Hypothyroid Patients Research Articles

Targeting the Manifestations of Subclinical and Overt Hypothyroidism Within the Hippocampus.

The past decade has witnessed a surge of articles describing the neurocognitive sequelae and associated structural and functional brain abnormalities of patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Findings show effects primarily within the frontal lobes with usually worse outcomes for OH than SCH. Several recent studies have also indicated hypothyroid patients may have smaller hippocampi, a key structure for memory. The JCEM paper by Zhang and colleagues applies 2 novel approaches for analyzing hippocampal structure and function. One uses an automated processing tool that segments the hippocampus into distinct subregions, and the other performs connectivity analysis to assess the relationships between specific hippocampal subregions and cortical areas. Relatively large samples of OH and SCH patients and healthy controls received a test of global cognitive functioning and underwent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results showed hypothyroid groups scored significantly below controls on the memory scale and also had smaller hippocampal volumes in selective subregions. Effects were stronger for SCH than OH groups, who also showed different patterns of interconnectivity between hippocampal subregions and specific frontal lobe areas. To make sense of these findings, I explored the rodent and human literatures on thyroid hormone's role in hippocampal functioning and on hippocampal subfields and their purported functions and interconnections. Because current results suggest SCH may represent a distinct clinical entity with unique brain manifestations, I hypothesized 2 explanations for these findings, one involving transporter defects in the brain barriers and the other, differential neurodegeneration of the blood-brain barrier vascular unit.

Nrf2, gp91phox and IL-17 are associated with severity and clinical outcomes of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: a comparative study

The mechanisms underlying subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) remain unclear, making timely and accurate differentiation between hypothyroidism and SCH, as well as severity assessment, challenging. This study aimed to investigate the role of NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2 (Nrf2), gp91phox, and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the pathogenesis of SCH. In this prospective comparative study, 105 SCH patients, 105 hypothyroidism patients, and 105 healthy individuals were enrolled from January 2022 to August 2023. SCH patients were categorized into mild-moderate and severe groups based on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Levels of TSH, free T4 (FT4), free T3 (FT3), thyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-ch), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-ch) were measured. Nrf2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and gp91phox levels were tested using ELISA. Nrf2, IL-17 and gp91phox were significantly higher in SCH and hypothyroidism patients compared to the healthy controls, with hypothyroidism patients showing the highest levels. Nrf2 levels were negatively correlated with TSH, TG-Ab and IL-17, but not gp91phox. Nrf2, IL-17 and gp91phox could be used for diagnosis of SCH and severe SCH. Only TG-Ab, IL-17 and gp91phox were independent risk factors for severe SCH. This study demonstrates a negative correlation between serum Nrf2 levels and SCH severity. TG-Ab, IL-17, and gp91phox are independent risk factors, and their associations with SCH pathology suggest their potential roles in the disease mechanism. These findings provide insights into SCH pathogenesis and highlight the need for further research to elucidate their diagnostic or prognostic significance.

P-610 Elevated/high-normal TSH on day of beta-hCG in sub-clinical hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine associated with better odds of pregnancy in IVF cycles: a nested case-control study

