂线术治疗（对照组）,对比分析两组疗效。结果显示,两组患者治愈率无明显差异,P〉0．05;但治愈时间、瘢痕面积、术后肛门功能方面治疗组明显优于对照组,P〈o．05。结果表明,虚实结合挂线法治疗高位复杂性肛瘘在缩短治愈时间、保护肛门功能及肛周皮肤完整性方面有较好效果,值得临床推广。     

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