Median Thyroid-stimulating Hormone Levels Research Articles

A Neglected Point: Frailty in Older Adults with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

This study investigated the risk of frailty in older adults with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and the effect of thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) levels on frailty. This single-center, cross-sectional study included 70 DTC patients aged ≥60 years with stable TSH levels during the previous year while receiving levothyroxine. Frailty was assessed using the fried frailty phenotype (FFP). Anterior thigh muscle thickness was measured by ultrasound, and the sonographic thigh adjustment ratio (STAR) index was calculated. Muscle strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Physical activity was determined by the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE). The median (interquartile range) age and follow-up time were 65 years (62 to 71) and 11 years (7.0 to 14.2), respectively. The median TSH level was 1.10 μIU/mL (0.49 to 1.62), and 58.6% of patients were prefrail/frail. Muscle mass and strength were reduced in 35.7% and 17.2% of patients, respectively. TSH levels were lower in those with prefrailty/frailty (P=0.002), low muscle mass (P=0.014), and low strength (P=0.037) than in their normal counterparts. TSH levels correlated negatively with FFP (P= 0.001) and positively with the STAR index (P=0.034). TSH below 1.325 μIU/mL was associated with an increased frailty risk (area under the curve=0.719; P=0.001). Low TSH, female sex, low handgrip strength, and low PASE leisure time scores emerged as independent predictors of frailty (P<0.05). Older adults with lower TSH levels due to DTC are at high frailty risk and have low muscle mass and strength. Therefore, TSH targets should be set based on a comprehensive evaluation with consideration of the risk-benefit ratio.

Iodine Nutrition, Thyroid-stimulating Hormone, and Related Factors of Postpartum Women from three Different Areas in China: A Cross-sectional Survey*

ObjectiveStudies on the relationship between iodine, vitamin A (VA), and vitamin D (VD) and thyroid function are limited. This study aimed to analyze iodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) status and their possible relationships with VA, VD, and other factors in postpartum women. MethodsA total of 1,311 mothers (896 lactating and 415 non-lactating) from Hebei, Zhejiang, and Guangxi provinces were included in this study. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC), TSH, VA, and VD were measured. ResultsThe median UIC of total and lactating participants were 142.00 µg/L and 139.95 µg/L, respectively. The median TSH, VA, and VD levels in all the participants were 1.89 mIU/L, 0.44 µg/mL, and 24.04 ng/mL, respectively. No differences in the UIC were found between lactating and non-lactating mothers. UIC and TSH levels were significantly different among the three provinces. The rural UIC was higher than the urban UIC. Obese mothers had a higher UIC and a higher prevalence of excessive TSH. Higher UICs and TSHs levels were observed in both the VD deficiency and insufficiency groups than in the VD-sufficient group. After adjustment, no linear correlation was observed between UIC and VA/VD. No interaction was found between vitamins A/D and UIC on TSH levels. ConclusionThe mothers in the present study had no iodine deficiency. Region, area type, BMI, and VD may be related to the iodine status or TSH levels.

Fetal sexual dimorphism of maternal thyroid function parameters during pregnancy, a single center retrospective real-world study.

Thyroid function during pregnancy fluctuates with gestational weeks, seasons and other factors. However, it is currently unknown whether there is a fetal sex-specific thyroid function in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fetal sex differences of maternal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) in pregnant women. This single-center retrospective real-world study was performed by reviewing the medical records of pregnant women who received regular antenatal health care and delivered liveborn infants in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital (Pudong branch), from Aug. 18, 2013 to Jul. 18, 2020. Quantile regression was used to evaluate the relationship between various variables and TSH and FT4 concentrations. The quantile regression also evaluated the sex impact of different gestational weeks on the median of TSH and FT4. A total of 69,243 pregnant women with a mean age of 30.36 years were included. 36197 (52.28%) deliveries were boys. In the three different trimesters, the median levels (interquartile range) of TSH were 1.18 (0.66, 1.82) mIU/L and 1.39 (0.85, 2.05) mIU/L, 1.70 (1.19, 2.40) mIU/L; and the median levels (interquartile range) of FT4 were 16.63 (15.16, 18.31) pmol/L, 14.09 (12.30, 16.20) pmol/L and 13.40 (11.52, 14.71) pmol/L, respectively. The maternal TSH upper limit of reference ranges was decreased more in mothers with female fetuses during gestational weeks 7 to 12, while their FT4 upper limit of the reference ranges was increased more than those with male fetuses. After model adjustment, the median TSH level was 0.11 mIU/L lower (P <0.001), and FT4 level was 0.14 pmol/L higher (P <0.001) for mothers with female fetuses than those with male fetuses during gestational weeks 9 to 12. We identified sexual dimorphism in maternal thyroid function parameters, especially during 9-12 weeks of pregnancy. Based on previous research, we speculated that it may be related to the higher HCG levels of mothers who were pregnant with girls during this period. However, longitudinal studies are needed to determine if fetal sex differences impact the maternal thyroid function across pregnancy.