Abstract Study question Is there an association between odds of achieving pregnancy and high-normal/elevated TSH levels in sub-clinical hypothyroid (SCH) patients on levothyroxine replacement who are undergoing IVF? Summary answer Odds of achieving pregnancy are significantly greater when TSH on day of beta-hCG is elevated/high-normal despite levothyroxine replacement in sub-clinical hypothyroid (SCH) patients undergoing IVF. What is known already TSH levels are known to increase following ovarian stimulation (OS). A 2023 Nature publication reported that in euthyroid patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer following OS and IVF, elevated/high-normal TSH levels (>2.5 mIU/mL) are associated with better pregnancy rates. Another recent study found no differences in IVF outcomes between SCH patients whose TSH was maintained=/< 4.2 mIU/mL on levothyroxine vs euthyroid controls. To the best of our knowledge, there are no prospective studies investigating possible association between pregnancy outcome and elevated TSH levels following OS within a cohort of SCH patients on levothyroxine replacement, using 2.5 mIU/mL as a strict cut-off. Study design, size, duration Nested case-control study performed between July-December 2023. PCOS and other endocrinopathies excluded. 100 SCH patients booked for fresh, blastocyst eSET cycles initially recruited after thyroxine replacement. 79 patients completed the study following 5 drop-outs and 16 cases of cycle cancellation/failure, cleavage-stage transfers and freeze-all. Odds of achieving pregnancy (‘cases’) in patients with elevated/high-normal TSH (‘exposure’) on day of beta-hCG determined by Odds Ratio, with beta-hCG negative patients serving as ‘controls’. First IVF cycle data analysed/presented. Participants/materials, setting, methods Study performed at an university-affiliated ART institute. Following institutional ethical clearance, patients with SCH (TSH>2.5 mIU/mL) recruited after informed consent. Levothyroxine replacement initiated to achieve TSH:0.5-2.5 mIU/mL and continued; followed by OS, antagonist IVF/ICSI cycles, hCG trigger and fresh blastocyst eSET. TSH measured again on day of beta-hCG (blinded). Odds Ratio calculated (IBM SPSS V.26) to determine odds of achieving pregnancy in high-normal/elevated group (TSH>2.5 mIU/mL) compared to low-normal group (TSH =/< 2.5 mIU/mL). Main results and the role of chance Baseline demographic characteristics of the single starting cohort of sub-clinical hypothyroid patients undergoing IVF/ICSI (n = 79) are summarized as mean±SD- age: 31.7±4.9 years, BMI: 27.9±14.2 kg/m2, AMH: 3.1±2.4 ng/mL, TSH before levothyroxine replacement: 5.5±2.7 mIU/mL. Data analysis showed that out of 63 patients in whom TSH level elevated > 2.5 mIU/mL on day of beta-hCG, 33 became pregnant (P.R- 52.4%); and out of 16 patients in whom TSH remained =/< 2.5 mIU/mL on day of beta-hCG, 3 became pregnant (P.R- 18.8%). Statistical analysis further revealed that odds of achieving pregnancy in elevated/high-normal TSH group was almost 5 times compared to odds of achieving pregnancy in low-normal TSH group (OR = 4.77, C.I= 1.24-18.37, at 95% confidence), considering TSH values on day of beta-hCG. Mean TSH in pregnant group (n = 36) was also found to be higher (4.2±1.6 mIU/mL) than mean TSH (3.9±1.9 mIU/mL) in those who did not get pregnant (n = 43). Limitations, reasons for caution Our study is limited by its modest sample size and adequately powered, larger prospective studies are needed before definite conclusions can be drawn from our data. Moreover, being an ongoing study, we do not yet have miscarriage and live-birth data for all patients and thus have not reported the same. Wider implications of the findings To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study documenting association between positive pregnancy outcome and high-normal TSH (using TSH>2.5 mIU/mL as cut-off) in SCH patients having fresh blastocyst eSET. Further investigation is required to determine if high-normal TSH following OS has protective impact on IVF, and its underlying mechanism. Trial registration number not applicable

Study of the Efficacy of Sublingual Route Administration of Levothyroxine Na Tablets vs Oral Route in Cases with Refractory Primary Hypothyroidism

