TSH Values Research Articles

Rebound effect of hypothalamic-pituitary thyreotropic activity: a new model to better understand hypothyroidism.

Hypothalamic-pituitary thyrotropic activity (HPta) is crucial since TSH is the mainstay for evaluating primary hypothyroidism (hT) and replacement therapy in clinical practice. Despite TSH values, some patients experience symptoms and metabolic alterations, raising several issues about hT. The aim of the study was to investigate factors influencing the TSH values achieved after a period of hT induced in a standardized and controlled manner (TSH_time1). Our institutional database was searched to extract records of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients undergoing a LT4 withdrawal protocol prior to radioiodine (RAI) administration. We collected clinical and biochemical parameters before LT4 discontinuation and after one month of induced hT. We performed Mann-Whitney U-test and linear regression analyses. We included 102 patients, with a median age of 44 years. In univariate analyses, TSH_time1 was correlated with age (p 0.005) and the dose pro Kg/die of LT4 assumed until the discontinuation of LT4 (LT4_dose) (p 0.023). The higher the age, the lower the TSH_time1 level. The higher the LT4_dose, the higher the TSH_time1 level. After multivariate analysis, the fittest model included age, BMI, LT4_dose, and systemic inflammation response index with an adjusted R2 of 0.4. The study highlights new mechanisms that influence HPta. HPta progressively reduces with age, and this must be considered when evaluating TSH values in the elderly. Furthermore, we report for the first time a rebound effect of HPta, determined by the dose pro Kg/die of LT4 taken prior to its discontinuation. Inflammation and metabolic status also affect these phenomena.

12233 Weight Gain Following Thyroidectomy For Benign Conditions

Abstract Disclosure: A. Krueger: None. A. Chiu: None. S. Pabich: None. S. Syed: None. A. Poloju: None. S. Holoubek: None. Background: Weight gain is a common complaint of patients with hypothyroidism irrespective of etiology that causes dissatisfaction and decreased quality. Patients often report thyroidectomy as the precipitating event leading to subsequent weight gain and resistance to weight loss. Reported data on body weight changes following surgery are conflicting and there is limited literature on patients with benign pathologies. The average weight gain in the general population has been reported as 0.5/year. The primary outcome of this study was to determine if patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign conditions experienced greater than expected weight gain compared to the general population when TSH values were controlled. Secondary outcomes assessed were whether pre-operative disease pathology or antibody status affected weight changes. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 325 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign conditions from January 2015 to December 2020 using the University of Wisconsin Thyroid Surgery Database. The weight change was determined from the time of surgery to the following intervals: 1-2 years, 2-5 years, and >5 years. Study groups were then compared by pathology and presence of antibodies. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, thyroid cancer, pregnancy within one-year post-surgery, incomplete weight or TSH data, post-operative gastric-bypass surgery, and patients who were not euthyroid pre- and post-op. Results: Our patient population (n=219) gained a mean of 1.58 kg at the 1-2 year interval. There was no significant difference in weight gain based on pathology or antibody status. At the 2-5 year interval, the average weight gain was 2.05 kg and those with antibodies had significantly higher weight gain. Patients with TPO antibodies (n=34) gained a mean weight of 4.58 kg, and those with TRAB and or TSI antibodies (n=17) gained a mean weight of 4.67 kg. Those with both types of antibodies (n=10) did not have any significant weight gain. Conclusion: Conservatively, the expected weight gain of the general population over 2-5 years is 2.5 kg. Using a logistic regression model, patients with autoimmune thyroid disease had twice the odds of gaining more weight than expected by 2-5 years. The presence of auto-immune thyroid antibodies may serve as a target population for intensive weight management programs following surgery. Presentation: 6/1/2024

8481 A 32 Year Old Male With Recurrent Acute Pancreatits and Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: Importance of Considering Genetic Variants