Anaemia-based screening for resistance to thyroid hormone alpha in children.

The hypothyroid phenotype associated with resistance to thyroid hormone alpha (RTH-α) is associated with a diverse clinical picture. On the other hand, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are normal. Free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels can also be normal; however, normo- or macrocytic anaemia is usually present in reported cases. Diagnosis is challenging and there is limited data regarding screening methods. The study aimed to assess the efficiency of a screening strategy for RTH-α. Out of a total of 6540 children evaluated at the outpatient clinics of paediatric neurology over 2 years and who underwent complete blood count and thyroid function tests, 432 were found to have anaemia. Within this group, we identified 42 children without an underlying specific neurological aetiology who exhibited normo- or macrocytic anaemia, normal TSH levels, fT3 levels in the upper half of the normal range or high, and fT4 levels in the lower half of the normal range or low. We excluded one patient who had already been diagnosed with RTH-α and nine patients could not be reached. Subsequently, clinical evaluation, biochemical assessment, and THRA sequencing analysis were conducted on 32 children. The findings were compared with those of the known RTH-α patients in our unit. The median age of the patients was 5.7 (5.1-7.4) years, and 22 of them were males (69%). The main reasons for assessment in paediatric neurology clinics were autism spectrum disorder (n = 12, 38%), epilepsy (n = 11, 34%), and delay in developmental stages (n = 8, 25%). Constipation was present in five of the cases (16%), while the closure of the anterior fontanelle and tooth eruption were delayed in two cases (6%) and one case (3%), respectively. The median length/height and weight standard deviation (SD) scores were 0.3 [(-0.8)-(1.1)] and -0.1 [(-0.8)-(0.3)], respectively. The median fT3, fT4, and TSH levels were 4.6 (4.2-5.0) pg/mL, 0.9 (0.8-1.0) ng/dL, and 2.2 (1.8-3.1) uIU/mL, respectively. Thirteen of the patients (41%) had high fT3 levels, while none of them had low fT4 levels. The normo- or macrocytic anaemia rate was 47% (normocytic/macrocytic, n = 8/7) at the time of reassessment. Serum creatine kinase (CK) was elevated in five patients (16%; one had anaemia). None of the subjects had a pathological variant in THRA. Known RTH-α patients had significantly lower median height SD score, higher rates of delayed tooth eruption and closure of the anterior fontanelle, lower haemoglobin levels, and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and CK levels as compared to those found without RTH-α. This approach found one known patient with RTH-α but did not reveal any new cases. Notably, normo- or macrocytic anaemia did not persist in nearly half of the screened patients. A screening strategy that takes clinical findings and prominent laboratory features suggestive of RTH-α into account could lower unnecessary genetic analysis of THRA in patients presenting with neurological problems.

Preoperative Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels and Risk of Thyroid Cancer in Post-thyroidectomy Patients for Thyroid Nodules: A Study From a Tertiary Hospital in Western Saudi Arabia.

Background Although serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is one of the basic investigations to assess thyroid nodules, its role in thyroid oncogenesis remains unclear. Previous literature has conflicting findings regarding TSH levels and the prediction of malignancy. This study aims to investigate the association between TSH levels and the risk of malignancy and advanced staging in patients who underwent thyroidectomy for nodular thyroid disease. Additionally, it aims to assess if higher TSH correlates with malignancy in Bethesda staging III, IV, and V. Methodology This retrospective cohort study was conducted among participants who underwent near-total/total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy at King Abdulaziz Medical City between 2016 and 2021. Results A total of 378 cases were included, and 50.3% of the cases had malignant nodules in the surgical histopathology findings. The median TSH levels were higher in malignant nodules compared to benign ones (1.64 mIU/L versus 1.49 mIU/L; p < 0.001). Additionally, higher TSH levels were not associated with advanced staging or malignancy in patients with Bethesda stage III-V. Conclusions Higher TSH levels are associated with an increased risk of malignancy in patients with nodular thyroid disease. Using TSH levels as an adjunctive tool for identifying high-risk patients with thyroid nodules would aid in management planning.