Abstract Background Hypothyroidism is a common disorder, with a prevalence of approximately 5% and incidence of approximately 250 /100,000 per year in the adult population both prevalence and incidence keep raising. Levothyroxine is the recommended hormone for replacement therapy in both overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. Aim of the Work Levothyroxine (L-T4) is the standard therapy of hypothyroidism. Our purpose was to compare the efficacy of the L-T4 sublingual tablet administration to standard oral L-T4 tablet in hypothyroid patients with refractory hypothyroidism. Subjects and Methods Our study was conducted on 40 patients who were documented to be refractory to oral thyroxine age range 18- 55, 38 females and 2males. Patients were recruited from Endocrinology and Metabolism clinic at Ain-Shams University and Internal medicine outpatient clinic at 6th of October University during the period from June 2019 to October 2020 Informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Results In our study showed a significant decrease in mean TSH (write the figures) on sublingually administrated levothyroxine tablets compared to orally administrated levothyroxine tablets and a significant rise of mean free T4 after 1 week. yet after 6 weeks there was insignificant difference of FT4 compared to oral levothyroxine. Patients who were antiparietal cell antibody positive demonstrated a non significant rise of free T4 level with almost doubling of level compared to oral levothyroxine at 1 week and 6 weeks interval, this was associated with a significant decline of serum TSH at 6 weeks interval. Also This was associated with a significant improvement in hypothyroidism symptoms Conclusion In conclusion, our study indicated that sublingual route for LT4 tablet administration was safe and innovative route for LT4 administration,it could improve compliance, overcome many obstacles with oral administration for intake with food,coffee,drug interaction and GI malabsorption.

Corneal topography findings among patients with thyroid dysfunction

Background Hormonal dysregulation impacts the metabolism of the cornea and could be linked to keratoconus. Previous research has suggested an association between keratoconus and autoimmune thyroid disorders. Aim The aim of this study was to compare the topographic corneal changes in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional study of 200 patients with thyroid dysfunction attending the Endocrinology Clinic at the Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. The corneal topography of patients was examined with TMS. Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine were measured. Results Two hundred patients with thyroid dysfunction were enrolled in the study. Of them, 129 were hypothyroid patients and 71 were hyperthyroid patients. The study included 137 females and 63 males with a mean age of 32.4 ± 8.2 years. Corneal keratometry readings, including K1, K2, and K max readings, were measured. The mean value of K1 was 45.86 ± 4.69 D, mean K2 was 47.89 ± 5.08 D and the mean corneal thickness was 475 ± 0.36 µm, no relation was found between any of these parameters and serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, or free thyroxine levels. Conclusion In our study, more topographic changes in favor of a thin cornea and steep cornea rather than a true keratoconus were detected in patients with thyroid dysfunction, making cautious analysis of corneal topography important, especially before refractive surgery.

Inference of oxidative stress in patients with hypothyroidism

Introduction and aim. Oxidative stress is one of the complications that accompany defects in thyroid hormone levels. This study was designed to evaluate oxidative stress markers in patients with hypothyroidism. Material and methods. This case control study was comprised of forty-two hypothyroid patients aged 36–46 years and forty age matched (35–43 years) healthy control participants randomly selected from the Endocrine Clinic of Al-Yarmook Hospital in Iraq. Blood levels of thyroid hormones malondialdehyde, glutathione, and paraoxonase-1 were assessed. Body mass index was calculated for each patient and control participant. Results. Regarding the data of oxidative stress markers in hypothyroid patients compared to controls, a significant elevation was reported in blood levels of malondialdehyde and a significant reduction was found in blood levels of glutathione (p=0.031). On the other hand, the blood levels of paraoxonase-1 were significantly different in hypothyroid patients compared with the control. Conclusion. Elevated blood levels of malondialdehyde and declined blood levels of glutathione in hypothyroid patients are a signal of oxidative stress and consequently increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.

UTILITY OF ATHEROGENIC INDEX OF PLASMA AS A CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTOR IN SUB-CLINICAL HYPOTHYROID PATIENTS

Background: Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is a reliable indicator of the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. The objective of this study was to assess the AIP as a cardiovascular risk factor in subclinical hypothyroid patients, in predicting cardiovascular risk in patients of subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital-based laboratory. Patients with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) values between 4.5–10 IU/L and normal T4 were enrolled in the study. The participants were tested after fasting 8–10 hours and at least 3 days of fat-free diet for lipid profile analyzed on an automated chemistry analyzer. Data were analysed using SPSS-22. The odds ratio test was used to assess the risk of outcome keeping 1 as a positive measure to encounter outcome. Results: A total of 170 patients were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 44.7±10.8 years. The AIP results indicated 118 (69.4%) as high risk, 41 (24.1%) as intermediate risk, and 11 (6.4%) as low risk (p<0.001). The assessment of outcome risk results indicated a positive association of exposure to outcome in TSH value of 6–7 mIU/L as OR 2.15 (CI: 1.81–4.13) while TSH value of 8–9 mIU/L as OR 1.08 (CI: 0.71–2.16). Conclusion: Sub-clinical hypothyroidism is associated with a higher risk of AIP especially with TSH levels of 4–8 mIU/L and age group of <50 years. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(2):7-10