Abstract Disclosure: M.F. Salazar Zelaya: None. J.D. Sibaja Jiménez: None. Background : Hypertriglyceridemia is a common medical scenario in daily practice, causing a variety of symptoms including recurrent episodes of acute pancreatits, which can be severe. Multiple genetic variants can lead to different spectrums of the disease. CLINICAL CASE: A 32 year old male police officer presented to our Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic with a history of long standing hypertriglyceridemia and six previous episodes of acute pancreatits, two in the last twelve months. Familiy history was negative for lipid disorders. The patient had adecuate adherence to diet and exercise as well to prescribed medications, which included Fenofibrate 250 mgs/day and Rosuvastatin 40 mgs/day. The patient denied consumption of alcoholic beverages. Recent abdominal ultrasound was reported without abnormalities. His lipid panel reported elevated triglycerides at 5831 mg/dl (n<150 mg/dl), Total Cholesterol normal at 147 (n<200 mg/dl), low HDL levels at 12 mg/dl (range 12-92 mg/dl) and direct LDL Cholesterol at 120 mg/dl. His TSH value was normal at 1.02 uUI/mL (range 0.55-4.78 uUI/mL). Creatinine level was normal at 0.81 mg/dl (range 0.7-1.3 mg/dl). Liver function tests were normal with AST level at 25 IU/L (range 13-39 IU/L) ALT levels at 22 IU/L (range 7-52 IU/L) and alcaline phosphatase at 62 IU/L (range 34-104 IU/L).His fasting glucose level were normal at 82 mg/dl (n<100 mg/dl). Due to a high Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome clinical score (13 points) we proceeded with genetic analysis of this patient. Next Generation Sequencing for genes related with chylomicronemia (APOA5, APOC2, GPIHBP1,LMFI, LPL) was performed to determine gene sequence plus copy number variation.Two heterocigote variants were reported, both in the LPL gene. The first one: LPL (NM 000237.3) c.644>A;p.Gly215Glu heterozygous is a missense variant already reported in the literature, registered in ClinVar (ID 1522) and the Leiden Open Variation Database. This variant is classified as pathogenic according to criteria PS3, PM1, PP3, PP5 of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The second one: LPL (nm 000237.3): c.383C>A;p.Thr128Asn;heterozygous is also a missense variant which to the extent of our knowledge has previously been reported only once in the literature: ClinVar (ID 1520537). This variant is classified currently as of unknown clinical significance according to PM2 criteria. There is however and entry reported (PMID: 8778602) of another variant affecting the same codon (p.Thr128AIa) that is associated to chylomicronemia syndrome. Conclusion: In cases of severe hypertriglyceridemia, suspicion and determination of gene variants are of great importance nowadays as they could eventually guide treatment, given the availability in some countries (and currently pending FDA approval) of new pharmacological therapies such as apo C-III inhibitors. Presentation: 6/2/2024

12233 Weight Gain Following Thyroidectomy For Benign Conditions

Abstract Disclosure: A. Krueger: None. A. Chiu: None. S. Pabich: None. S. Syed: None. A. Poloju: None. S. Holoubek: None. Background: Weight gain is a common complaint of patients with hypothyroidism irrespective of etiology that causes dissatisfaction and decreased quality. Patients often report thyroidectomy as the precipitating event leading to subsequent weight gain and resistance to weight loss. Reported data on body weight changes following surgery are conflicting and there is limited literature on patients with benign pathologies. The average weight gain in the general population has been reported as 0.5/year. The primary outcome of this study was to determine if patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign conditions experienced greater than expected weight gain compared to the general population when TSH values were controlled. Secondary outcomes assessed were whether pre-operative disease pathology or antibody status affected weight changes. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 325 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign conditions from January 2015 to December 2020 using the University of Wisconsin Thyroid Surgery Database. The weight change was determined from the time of surgery to the following intervals: 1-2 years, 2-5 years, and >5 years. Study groups were then compared by pathology and presence of antibodies. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, thyroid cancer, pregnancy within one-year post-surgery, incomplete weight or TSH data, post-operative gastric-bypass surgery, and patients who were not euthyroid pre- and post-op. Results: Our patient population (n=219) gained a mean of 1.58 kg at the 1-2 year interval. There was no significant difference in weight gain based on pathology or antibody status. At the 2-5 year interval, the average weight gain was 2.05 kg and those with antibodies had significantly higher weight gain. Patients with TPO antibodies (n=34) gained a mean weight of 4.58 kg, and those with TRAB and or TSI antibodies (n=17) gained a mean weight of 4.67 kg. Those with both types of antibodies (n=10) did not have any significant weight gain. Conclusion: Conservatively, the expected weight gain of the general population over 2-5 years is 2.5 kg. Using a logistic regression model, patients with autoimmune thyroid disease had twice the odds of gaining more weight than expected by 2-5 years. The presence of auto-immune thyroid antibodies may serve as a target population for intensive weight management programs following surgery. Presentation: 6/1/2024