Pregnancy outcomes and neonatal thyroid function in women with thyroid cancer: a retrospective study

BackgroundEvidence regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with thyroid cancer has been conflicting, and the effect of thyroid dysfunction caused by thyroid hormone suppression therapy in terms of neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether thyroid cancer was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and had an adverse effect on neonatal thyroid function.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 212 singleton pregnancies with thyroid cancer and 35,641 controls without thyroid cancer. Data on maternal pregnancy outcomes and neonatal outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe median TSH level in the thyroid cancer group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.87 µIU/mL vs. 1.17 µIU/mL; P < 0.001), while the FT4 level was higher than that in the control group (17.16 pmol/L vs. 16.33 pmol/L; P < 0.001). The percentage of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) positive in the thyroid cancer group was significantly higher than that in the control group (25.0% vs. 11.8%; P < 0.001). Pregnancies with thyroid cancer had a higher risk of late miscarriage (OR 7.166, 95% CI: 1.521, 33.775, P = 0.013), after adjusting maternal TPOAb positive, there was no statistical significance (OR 3.480, 95% CI: 0.423, 28.614, P = 0.246). Pregnancies with thyroid cancer had higher gestational weight gain (GWG) (14.0 kg vs. 13.0 kg, P < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (20.8% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.194), the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed that fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour value in the thyroid cancer group were higher than those in the control group (P = 0.020 and 0.004, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in TSH between the thyroid cancer group and the control group, regardless of full-term newborns or preterm newborns.ConclusionsThyroid cancer might not have substantial adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes except for excessive GWG. No adverse effect on neonatal TSH was found, but the effect on long-term thyroid function and neuropsychological function in offspring need further study.Trial registrationBeijing Birth Cohort Study (ChiCTR220058395).

Relationship of iodine excess with thyroid function in 6-year-old children living in an iodine-replete area.

Adequate iodine intake is essential for growing children, as both deficient and excessive iodine status can result in thyroid dysfunction. We investigated the iodine status and its association with thyroid function in 6-year-old children from South Korea. A total of 439 children aged 6 (231 boys and 208 girls) were investigated from the Environment and Development of Children cohort study. The thyroid function test included free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Urine iodine status was evaluated using urine iodine concentration (UIC) in morning spot urine and categorized into iodine deficient (< 100 μg/L), adequate (100-199 μg/L), more than adequate (200-299 μg/L), mild excessive (300-999 μg/L), and severe excessive (≥ 1000 μg/L) groups. The estimated 24-hour urinary iodine excretion (24h-UIE) was also calculated. The median TSH level was 2.3 μIU/mL, with subclinical hypothyroidism detected in 4.3% of patients without sex differences. The median UIC was 606.2 μg/L, with higher levels in boys (684 μg/L vs. 545 μg/L, p = 0.021) than girls. Iodine status was categorized as deficient (n = 19, 4.3%), adequate (n = 42, 9.6%), more than adequate (n = 54, 12.3%), mild excessive (n = 170, 38.7%), or severe excessive (n = 154, 35.1%). After adjusting for age, sex, birth weight, gestational age, body mass index z-score, and family history, both the mild and severe excess groups showed lower FT4 (β = - 0.04, p = 0.032 for mild excess; β = - 0.04, p = 0.042 for severe excess) and T3 levels (β = - 8.12, p = 0.009 for mild excess; β = - 9.08, p = 0.004 for severe excess) compared to the adequate group. Log-transformed estimated 24h-UIE showed a positive association with log-transformed TSH levels (β = 0.04, p = 0.046). Excess iodine was prevalent (73.8%) in 6-year-old Korean children. Excess iodine was associated with a decrease in FT4 or T3 levels and an increase in TSH levels. The longitudinal effects of iodine excess on later thyroid function and health outcomes require further investigation.