Connecting the dots: analysing the relationship between AHI and ODI in obstructive sleep apnea

BackgroundIn the lab type-1 Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). But in view, the increasing prevalence, highly expensive, and the presence of a pandemic state make it sometimes impractical to perform PSG in all patients suspected of OSA. The objective of our study was to compare the correlation between the gold standard Autoscored Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) and Oxygen desaturation index (ODI) based classification of the severity of OSA.MethodologyIt was a single-centered hospital-based cross-sectional study in which a total of 176 Subjects suspected of OSA were recruited and underwent overnight 7 channels of in-lab polysomnography at AIIMS Patna. Demographic details, comorbidities, and lab data were collected for all enrolled patients. BMI, STOP-BANG score, and Epworth sleepiness score (ESS) were also calculated for all subjects. They were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe OSA based on AHI and ODI values of 5–14.9, 15–29.9, and ≥ 30 events per hour, respectively.Recordings of polysomnography (PSG) were presented with descriptive statistics. Data is presented as the “mean ± standard deviations” for continuous variables and percentage frequencies for categorical variables. The Chi-square test was used to compare the discrete variables. Statistical significance was set at an alpha level of 0.05 with P < 0.05, with a two-tailed probability. Spearman's rank correlation analysis was used to test the strength and direction of the association between OSA severity (using AHI classification) and the Oxygen Desaturation Index.ResultsThe Mean (SD) age of patients enrolled in our study was 47.42(12.60) years with 57.95% males. Among comorbidities, 31.8% (n = 56) were known cases or incidentally diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, 43.18% (n = 76) were hypertensive and 31.8% (n = 56) had hypothyroidism. The mean HbA1c level among Diabetic patients was 6.05 (1.27) and the mean TSH level among Hypothyroidism patients was 12.24 (27.34). There was a positive correlation between AHI and ODI in our study (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.897).ConclusionGood concordance between AHI and ODI makes nocturnal oximetry a less expensive tool to confidently screen patients with severe OSA. This may be applicable in smaller centers where facilities and expertise for a full night PSG may not be easily available.

Calcium Imbalance and Hypothyroidism: Exploring the Relationship

Background: The thyroid gland synthesizes mainly two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4) which are important to maintain various functions especially metabolic, mineral and thermogenic homeostasis in body. The disorders of thyroid function especially hypothyroidism is important it can cause of disturbance in calcium metabolism by their direct action on bone turnover.Objective: This study was designed to assess the role of hypothyroidism in serum calcium levels.Materials and Methods: This case-control study was done in the Laboratory Service Department, Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital, Enayetpur, Sirajganj from February 2023 to June 2023. A total of 45 subjects of hypothyroidism of both sexes were selected for the purpose. Data were collected in and analysis was done by IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA) software. The categorical variables were represented as percentages and measurable variables as mean ± SD. Pearson’s correlation test was used to observe the correlation of calcium level with other variables. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: There is a significant positive correlation of serum T3 &amp; T4 with serum calcium in hypothyroid patients. The r value is +0.73(p value = 0.02). (r value + 0.78and p value &lt; 0.05) respectively. There is strong negative correlation between TSH and serum calcium levels in hypothyroid patients (r value -0.58 and p value0.03).Conclusion: This study result shows, serum calcium levels significantly decrease in hypothyroid patients. Therefore, it is important to check the level of calcium in thyroid disorders. If necessary, the supplementation of mineral should be given in order to prevent further bone complication. KYAMC Journal Volume: 14, No: 04, January 2024: 194-197.