5051 Clinical Correlation between TSH levels and TAU Imaging

Abstract Disclosure: S. Sunil: None. Background: Tau-PET Scan measures brain tau deposition. TSH levels related to cognitive impairment. We analyzed the correlation of TSH levels to tau-PET imaging in a memory clinic. Hypothesis: Tau-PET positivity correlates with lower TSH values in the clinic patients. Objectives: To assess the correlation of tau-PET positivity to TSH levels in memory clinic patients. Method: Retrospective observational chart review study of patients attending a memory clinic in Boston, MA, with TSH levels and tau-PET scan included for analysis. No stratification based on initial or final diagnosis, severity of cognitive impairment, or tracer used. Baseline TSH levels and a binary PET scan result were analyzed with covariates age, sex and race. Analysis done on ‘R’ v. 2.4.0. Pearson correlation estimated TSH levels to tau-PET status. Kruskal Wallis/Chi square tests for relationship of age, sex, gender and education with TSH levels and tau-PET status. ROC analyses and sensitivity/specificity were obtained. Results: Tau PET positivity did not correlate significantly with TSH levels (r= 0.0655, 95%CI -0.388 to 0.494, p=0.78). Conclusion: Tau PET does not correlate with TSH levels, possibly due to a ceiling effect in the mild impairment subjects. Presentation: 6/2/2024

9303 Evaluation of The Consistency of Thyroid Indicators Tests in Minimally Invasive Peripheral Blood and Venous Blood

Abstract Disclosure: Z. Zhu: None. Y. Huang: None. Z. Cao: None. L. Zhang: None. D. Wang: None. S. Wang: None. J. Zhang: None. Y. Gao: None. Y. Zhang: None. Background The detection of thyroid indicators is of high demand in clinical and epidemiological screenings. Compared with existing venous blood tests, peripheral fingertip blood tests are less invasive and have a lower blood collection volume, which is the basis for point-of-care tests of thyroid indicators. Objective To explore the feasibility of minimally invasive and micro blood collection tests for thyroid disease (TD) patients by evaluating the consistency of thyroid indicators and TD diagnostic efficiency between fingertip blood tests and venous blood tests. Method 63 subjects with or without thyroid dysfunction were consecutively recruited. All subjects underwent serum, plasma and fingertip blood (same day collection) measurements for TSH and TT4 detection via the chemiluminescence method and for TPOAb detection via the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. The fingertip blood was centrifuged and diluted after EDTA anticoagulation. Bland–Altman plot, Passing–Bablok regression, and weighted kappa test were used for consistency test; AUC of ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity were used for authenticity evaluation among the three collection and testing methods. Results 43 subjects with euthyroidism and 20 subjects with thyroid dysfunction were included; including 29 (46.03%) females, the average age was 50.98±14.76 years. Bland-Altman plots showed more than 90% of the subjects had TSH and TT4 differences within the 95% limits of agreement between peripheral blood (PB) and venous blood (including serum and plasma). Passing–Bablok regression analyses revealed strong correlations between TSH levels in PB and serum (r=0.888) and plasma (r=0.894) (p<0.05); for TT4, there was a strong correlation between PB and serum (r=0.746), and there was also a moderate correlation between PB and plasma (r=0.664) (p<0.05 for both). Weighted kappa tests were performed for low, normal and high TSH values, indicating strong consistency between PB and serum and between PB and plasma, with coefficients of 0.901 and 0.881, respectively (P<0.001); for TT4, the coefficients between PB and serum, PB and plasma were 0.541 and 0.585 (P<0.001), indicating moderate consistency. Regardless of TPOAb positivity or negativity, the consistency among three blood sample sources was 100%. For euthyroidism (n=43), hyperthyroidism (n=6), subclinical hyperthyroidism (n=9), hypothyroidism (n=1), and subclinical hypothyroidism (n=4), the diagnostic sensitivities of PB were 97.06%, 83.33%, 87.50%, 100%, and 75.00%, respectively; the specificities were 94.74%, 97.87%, 95.74%, 98.11%, and 100.00%, respectively. The AUC of PB ROC curve for determining thyroid dysfunction was 0.944 (95% CI 0.867-1.000). Conclusion PB tests of thyroid indicators has high consistency with venous blood tests, offers sufficient diagnostic efficiency for TD, and is a feasible minimally invasive detection method. Presentation: 6/1/2024