Iodine status of pregnant women in iodine-sufficient regions: A tertiary care unit experience.

The recommended urinary iodine concentration (UIC) levels in the overall adult population is 100-199 μg/L whereas 150-249 μg/L in pregnant women. The objective is to determine the prevalence and severity of iodine deficiency in pregnant women in Amasya, which is located in the Western Black Sea region in Turkey, where sufficient iodine levels were achieved in the normal population. In this single-center study, we retrospectively searched hospital patient records and identified pregnant women who were assessed for iodine levels between January 2019 and January 2021. A total of 408 pregnant women were found eligible for the study. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, antithyroid peroxidase antibodies, and antithyroglobulin antibodies in serum samples and UIC were evaluated and compared between the trimesters. Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy was defined as UIC <150 μg/L. Median UIC and median TSH levels were 129 (range 45-452) μg/L and 2.98 (range 0.01-71.2) μIU/ml, respectively. 81.1% of pregnant women had UIC <150 μg/L. Iodine intake was adequate in 17.4% of pregnant whereas excessive in 1.5%. Prevalence of iodine deficiency during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters were 82.1%, 82.4%, and 74.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in UIC levels between trimesters (P = 0.399). 72.9% of pregnant womens had TSH >2.5 mIU/L in the 1st trimester. Iodine deficiency in pregnancy may exist in an iodine-sufficient population. Appropriate measures must be taken to ensure sufficient iodine levels in these individuals.

Correlation of Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome with Extubation Outcome in Mechanically Ventilated Children: A Prospective Cohort Study

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the relationship between non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) and extubation outcomes in pediatric patients requiring mechanical ventilation. This prospective cohort study included 59 patients who underwent mechanical ventilation in the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital from July 2020 to June 2021. Each patient underwent laboratory testing including serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), and reverse T3 (rT3) on the first and third days of mechanical ventilation. On the first day of mechanical ventilation, 62.7% of patients had low fT3, which significantly increased to 78% of patients on the third day. In comparison to values on day one, median levels of fT3 and fT4 significantly decreased and rT3 significantly increased on day three. However, no significant differences were found in the median TSH levels over the same time span. Thirty-five patients (59%) survived while 24 patients (41%) did not survive. Compared with survivors, non-survivors had significantly higher median serum TSH levels on day one, while all other thyroid function tests assays did not significantly differ between days one and three. Of note, serum TSH, fT3, fT4, and rT3 levels, on the first and third days, did not differ significantly between patients who experienced extubation failure and extubation success. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine thyroid function values in mechanically ventilated children to determine their correlation with extubation outcomes. In this study, NTIS did not correlate with extubation outcomes in critically ill children undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Menstrual Pattern of Reproductive Age Group Women and Their Association with Thyroid Dysfunction

Background and Aim: Thyroid hormones play a significant role in physiology of normal reproductive system. Thyroid dysfunction is extremely common in women and effect certain metabolic process and menstrual irregularities. The present study aimed to assess the menstrual pattern of reproductive age group women and their association with thyroid dysfunction. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 140 women with menstrual irregularities who were assessed for thyroid dysfunction in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient Department of Sindh Government Hospital Karachi, January 2021 to December 2021. All the reproductive age group women between (15-45 years) with menstrual irregularities were enrolled. Women with a history of thyroid dysfunction and taking anti-thyroid drugs were excluded from the study. Individual age, thyroid hormones level, and type of menstrual irregularities were recorded. ELISA technique was used for the determination of thyroid hormones. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, serum free triiodothyronine (T3), and free thyroxine (T4) were used for the assessment of thyroid dysfunction. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Results: The overall mean age of the study population was 27.8 ± 5.3 years with an age range from 15 years to 45 years. The age-wise distribution of patients were as follows; 15-25 years n=67, (47.8%), 26-35 years n=46 (32.9%), and 36-45 years n=27 (19.3%). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 22% (n=31). The clinical presentations of menstrual patterns were as follows; Irregular menstruation 66.4% (n=93), Oligomenorrhea 4.3% (n=6), Menorrhagia 15.7% (n=22), Polymenorrhea 7.9% (n=11), and Metropathia 6.4% (n=9). Of the total 31 thyroid dysfunction women, the incidence of normal, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was 82 (58.6%), 12 (38.7%) and 1 (1.4%) respectively. The median TSH level was 2 mIU/L IQR (1.0-4.0). The mean level of T3 and T4 was 2.83±1.13 pg/ml and 1.38±1.1 ng/dl respectively. Conclusion: The present study found that hypothyroidism is the most prevalent thyroid dysfunction among women of reproductive age with different menstrual irregularities. The most common clinical presentation was menorrhagia, polymenorrhea, and oligomenorrhea.. Hence the thyroid function evaluation should be mandatory in cases of DUB to detect thyroid dysfunction so the cases have to evaluated for further medical help Keywords: Menstrual Pattern, Reproductive age group women, Thyroid dysfunction