Association of Serum Thyroxine and Atrial Fibrillation in Patients on Levothyroxine.

Excess thyroid hormone is a well-documented risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of the study is to assess incidence of AF in patients taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and correlate it with biochemical thyroid function. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18 years and older who were treated with levothyroxine. Exclusion criteria were pre-existing diagnosis of AF and use of amiodarone in the prior year. Patients were followed 2012 through 2019 and stratified into 4 groups based on mean thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) value or mean fT4 value in 2012. Primary outcome was incidence of AF. Rates of AF between groups were assessed via Poisson regression with control of underlying confounders. Of 21,035 patients, 1091 (5.2%) developed AF during follow-up. Thyroid-stimulating hormone at baseline was not significantly associated with incident AF. Higher fT4 levels at baseline were associated with increased AF risk in age- and sex-adjusted analyses (hazard ratio 1.22; 95% CI, 1.03-1.44) for the highest quartile versus the lowest quartile of fT4. In hypothyroid patients treated with levothyroxine, higher circulating fT4 levels are associated with increased risk of incident AF. There is no association of serum TSH with risk of AF. In patients at risk for AF, consideration should be given to avoiding fT4 levels in the highest quartile.

Frequency and Determinants of Depression in Hypothyroidism Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Several studies have reported a strong association between depression and hypothyroidism, including from several regions of Saudi Arabia. However, studies on the frequency of depression among patients with hypothyroidism from the Western region of Saudi Arabia is limited. To determine the frequency and risk factors of depression among patients with hypothyroidism in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and included adult patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism. After contacting the patients through phone calls and obtaining their consent, a questionnaire weblink was sent. The first part of the questionnaire elicited details regarding demographics and history of hypothyroidism, while the second part comprised the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to evaluate depression. A total of 100 patients completed the survey, of which 80% were found to have depression (mild: 35%, moderate: 26%, moderate to severe: 12, severe: 7%). There was no significant association between depression and gender, age group, employment status, and marital status. In the bivariate analysis, a significant association was found between depression and reporting fatigue (P < 0.001), constipation (P < 0.001), hair loss (P = 0.002), cold intolerance (P = 0.014), dry skin (P = 0.028), memory problems (P = 0.029), and menorrhagia (P = 0.037). However, in the multivariate analysis, only reporting fatigue was found to be significantly associated with depression (P = 0.040; OR = 15.215). This study found that the prevalence of depression was very high among patients with hypothyroidism in the Western region of Saudi Arabia, and that fatigue is an independent risk factor of depression.

DEFICIENCY OF VITAMIN D IN PATIENT WITH PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM AND AS RELATED RISK FACTOR FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Hypothyroidism is believed to be associated with dyslipidemia and is considered a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Vitamin D, due to its steroid hormone action, retains cell function and controls the metabolism of lipids. Therefore, the present study was carried out to show the association of the risk factors of ASCVD. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is caused by both clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism by disrupting healthy endothelial function by various mechanisms such as inflam- mation, triggering lipid disorders and oxidative stress. In the present study, a strong correlation was observed between increasing TSH and the parameters of lipid profile Hypothyroidism and hypovitaminosis D are known as inde-pendent risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Hypothyroidism and hypovitaminosis D are associated and correlated with total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein in Saudi patients. It is also recom- mended that vitamin D deficiency be checked in hypothyroid patients and that appropriate supplementation may be given if needed. Furthermore, for early detection and/or prediction of cardiovascular disease, screening of thyroid hormone and vitamin D levels should be undertaken at an early stage.

Treatment of Obesity with Thyroid hormones in Europe. Data from the THESIS* Collaboration.