7583 Evaluation of The Consistency of Thyroid Indicators Tests in Minimally Invasive Peripheral Blood and Venous Blood

Abstract Disclosure: Z. Zhu: None. Y. Huang: None. Z. Cao: None. L. Zhang: None. D. Wang: None. S. Wang: None. J. Zhang: None. Y. Gao: None. Y. Zhang: None. Background: The detection of thyroid indicators is of high demand in clinical and epidemiological screenings. Compared with existing venous blood tests, peripheral fingertip blood tests are less invasive and have a lower blood collection volume, which is the basis for point-of-care tests of thyroid indicators. Objective To explore the feasibility of minimally invasive and micro blood collection tests for thyroid disease (TD) patients by evaluating the consistency of thyroid indicators and TD diagnostic efficiency between fingertip blood tests and venous blood tests. Method 63 subjects with or without thyroid dysfunction were consecutively recruited. All subjects underwent serum, plasma and fingertip blood (same day collection) measurements for TSH and TT4 detection via the chemiluminescence method and for TPOAb detection via the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. The fingertip blood was centrifuged and diluted after EDTA anticoagulation. Bland–Altman plot, Passing–Bablok regression, and weighted kappa test were used for consistency test; AUC of ROC curve, sensitivity and specificity were used for authenticity evaluation among the three collection and testing methods. Results 43 subjects with euthyroidism and 20 subjects with thyroid dysfunction were included; including 29 (46.03%) females, the average age was 50.98±14.76 years. Bland-Altman plots showed more than 90% of the subjects had TSH and TT4 differences within the 95% limits of agreement between peripheral blood (PB) and venous blood (including serum and plasma). Passing–Bablok regression analyses revealed strong correlations between TSH levels in PB and serum (r=0.888) and plasma (r=0.894) (p<0.05); for TT4, there was a strong correlation between PB and serum (r=0.746), and there was also a moderate correlation between PB and plasma (r=0.664) (p<0.05 for both). Weighted kappa tests were performed for low, normal and high TSH values, indicating strong consistency between PB and serum and between PB and plasma, with coefficients of 0.901 and 0.881, respectively (P<0.001); for TT4, the coefficients between PB and serum, PB and plasma were 0.541 and 0.585 (P<0.001), indicating moderate consistency. Regardless of TPOAb positivity or negativity, the consistency among three blood sample sources was 100%. For euthyroidism (n=43), hyperthyroidism (n=6), subclinical hyperthyroidism (n=9), hypothyroidism (n=1), and subclinical hypothyroidism (n=4), the diagnostic sensitivities of PB were 97.06%, 83.33%, 87.50%, 100%, and 75.00%, respectively; the specificities were 94.74%, 97.87%, 95.74%, 98.11%, and 100.00%, respectively. The AUC of PB ROC curve for determining thyroid dysfunction was 0.944 (95% CI 0.867-1.000). Conclusion PB tests of thyroid indicators has high consistency with venous blood tests, offers sufficient diagnostic efficiency for TD, and is a feasible minimally invasive detection method. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Interpretation of TSH results can be improved by reference values fluctuating in time.

The secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (thyrotropin, TSH), is characterized by a marked circadian rhythm. Plasma or serum TSH values are significantly lower in the afternoon and in the evening as compared to the early morning. As in clinical practice, blood sampling time shows an important variation, a reliable assessment of thyroid status is often not an easy task for the clinician. The biological variation of TSH plays a major role in the intra-individual variability of TSH results in serum or plasma. The observed intra-day variation largely exceeds the reported inter-vendor variation and the coefficient of variation of clinical TSH assays. Therefore, a mathematical solution was sought for correcting interpretation of TSH results for sampling time. We have developed a cosinor model which allows to compensate TSH decision values for the fluctuating serum or plasma TSH concentrations throughout the day. The following mathematical function could be derived: corrected TSH cutoff_value (mIU/L)=0.40+0.24*cos(((π/12) *T)+6) in which T represents the time (hours). This mathematical function can be easily implemented into a laboratory's informatics system and furthermore allows a better tailored diagnosis of (subclinical) hyperthyroidism, regardless the blood sampling time. Implementing the corrected cut-off values result in a marked reduction of apparent (false positive) hyperthyroidism diagnosis, in particular in the afternoon.