Thyroid Signaling Biomarkers in Female Symptomatic Hypothyroid Patients on Liothyronine versus Levothyroxine Monotherapy: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background Levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are believed to reflect degree of disease in patients with hypothyroidism, and normalization of levels is the treatment goal. However, despite adequate levels of TSH after starting levothyroxine (LT4) therapy, 5–10% of hypothyroid patients complain of persisting symptoms with a significant negative impact on quality of life. This indicates that TSH is not an optimal indicator of intracellular thyroid hormone effects in all patients. Our aim was to investigate different effects of LT3 and LT4 monotherapy on other biomarkers of the thyroid signaling pathway, in addition to adverse effects, in patients with residual hypothyroid symptoms. Methods Fifty-nine female hypothyroid patients, with residual symptoms on LT4 monotherapy or LT4/liothyronine (LT3) combination therapy, were randomly assigned in a non-blinded crossover study and received LT4 or LT3 monotherapy for 12 weeks each. Measurements, including serum analysis of a number of biochemical and hormonal parameters, were obtained at the baseline visit and after both treatment periods. Results Free thyroxine (FT4) was higher in the LT4 group, while free triiodothyronine (FT3) was higher in the LT3 group. The levels of reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) decreased after LT3 treatment compared with LT4 treatment. Both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels were reduced, while sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) increased after LT3 treatment compared with LT4 treatment. The median TSH levels for both treatment groups were within the reference range, however, lower in the LT4 group than in the LT3 group. We did not find any differences in pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), handgrip strength, bone turnover markers, or adverse events between the two treatment groups. Conclusion We have demonstrated that FT4, FT3, rT3, cholesterol, and SHBG show significantly different values on LT4 treatment compared with LT3 treatment in women with hypothyroidism and residual symptoms despite normal TSH levels. No differences in general or bone-specific adverse effects were demonstrated. This trial is registered with NCT03627611 in May 2018.

Serum TSH as a predictor of malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules.

Thyroid nodules are lesions that are radiologically distinct from the thyroid parenchyma. Cervical ultrasound diagnoses 19-67% of nodules and is crucial in identifying those that lack cytological characterisation. Approximately 25% of biopsies reveal an indeterminate cytological result (Bethesda III), in which the risk of malignancy is variable (5-15%). The clinical importance of the diagnostic strategy used for thyroid nodules results from the need to exclude malignancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels as a predictor of malignancy in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Our retrospective study included 40 patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules seen in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2017. Clinical parameters were reviewed, including age, gender, serum TSH levels, family history of thyroid carcinoma, radiation exposure and some sonographic features of the nodules. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Female gender was predominant (85%) and the mean (SD) age was 53.3 (15) years. Thyroid carcinoma was confirmed in 28% of patients. Median TSH levels were higher in patients with malignant (2.73µIU/ml) compared with benign (1.56µIU/ml) nodules (p<0.05). We demonstrated an increased risk of malignancy in patients with TSH levels of 2.68µIU/ml or above (p<0.05). Higher serum TSH levels are associated with an increased risk of thyroid carcinoma in cytologically indeterminate nodules. TSH can become a fundamental diagnostic tool in stratifying the risk of malignancy and assist in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these nodules.

The magnitude of increased Levothyroxine dose during pregnancy in patients on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression treatment after total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma.