The use of thyroid hormones (TH) to treat obesity is unsupported by evidence as reflected in international guidelines. We explored views about this practice, and associations with respondent characteristics among European thyroid specialists. Specialists from 28 countries were invited to a survey via professional organisations. The relevant question was whether "Thyroid hormones may be indicated in biochemically euthyroid patients with obesity resistant to lifestyle interventions". Of 17,232 invitations 5695 responses were received (33% valid response rate; 65% women; 90% endocrinologists). Of these, 290 (5.1%) stated that TH may be indicated as treatment for obesity in euthyroid patients. This view was commoner among non-endocrinologists (8.7% vs. 4.7%, p < 0.01), private practice (6.5% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.01), and varied geographically (Eastern Europe, 7.3%; Southern Europe, 4.8%; Western Europe, 2.7%; and Northern Europe, 2.5%). Respondents from Northern and Western Europe were less likely to use TH than those from Eastern Europe (p < 0.01). Gross national income (GNI) correlated inversely with this view (OR 0.97, CI: 0.96-0.97; p < 0.001). Having national guidelines on hypothyroidism correlated negatively with treating obesity with TH (OR 0.71, CI: 0.55-0.91). Despite the lack of evidence, and contrary to guidelines' recommendations, about 5% of respondents stated that TH may be indicated as a treatment for obesity in euthyroid patients resistant to life-style interventions. This opinion was associated with (i) respondent characteristics: being non-endocrinologist, working in private practice, treating a small number of hypothyroid patients annually and (ii) national characteristics: prevalence of obesity, Eastern Europe, low GNI and lack of national hypothyroidism guidelines.

Changes of cardiac function: cardiac adaptation in patients with hypothyroidism assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance-a meta-analysis.

The meta-analysis aimed to explore the cardiac adaptation in hypothyroidism patients by cardiac magnetic resonance. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, and Sinomed for clinical studies of hypothyroidism on cardiac function changes. Databases were searched from the earliest data to 15 June 2023. Two authors retrieved studies and evaluated their quality. Review Manager 5.4.1 and Stata18 were used to analyze the data. This study is registered with the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY), 202440114. Six studies were selected for further analysis. Five of them reported differences in cardiac function measures between patients with hypothyroidism and healthy controls, and three studies reported cardiac function parameters after treatment in patients with hypothyroidism. The fixed-effect model combined WMD values for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had a pooled effect size of -1.98 (95% CI -3.50 to -0.44], P=0.01), implying that LVEF was lower in patients with hypothyroidism than in healthy people. Analysis of heterogeneity found moderate heterogeneity (P = 0.08, I² = 50%). WMD values for stroke volume (SV), cardiac index (CI), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index(LVEDVI), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LESVI), and left ventricular mass index(LVMI) were also analyzed, and pooled effect sizes showed the CI and LVEDVI of patients with hypothyroidism ware significantly decrease (WMD=-0.47, 95% CI [-0.93 to -0.00], P=0.05, WMD=-7.99, 95%CI [-14.01 to -1.96], P=0.009, respectively). Patients with hypothyroidism tended to recover cardiac function after treatment [LVEF (WMD = 6.37, 95%CI [2.05, 10.69], P=0.004), SV (WMD = 7.67, 95%CI [1.61, 13.74], P=0.01), CI (WMD = 0.40, 95%CI [0.01, 0.79], P=0.05)], and there was no difference from the healthy controls. Hypothyroidism could affect cardiac function, although this does not cause significant heart failure. It may be an adaptation of the heart to the hypothyroid state. There was a risk that this adaptation may turn into myocardial damage. Cardiac function could be restored after treatment in patients with hypothyroidism. Aggressive levothyroxine replacement therapy should be used to reverse cardiac function. https://inplasy.com, identifier (INPLASY202440114).

Medication reconciliation to minimise medication errors: Iatrogenic hypercalcaemia as a case report