Comorbid Hypothyroidism and Low-Alanine Aminotransferase-Associated Sarcopenia Associated with Shortened Survival: A Retrospective Study of 16,827 Patients over a 21-Year Period

Background: Hypothyroidism is very common worldwide. It is known to be associated with frailty which, in turn, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Low ALT blood activity is an established marker for sarcopenia and frailty. The incidence and outcomes of the association between low ALT values and hypothyroidism, as manifested in elevated blood TSH levels, is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess if low ALT values could improve the prediction of clinical outcome in hypothyroid patients. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients in a large, tertiary hospital. Results: Over a period of 21 years, an overall population of 16,827 patients were identified as eligible to participate in this study. Within the study population, 726 (4.3%) were classified as suffering from hypothyroidism (TSH values > 6 MIU/L) and 2184 (13%) were classified as patients with sarcopenia (ALT < 12 IU/L). Within our patient population, hypothyroidism was associated with sarcopenia in a statistically significant manner (p = 0.011). Patients classified as suffering from both hypothyroidism and sarcopenia had significantly shorter survival: A multivariate analysis showed that the frail and hypothyroid group of patients had a statistically significant risk of mortality in the next 5 years (HR = 3.6; CI 2.75–4.71; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Sarcopenia and frailty are common comorbidities, bearing negative long-term clinical outcomes. Low ALT values could serve as a useful biomarker for screening of patients already diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL MICROELEMENTS AND VITAMINS IN HASHIMOTO'S DISEASE

Introduction and objective. Hashimoto's disease is a chronic autoimmune thyroiditis. The chronic process of this disease leads to hypothyroidism. Various micronutrients and vitamins play an important role in the course of the disease and may have a significant impact on the development and treatment of Hashimoto's disease. The aim of this study is to review the literature to fully assess the impact of micronutrients on symptoms, prognosis and dynamics of change in the context of Hashimoto's disease. Articles were searched by entering keywords in PubMed databases. Scientific articles covering the period from 2016 to 2024 represent 76% of the items included in the literature. Studies from specialized research centers including meta-analyses, double-blinded randomized trials, large cross-sectional studies were considered. Studies from inexperienced centers with methodological flaws were discarded. Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge. Current treatment of clinically overt hypothyroidism is based on the use of levothyroxine. The dose of substitution treatment is determined individually for the patient depending on the symptoms observed, TSH values and age. Currently, there are no recommendations for supplementation of microelements for the disease, which is due to the need to expand research and determine which micronutrients are worth taking to increase the quality of life of patients. Conclusion. The number of cases of Hashimoto's disease is steadily increasing worldwide. Increasing attention is being paid to elements of the patient's diet and environment, in addition to the substitution treatment itself. The modification of a broadly defined lifestyle and the influence of environmental factors may in the near future find a place in the standard therapeutic management of patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.

Evaluation of MELD Scores and Thyroid Hormones as Prognostic Factors of Liver Cirrhosis.

Background and Objectives: Hepatic cirrhosis is a disease with an increasing frequency globally, but its mechanisms of disease development are not yet completely known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between thyroid hormone levels (T3, fT4, and TSH) and survival in patients with chronic liver disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 419 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were included in the study. The MELD score was computed, and TSH, T3, and fT4 were collected from each patient using the ELISA procedure. Signs and symptoms of liver failure and portal hypertension confirmed the clinical diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, and biological tests and imaging methods confirmed the diagnosis. Results: The MELD score was positively associated with TSH on admission and TSH on discharge and negatively associated with T3 at discharge. TSH levels were higher in non-survivors than in survivors. The values of T3 and fT4 present no significant changes to be considered as prognostic factors. Conclusions: Although the differences between the median TSH values of the patients who died and those who survived are not very large, the statistical significance of the data obtained demonstrates that there are changes in metabolism of the thyroid hormones during the progression of liver cirrhosis. It is possible that TSH is the one which maintains the normal balance of thyroid activity for patients with liver cirrhosis, so it can be considered as an important marker of evolution of these patients.