The dose of L-T4 replacement for hypothyroidism often needs to be increased after pregnancy. In our institution, patients are instructed to double the dose 2 days a week after pregnancy. However, there is scarce evidence supporting the need for a dose increase after pregnancy in patients with preconception thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression (TSH <0.3 μIU/mL). This study aimed to determine the need for a dose increase in L-T4 among women with a TSH-suppressive dose of L-T4 before pregnancy. In this retrospective observational study, between January 2008 and December 2018, we analyzed 166 pregnancies in 134 patients on TSH suppression treatment after total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma. Thyroid function tests were performed before and in the first trimester of pregnancy. The dose was adjusted and maintained during the first trimester of pregnancy in 76 pregnancies (group A) and 90 pregnancies (group B), respectively. The median serum TSH level was significantly lower in group A than that in group B (0.014 μIU/mL (IQR, 0.005-0.071) vs. 0.155 μIU/mL (IQR, 0.021-0.657), p < 0.001). TSH suppression could not be maintained after pregnancy in 15.8% and 38.9% of the pregnancies in groups A and B, respectively. Increasing the post-pregnancy dose by an average of 27.4% resulted in maintenance of TSH suppression after pregnancy in 84.2% of pregnancies. In conclusion, this study suggests that increasing the L-T4 dose after pregnancy may be appropriate in postoperative thyroid cancer patients whose serum TSH levels should be suppressed.

The relationship between thyroid function and ovarian reserve: a prospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction can affect fertility and miscarriage risk by affecting the process of follicular growth, embryo development, implantation, and placental formation. It has been suggested that thyroid disorders are associated with ovarian reserve by affecting the follicular process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and ovarian reserve.MethodsThree hundred fourteen women with infertility due to various etiologies were enrolled in this study (172 individuals with Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level ≥ 1.1 ng/ml and 142 individuals with AMH < 1.1 ng/ml). Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) on day 2–4 of menstrual cycles, AMH, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroxine (free T4) were evaluated.ResultsIn participants with age over 35 years, median TSH level in women with AMH < 1.1 ng/ml was significantly higher than those with AMH ≥1.1 ng/ml (P-value =0.037). There was no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) in patients with age older than 35 years and younger than 35 years sub-groups based on AMH level (P-value = 0.102, and P-value = 0.909 respectively). With one unit increase in TSH level, the odds of having AMH < 1.1 ng/ml increases by 1.25 times or by 25% (P-value =0.017). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed a TSH cut-off point of 1.465 mIU/L in participants over 35 years in identifying decreased AMH level.ConclusionOur study supports the relationship between TSH level and ovarian reserve so that with an increase in TSH from a certain level is associated with a decrease in ovarian function.

Relationship Between Iodine Status and Thyroid Function in Preschool Children: From the Environmental and Development of Children (EDC) Study

Background: We investigated iodine status and its association with thyroid function among preschool children residing in iodine-sufficient area. Methods: From the Environment and Development of Children study, 477 children were evaluated for thyroid function and urine iodine concentration (UIC) at age 6 during 2015-2017. After excluding children born with multiple birth and with congenital hypothyroidism or Hashimoto thyroiditis, 439 (231 boys) were included. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) was defined as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels between 4.9-10 μIU/mL with normal free T4 levels. Iodine status was evaluated by UIC and children were categorized into 4 groups: iodine deficient (UIC < 100 μg/L), adequate (UIC, 100-299 μg/L), mild excessive (UIC, 300-999 μg/L), severe excessive (UIC ≥ 1000 μg/L). Results: Goiter was palpated in 64 (14.6%) with female predominance (26.0% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.001). Serum level of free T4 and T3 was 1.2 ± 0.1 ng/dL and 148.1 ± 18.5 ng/dL, respectively. The median TSH level was 2.3 (0.53-8.59) μIU/mL and the prevalence of SCH was 4.3% without sex-difference. The median UIC level was 606.2 (19.9-16409.7) μg/L, higher in boys (684 vs. 545 μg/L, P = 0.021) than in girls. Iodine was deficient in 19 (4.3%), adequate in 96 (21.9%), mild excessive in 170 (38.7%), and severe excessive in 145 (35.1%). After excluding 19 iodine deficient children, the relationship between iodine status and thyroid function was evaluated by multiple regression analysis after adjusting for age, sex, birth weight, gestational age, body mass index Z-score, and family history. As iodine status increased from adequate, mild excessive to severe excessive group, T3 levels decreased, and TSH levels increased with marginal significance (P for trend < 0.1 for T3 and TSH). When stratified by sex, similar association was found in only girls (P for trend = 0.043 for T3, and 0.062 for TSH) but not in boys, and mild excessive group showed lower free T4 levels (β = -0.05, P = 0.013) and severe excessive group had lower T3 levels (β = -7.04, P = 0.035) than iodine adequate group in only girls, but not in boys. Conclusion: Iodine was deficient in 4.3%, adequate in 21.9%, and excessive in 73.8% among preschool children residing in South Korea. As iodine status increased from adequate to excessive group, TSH levels increased with decreasing free T4 and T3 levels in girls.

Short stature and insulin-like growth Factor-I in neurofibromatosis Type I

Aim: Certain NF1 patients have short stature due to unclear pathogenesis mechanisms. The aim of this study is to investigate endocrinology parameters which could affect height in NF1.Materials and Methods: Clinical data of 48 NF1 patients aged 19 months to 18 years were collected by reviewing medical records. Current physical examination findings including height, weight, and pubertal status were recorded. Serum samples were obtained from all subjects for follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4 (FT4), free T3 insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), and insulin-like growth binding protein3 (IGFBP3) levels.Results: Of the 48 patients, 34 (70%) had height below 50 percentiles. Short stature, defined as height <-2 SD of mean for age and gender, was found in 25% of the patients. Pubertal children with short stature had significantly lower serum median IGF1 level than those with normal height. In the pre-pubertal group, serum median TSH level was significantly higher in those with short stature than those of normal height.Conclusion: Short stature in NF1 might be related to TSH in the pre-pubertal period and to IGF1 after puberty. Investigation of these hormonal pathways in correlation with height appears warranted in children with NF1.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Is Associated With General and Abdominal Obesity: A Cohort Study in School-Aged Girls During Puberty in East China.

Objectives: Although the association between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and obesity in children has been investigated in several cross-sectional studies, no study evaluated this association among girls during puberty, which were in a key period closely related to the fluctuations of thyroid hormones and development of obesity. Therefore, we conducted a cohort study to investigate the association of general and abdominal obesity with TSH in girls during puberty.Setting and participants: A cohort study of 481 school-aged girls during puberty was conducted in four regions in east China, with a baseline survey in 2017 and a follow-up survey in 2019.Outcome measures: Anthropometric indexes including height, weight and waist circumference (WC) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was then calculated. Blood samples were collected to determine TSH and free thyroxine (FT4).Results: Of the 474 girls at baseline survey, the prevalences of BMI-based general obesity and WC-based abdominal obesity were 19.8% (94/474) and 21.7% (103/474), respectively. Compared with normal weight girls, the median serum TSH level was significantly higher in general obese girls (P = 0.037), but not in central obese girls (P = 0.173). Multiple logistic regression models indicated that those in the highest tertile of serum TSH level had a significantly higher risk of BMI-based overweight/obesity (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.32) compared with the lowest tertile. Analyses from 435 girls prospectively followed-up for 2 years revealed that those with general or central obesity also had higher follow-up TSH level (P = 0.004 and P = 0.008, respectively). The TSH level for girls with general obesity at baseline but normal weight at follow-up was 0.45 mU/L (95% CI 0.11 to 0.79) higher than those with normal weight at baseline and follow-up.Conclusions: TSH was positively associated with both general and abdominal obesity among girls during puberty.

THE PROFILE OF THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE, T-REGULATOR, AND INTERLEUKIN-4 OF UNTREATED GRAVES’ DISEASE IN INDONESIA

Objective: This study was conducted to the profile of hormonal and immunological aspects, which is thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), T-regulator (T-reg) Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) gene polymorphism, and interleukin-4 (IL-4) of untreated Graves’ disease with hyperthyroid in M Djamil General Hospital Padang, Indonesia.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to observe Graves’ disease with hyperthyroid in the Internal Medicine Department in Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia. Graves’ disease was confirmed by measuring free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO). TRH, T-reg FOXP3 gene polymorphism, and IL-4 were examined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.&#x0D; Results: Twenty-five subjects with Graves’ disease included in this study with an average of age is 27.48 (5.6) years. Mean Wayne index is 23.44 (1.4), mean serum FT4 level is 55.55 (17.98) pmol/l, median serum TSH level is 0.041 (0.004–0.053) mU/l, and mean anti-TPO level is 2697.539 (479.72) pg/ml. Median serum TRH level is 92.589 (24.843–253.186) pg/ml, mean T-reg FOXP3 gene polymorphism is 0.621 (0.23) ng/ml, and mean serum IL-4 level is 19.759 (7.03) pg/ml).&#x0D; Conclusion: Graves’ disease with hyperthyroid has median serum TRH level 92.589 (24.843-253.186) pg/ml and high levels of T-reg FOXP3 gene polymorphism and IL-4.

Can preoperative serum thyroglobulin levels predict the risk of malignancy? Results from prospective analysis of biochemical predictors of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

SUMMARYAlthough thyroid nodule is a common presentation, malignancy is rare. The present study investigated biochemical predictors of malignancy in enlarged thyroid. This is a prospective study of all willing patients 18 to 70 years presenting with a complaint of thyroid swelling and who underwent definitive surgery over a period of 19 months. All subjects were initially evaluated with detailed history, physical examination, ultrasonography of neck and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Preoperative estimation of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti Tg) antibody was obtained. The treatment plan was based on FNAC results and included hemi- or total thyroidectomy. During the study period, 110 patients underwent thyroidectomy, and met the selection criteria, of which 47 patients had malignancy on final histopathology. The majority were females, 30 to 60 years old. Median serum Tg, TSH and anti Tg levels in the benign group were, respectively 29 ng/ml, 1,6 mIU/L and 1,1 IU/ml, whereas in malignant nodules they were 162 ng/ml. 1,7 mIU/L and 0,9 IU/ml. On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a Tg cut off value of 53 ng/ml predicted malignancy risk with a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 73%, respectively (p < 0.001). Our study showed the utility of preoperative Tg in predicting risk of malignancy. Its role should be further explored especially in the backdrop of indeterminate cytology through a larger study.

Association of Hypothyroidism and Poor Bowel Prep Quality in Initial Screening Colonoscopies

Introduction: Inadequate colonoscopy bowel preparation increases procedural complications. Hypothy-roidism reduces esophageal and gastric motor activity. Investigation to determine if poor prep correlated with incidence of hypothyroidism and/or higher average thyroid stimulat-ing hormone (TSH) levels was undertaken. Methods: Data were collected on 4,200 patients from the Louisville, KY Robley Rex VA Medical Center. Specific exclusion criteria included pro-inflammatory states that are postulated to increase polyposis and pre-existing malignancies. From this group, 328 patients were found to have poor prep and 305 patients with adequate prep were randomly selected to serve as a control group. Average age of patients was 64 and 55 for poor prep and adequate prep, respectively. 306 (94%) and 271 (89%) of poor prep and adequate prep patients were males. I Inadequate bowel prep was defined as “poor” by the performing physician. Patients were hypothyroid if diagnosed and actively being treated. Maximum TSH levels were obtained. Analysis model selection was performed using a stepwise selection process where a model of best fit was produced based on Akaike information criterion (AIC). AIC estimates quality of various models, relative to each other. A Poisson regression was performed, with p-values of <0.05 being deemed statistically significant (Table 1). Figure 1 is a Forest plot of multiple logistic regression using the following variables: African-American race, Male sex, Age, Hypothyroidism, and peak TSH levels.226_A Figure 1. Patient demographics Adequate and poor prep patients with p-values.Results: 40 poor prep and 24 adequate prep patients had a diagnosis of hypothyroidism (p =0.086). The median peak TSH level was 3.1 and 2.2 for poor prep and controls, respectively, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Multivariate regression demonstrated that TSH levels were a statistically significant factor in bowel prep quality (OR 1.08, CI 1.03-1.15, p-value= 0.010), when controlling for other variables. Conclusion: Patients with poor prep had a higher mean TSH level then controls. A larger number of patients with hypothyroidism had poor prep, but the result was not statistically significant. TSH levels had a statistically significant association with poor prep quality. However, whether or not this is physiologically significant is difficult to determine, and higher powered studies are needed. Patients with abnormal TSH levels, but who are not hypothyroid, may benefit from pre-colonoscopy treatment or intense prep regimens.226_B Figure 2. Forest Plot of multiple logistic regression with corresponding odds ratio, CI, and p-value.