Hypercalcaemia is a relatively less common yet life-threatening electrolyte disorder and is caused by parathyroid-dependent and independent factors. This case report describes an elderly lady, a known patient of stable hypothyroidism, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-oliguric chronic kidney disease-IV who presented with complaints of gradually worsening drowsiness. Investigations revealed a hypercalcemic crisis; all other contributory investigations were unremarkable. She was put on intravenous saline rehydration, furosemide, pamidronate, and calcitonin. However, due to new-onset haemodynamic instability, cardiomyopathy, and worsening renal parameters, haemodialysis was initiated to reduce the serum calcium levels rapidly. The patient remained asymptomatic after that, and her renal parameters improved to near baseline levels, though cardiac function improvement was not obtained at the end of one month. History elicited from the patient after her neurological improvement revealed that failing to interpret the prescription of three orthopaedics she had visited lately, she followed all simultaneously and had thus consumed toxic levels of calcium and Vitamin D. Medication reconciliatory measures such as e-prescribing, computerised drug dispensing system, automated patient drug dispensing boxes and ‘brown-bagging’ all ongoing medications during the physician visits would ensure reduction in medication errors, thus avoiding adverse events, reducing uncalled for mortalities and morbidities and healthcare cost.

Hypothyroidism and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Correlation Study

Background: Thyroid disease is one of the most common illnesses in the UAE, which could be linked to vast numbers of people suffering from vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to explore the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and thyroid function parameters in men and women with diagnosed hypothyroidism. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional observational study included 86 patients (78[90.7%] women and 8[9.3%] men) with diagnosed hypothyroidism. The patients were divided into two groups, male and female. These two groups were compared in terms of age, TSH, free-T4 (FT4), vitamin D, free-T3 (FT3), and body mass index (BMI). In addition, the correlation between levels of vitamin D and TSH was also examined in these two groups. The mean age of the patients was 27.5 years, and BMI was 28.00 kg/m2, indicating overweight. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 61(70.9%) patients and severe vitamin D deficiency in 10(11.6%) patients with hypothyroidism. 25(OH)D levels were significantly low in patients with high TSH levels, showing a weak negative correlation (r=-0.132, P=0.043). A negligible positive correlation was identified between 25(OH)D levels and FT4 r=0.089, P&gt;0.05) and FT3 (r=0.071, P&gt;0.05), and a negligible negative correlation with BMI (r=-0.059, P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: There is a clear indication that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in hypothyroid patients and that these subjects have lower levels of serum 25(OH)D. Suggesting that lower serum 25(OH)D is related to hypothyroidism and the deficiency in vitamin D plays a role in the development of the disease.

The frequency of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients in Slemani city /Iraq

Background and objective: Thyroid disorders caused by blood transfusion in thalassemia patients could affect human health and growth, this study was conducted to determine the frequency of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism in blood transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients in the city of Slemani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Methods: The current study is a retrospective cross-sectional study (comparative analysis) conducted in Slemani center for thalassemia patients and congenital blood, between December 2021 and July 2022. Participants included l07 thalassemia patients with medical records the sampling method was a convenience method. The data was collected through the review of patients' files and blood tests, including( thyroid hormones, hemoglobin level, serum ferritin level), with a questionnaire that was completed through an interview with the patients. Results: The results of thyroid function tests have shown that 21/107 pateints (19.6%) have hypothyroidism, 6 patients have overt hypothyroidism, and 15 patients have subclinical showed that 23/107 patients and 4/107 patients had hight and low levels,respectively, and there was statistically a significant difference in the average Thyroid stimulating hormone and serum thyroxin levels in two groups of hypothyroid and euthyroid patients and mean ferritine serum level between these two groups was 2166.7±2174.8 and 2068.37±1919.97 respictively ,which was not a statistically significant difference . Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of hypothyroidism in thalassemia patients, measuring Thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxin can be very important and vital in the initial screenings,effective treatment and follow-up of patients.

The effect of hypothyroidism on cardiovascular events and type 2 diabetes mellitus developing in rheumatoid arthritis