Correlation of serum thyrotropin and thyroid hormone levels with diabetic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe relationship between thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is still controversial, and this study analyzed the correlation between TSH, FT3, FT4 and DKD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsT2DM patients (1216) were divided into five groups based on serum TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels, differences in urinary albumin excretion rate (UACR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared. Binary logistic regression verified independent correlations among TSH, FT3, FT4 and UACR, eGFR. TSH and FT3 predictive values for DKD were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsThe prevalence of albuminuria with decreased eGFR was higher in T2DM patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and overt hypothyroidism than that in patients with normal thyroid function. TSH positively correlated with UACR (r = 0.133, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.218, p < 0.001), FT3 negatively correlated with UACR (r = -0.260, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with eGFR (r = 0.324, p < 0.001). With the change from the lower normal level to the increased level of TSH and the change from the higher normal level to the reduced level of FT3, the prevalence of albuminuria gradually increased, the prevalence of decreased eGFR gradually increased in TSH groups and FT3 groups. After adjusting for age, BMI, duration of diabetes, TPOAb, TGAb, smoking, drinking, hypertension, the use of anti-diabetic medications (metformin, sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors), HbA1c, CRP, TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C, both TSH and FT3 correlated with increased UACR (TSH: OR 1.253, p = 0.001; FT3: OR 0.166, p < 0.001) and decreased eGFR (TSH: OR 1.245, p < 0.001, FT3: OR 0.579, p < 0.001), but this correlation of TSH with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was not found in male. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for FT3 was greater than that for TSH (FT3: 0.64; TSH: 0.61).ConclusionsIncreased TSH and reduced FT3 levels were associated with DKD in T2DM patients, but in a sex-dependent manner. FT3 had a higher predictive value for DKD.

Assessment of Thyroid Profile in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major public health concern in Pakistan, with potential impacts on thyroid function. Long-term HCV infection has been associated with thyroid dysfunction, but the extent of this relationship is not fully understood.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the thyroid hormone profile in HCV-positive patients to assess the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in this population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 HCV-positive patients aged 18-70 years. Patients with liver cirrhosis, known thyroid disorders, or medications affecting thyroid function were excluded. Blood samples were collected, and thyroid hormones (TSH, FT3, FT4) were measured using an automated immunoassay system. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with a p-value &lt;0.05 considered statistically significant.Results: The study found that 17.50% of patients had elevated TSH levels, while 11.66% and 10.83% had elevated FT3 and FT4 levels, respectively. The mean values for TSH, FT3, and FT4 were 1.15 ± 0.515 µIU/mL, 1.10 ± 0.351 pg/mL, and 1.12 ± 0.361 ng/dL.Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant association between HCV infection and thyroid dysfunction, highlighting the need for regular thyroid function monitoring in HCV-positive patients.

Investigation of Metabolic Parameters of Women of Reproductive Age

Objective: Fertility rates are decreasing every year, mainly due to socioeconomic and medical reasons. In this study we aimed to investigate the incidence of metabolic disorders that may negatively affect reproduction. Methods: Glucose parameters of 5892 patients, lipid parameters of 2491 patients and thyroid function tests of 457 patients were retrospectively examined. Patients divided into two groups in terms of age. Each age groups were divided into subgroups as diabetic, prediabetic, non-diabetic and euthyroidism, overt hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Results: The rate of Euthyroidism was 85.8%, overt hypothyroidism was 4.2%, subclinical hypothyroidism was 3.5%, and hyperthyroidism (subclinical+overt) was 6.5% in all ages. There was no significant difference in st3, st4 and TSH values according to age (p values p = 0.051, p = 0.195, p = 0.585, respectively). The rate of diabetes was 4.7%, non-diabetes 83.7% and prediabetes was 11.6%. There was a significant difference between diabetic, prediabetic, and non-diabetic according to age (p≤0.001). Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction and glucose metabolism disorders are more common in our country due to genetic and environmental factors. Early diagnosis is very important to avoid the unwilling side effects of this condition. For this, new approaches are needed, such as close follow-up clinics aimed only at women of reproductive age.

Investigation of the thyroid function in end-stage renal failure disease in a Baquba teaching hospital/Diyala governorate - Iraq

Renal failure is the inability of the kidneys to excrete nitrogenous waste products, resulting in their retention in the bloodstream. Several correlations exist between renal and thyroid functions; however, end-stage renal failure is unlikely to be influenced by thyroid hormone function and is connected to a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how thyroid status and renal function relate to renal failure patients. Serum creatinine and urea levels were tested in 50 healthy persons and 100 patients with renal failure illness. The acquired data showed that, in comparison to the control group, the average levels of creatinine and urea were significantly higher. The sick group recorded (122.98 mg/dL and 6.55 mg/dL) and (28.38 mg/dL and 0.75 mg/dL) in comparison to the control group, which has urea and creatinine values within the virtually normal range, respectively. In contrast, TSH levels showed no significant differences and have values within the normal range of TSH values, with 2.33 mIU/L for the experimental group and 2.0 mIU/L for the control group. In contrast, T4 values of the experimental group showed significantly lower levels than the control group, with 83.42 ng/dL compared to 103.77 ng/dL. T3 values, however, showed no significant changes and remained within the normal range of 1.75 to 1.64 nmol/L. In addition, the results demonstrated significant differences in the mean levels of anti-TPO, anti-Tg, and anti-TSHR antibodies. The anti-Tg showed a significant decrease in mean values, which were 28.89 IU/ml and 79.49 IU/ml compared to the control group ranges of 34.41 and 86.68 IU/mL. Finally, anti-TSHR showed a significant increase in the mean, which was 1.24 IU/L compared to 1.18 IU/L in the control group.

Progression of Gestational Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Hypothyroxinemia to Overt Hypothyroidism After Pregnancy: Pooled Analysis of Data from Two Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: To examine the incidence of overt hypothyroidism 1 and 5 years after pregnancies where screening before 21 weeks identified subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) or hypothyroxinemia (HT). Methods: Secondary analysis of two multicenter treatment trials for either SH or HT diagnosed between 8 and 20 weeks gestation. Current analyses focus only on individuals randomized to the placebo groups in the two parallel studies. SH was diagnosed with thyrotropin (TSH) ≥4.0 mU/L and normal free T4 (fT4) (0.86-1.9 ng/dL). HT was diagnosed with normal TSH (0.08-3.99 mU/L) but fT4 <0.86 ng/dL. Serum from initial testing was stored for later thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody assay; results were not returned for clinical management. At 1 and 5 years after delivery, participants were asked whether they had either been diagnosed with or were being treated for a thyroid condition. Maternal serum was collected at these visits and thyroid function measured. Subsequent overt hypothyroidism was defined as TSH ≥4.0 mU/L with fT4 <0.86 ng/dL. Results: Data for 1- and 5-year follow-up were available in 307 of the 338 participants with SH and 229 of the 261 with HT. Subsequent hypothyroidism was more common both at year 1 (13.4% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001) and year 5 (15.6% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001) for participants with SH compared with those with HT. This progression was more common in individuals with TSH values >10 mIU/mL. Baseline TPO level >50 IU/mL in participants with SH was associated with higher rates of hypothyroidism at year 1 (26.7% vs. 6.5%, odds ratio [OR] = 5.3 [confidence interval (CI) 2.6-10.7]) and year 5 (30.5% vs. 7.5%, OR = 5.4 [CI: 2.8-10.6]) compared with those with TPO levels ≤50 IU/mL. For participants with HT, no differences in overt hypothyroidism were seen at 1 year related to baseline TPO level >50 IU/mL (1/10 (10%) vs. 6/218 (2.8%), OR = 3.9 [CI: 0.43-36.1]), but more participants with TPO levels >50 IU/mL developed hypothyroidism by year 5 (2/10 (20%) vs. 4/218 (1.8%), OR = 13.4 [CI: 2.1-84.1]). Conclusion: SH is associated with higher rates of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid replacement therapy within 5 years of delivery than is HT when these conditions are diagnosed in the first half of pregnancy.

Thyroid scintigraphy: establishing a clinically useful normal range for 99mTc pertechnetate uptake.

This study aims to establish a normal range for the thyroid uptake derived from 99mTc pertechnetate scans. In particular, variations of uptake with TSH stimulation and other factors such as urinary iodine concentration are taken into account and compared with the calculation of a raw uptake value. Clinical multicentric (center A, B and C) prospective study on 125 consecutive healthy patients undergoing thyroid scans for thyroid nodules. Normal functional thyroid status was assured by normal TSH, normal thyroid size, no thyroid antibodies and no symptoms of thyroid functional disorders. Calculations of raw Tc-uptake (uptake) and modified uptake values regarding current TSH value (uptakeTSH1), urinary iodine concentration (uptakeTSH1&uic), gland volume, age, smoking status, weight and tissue thickness ventral to the thyroid were performed. There is a positive correlation of thyroid uptake with TSH allowing for the calculation of a normalized uptake value (uptakeTSH1). The normal range for uptakeTSH1 compares favourable to that for raw uptake in that it yields a clear distinction from thyroid functional disorders. The additional normalization for urinary iodine concentration (uptakeTSH1&uic) may even improve the distinctive power whereas further normalizations such as for gland volume, age and others are not warranted by this study. The 95% CI of uptakeTSH1 for sites A, A&B, and A&B&C were 0.21%-2.06%, 0.22%-2.38% and 0.24%-2.40%. A normal range for the thyroid uptake can be established with respect to the current TSH stimulation. This normalization (uptakeTSH1) overcomes the drawback of raw uptake by yielding a clinically useful parameter with obviously high distinctive power against functional thyroid disorders.

Microwave Thermal Ablation of Thyroid Nodules with the MONTREAL Technique: Preliminary Clinical Results.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous Microwave Thermoablation (MWA) is an increasingly popular minimally invasive therapy for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules due to its remarkable heating velocity and resilience to heat sinking. We present a cohort of 26 patients (17 F, 9M, mean age 56.2yy) with 20 goiters (mean volume 34.9cc, min 6.5cc-max 84cc) and 6 autonomously functioning nodules (AFTNs, mean volume 11.6cc, min 3.5cc-max 24cc) treated with MWA, using the moving shot technique and a novel energy delivery algorithm (MONTREAL), based on intra-operative real-time reflectivity measurements: each moving shot was automatically terminated when reflectivity was observed to ramp up. 17G or 18G internally cooled 2.45 GHz applicators were used (AMICA-PROBE, HS HOSPITAL SERVICE SpA), operated at 15-30W. On average, each treatment deposited 9.9±5.5kJ during 696±325s, through 26.7±14.4 moving shots: the mean moving shot duration was 28.1±9.0s, yielding a mean ablation time per unit nodule volume of 34.3±19.1s/cc. No mild nor severe complications were recorded. Post-MWA ultrasound follow-up showed a mean volume reduction ratio of 59.1±10.2% [min 44% - max 80%] at 3 months and of 70.1±8.5% [min 53% - max 91%] at 6 months, with slightly better outcomes in the AFTNs sub-group (volume reduction of 65.3±10.2%/76.0±4.0% at 3/6 months and, in all cases, normal TSH values at 3 months upon pharmacological therapy suspension). MWA treatments of benign nodules with the MONTREAL technique appeared to be safe, fast, and effective. Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary results.

Assessment of Plasma Homocysteine in Patients with Hypothyroidism in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Introduction: Hypothyroidism, a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has been seen to be associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. The plasma levels of homocysteine and its relationship with hypothyroidism was assessed. Material and Methods: A total of 120 patients aged 20 – 60 years comprising of 60 hypothyroid and 60 euthyroid controls were assessed for the study. Evaluation of plasma homocystein was done using human homocysteine ELISA my BioSource. FT3, FT4 and TSH were also evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique using stat fax-2100. Result: In our study, we have found the values of FT3 in the subjects as 1.21+ 0.89pg/ml lower than controls values of 1.92+0.66pg/ml, values of FT4 in subjects as 0.60+0.53ng/dl as compared to control group value of 1.40+0.30ng/dl, values of TSH as 2.07+1.19µiU/ml higher than the control group of 0.48+1.67µiU/ml. The mean values of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) for subjects was 34.50+10.01µmol/L higher than the control group with 9.30+2.11µmol/L. Conclusion: Our study findings suggest that patients with hypothyroidism also have a high plasma homocysteine known to pose cardiovascular complications.

A retrospective analysis thyroid function and ultrasonography in a group of subjects with lepramatous leprosy in Turkey.

There are several studies on thyroid functions and thyroid gland features in patients with leprosy in the literature. The relationship between them have not been clarified yet. These studies are time-expired and don't contain ultrasonography examination. The purpose of the study is to investigate thyroid functions and gland characteristics in leprosy patients by ultrasonography (US) and current laboratory techniques. This retrospective study was conducted by collecting the data of patients with lepramatous leprosy. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, anti-thyroid peroxidase, antithyroglobulin, and thyroglobulin values and thyroid ultrasonography reports were collected from previous records. The mean age is 75.12±9.89 years of total 17 subjects and 10 patients (58.8%) were male. Thyroid US was performed on 14 of the patients, nodules were detected in a total of 7 (50%) patients. The mean FT3, FT4, TSH, Anti-Tpo, Anti-TG, and TG values of the patients were found to be within normal limits. In the present study, no changes were detected in the thyroid functions and structures of the patients with Lepromatous Leprosy. We consider that prospective randomized studies that will include larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether there is a relationship between leprosy and thyroid disease.