To compare the frequency of cardiovascular events (CVE), to assess the risk of cardiovascular death using the mSCORE and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) using the FINDRISC in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with and without hypothyroidism. The study included 149 patients (125 women, 24 men) with RA (median age - 57 [52; 61] years). In all patients, traditional factors of cardiovascular risk and glucose metabolism disorders (age, smoking status, total blood cholesterol, blood pressure, overweight, abdominal obesity - AO, heredity burdened by diabetes, insufficient physical activity, the lack of the necessary amount of berries, fruits and vegetables in the daily diet, history of hyperglycemia episodes), the 10-year risk of death from cardiovascular causes according to the mSCORE and the risk of developing type 2 DM according to the FINDRISС were assessed, a history of CVE (myocardial infarctions, and its revascularization, stroke) was recorded. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 17.4% of RA patients. Patients with hypothyroidism (group 1) were more likely to have AO and less likely to consume unsufficient dietary fiber than patients with euthyroidism (group 2). Moderate, high and very high risk of development according to the mSCORE and FINDRISC was detected in 61.5% of hypothyroid patients and 48.8% euthyroid patients, according to mSCORE alone - in 30.8 and 44.7%, according to FINDRISC - in 0 and 2.4%, respectively (p>0.05 in all cases); 11.5% of patients in group 1 and 6.5% in group 2 suffered from CVE (OR 1.875, 95% CI 0.462-7.607; p=0.63). It is necessary to evaluate the thyroid gland function, especially in patients with AO due to the high frequency of hypothyroidism in RA. Hypothyroidism did not have an independent effect on the severe CVЕ rates, as well as risk assessment according to the score and FINDRISC in RA patients. Theses, with and without hypothyroidism, were predominantly in the moderate, high, very high risk groups according to both scales.

Investigating the effect of levothyroxine replacement on cholesterol levels in hypothyroid patients

ABSTRACT Introduction: Effects of levothyroxine therapy on the lipid profile of hypothyroid patients lead to decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Objective: Overt or subclinical hypothyroid dysfunction has negative effects on lipid metabolism and leads to hypercholesterolemia that in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. In this matter, several interventional studies investigated the effects of levothyroxine therapy on the lipid profile of hypothyroid patients, and conflicting results have been obtained. The current research aims to investigate the effect of levothyroxine replacement on cholesterol levels in hypothyroid patients. Methods: The present prospective study examined 112 patients (mean age of 43.80 ± 14.36 years) with overt hypothyroidism. To do so, 72.3% of patients were females. Levothyroxine replacement therapy was prescribed for patients, and they were examined monthly to evaluate the effects of therapy on their lipid profiles. After reaching normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), the patients’ laboratory parameters, including TSH, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, were surveyed. Results: After Levothyroxine therapy, there was a significant reduction in mean TSH (62.03 vs. 2.33 ± 1.95; P &lt; 0.0001), triglycerides (145.57 ± 88.65 vs. 121.91 ± 59.52, P = 0.002), cholesterol (203.90 ± 53.73 vs. 166.65 ± 40.07, P &lt; 0.0001), and serum LDL (123.61 ± 45.03 vs. 95.99 ± 24.20, P &lt; 0.0001), but the mean value of serum HDL did not show any significant change (54.18 ± 16.60 vs. 51.59 ± 18.38, P = 0.274). Conclusions: Levothyroxine therapy has beneficial effects on lipid profile in patients with overt hypothyroidism because it decreases serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL. However, levothyroxine therapy does not significantly change HDL levels.

ASSESSMENT OF THYROID FUNCTION IN BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Its well known that thalassemia is the most prevalent genetic disorder worldwide. β thalassemia major is the basic form of thalassemia major that requires lifelong blood transfusions. one of the most prevalent endocrine issues in beta-thalassemia major is hypothyroidism. The current study was aimed to assess the thyroid function status in chronically transfused Beta thalassemia major patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 278 patients diagnosed with beta thalassemia major. The study lasted for 12 months interval, from January 2021 to January 2022. Serum free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone and Ferritin levels were measured for all patients using Roche Cobas 6000 analyzer. Results: The study observed a high prevalence rate of subclinical hypothyroidism (41.2%) and as well as, (2.9%) had overt hypothyroidism. There was insignificant high level of serum ferritin among hypothyroid patients. Nineteen of the subclinical hypothyroid patients (16.5%) had splenectomy, whereas, no one with clinical hypothyroidism had splenectomy. Conclusion: The study conclude that near half of beta thalassemia major patients were had overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism.