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Bazika-Gerasch B, Kumowski N, Enax-Krumova E, Kaisler M, Eitner LB, Maier C, Dietrich JW. Impaired autonomic function and somatosensory disturbance in patients with treated autoimmune thyroiditis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12358. [PMID: 38811750 PMCID: PMC11137073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63158-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite treatment with levothyroxine, hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) may be associated with reduced quality of life (QoL), an enigmatic condition referred to as "syndrome T". Peripheral neuropathy, described in untreated thyroid disease, could be a contributing mechanism. We analysed autonomic and somatosensory function in 29 patients with AIT and treated hypothyroidism and 27 healthy volunteers. They underwent heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and quantitative sensory testing (n = 28), comprising 13 parameters of small and large nerve fibre function and pain thresholds. Autonomic cardiovascular function was assessed in rest, deep respiration and orthostasis. Additionally, biomarkers for autoimmunity and thyroid function were measured. Anxiety, depression and QoL were assessed using validated questionnaires. 36% of the patients showed at least one sign of somatosensory small or large fibre dysfunction. 57% presented with mild hyperalgesia to at least one stimulus. Several markers of autonomic function and some detection thresholds were related to the antibody titres. Anxiety, depression scores and QoL correlated to antibody titres and HRV measures. Autonomic and somatosensory dysfunction indicate that in treated hypothyroidism and AIT a subgroup of patients suffers from neuropathic symptoms leading to impaired QoL. Additionally, mild hyperalgesia as a possible sensitisation phenomenon should be considered a target for symptomatic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Bazika-Gerasch
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/Hattingen, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Blankenstein, Im Vogelsang 5-11, 45527, Hattingen, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, NRW, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Nina Kumowski
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Aachen, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, NRW, Germany
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Miriam Kaisler
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Lynn Bernadette Eitner
- Pediatrics Department, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Christoph Maier
- Pediatrics Department, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Johannes W Dietrich
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/Hattingen, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Blankenstein, Im Vogelsang 5-11, 45527, Hattingen, NRW, Germany.
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, NRW, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
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Kollerits E, Zsila Á, Matuszka B. Quality of life, social support, and adherence in female patients with thyroid disorders. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:567. [PMID: 37919706 PMCID: PMC10623692 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the 2010 European Health Interview Survey, 51% of women in Hungary have a chronic disease, and is among the poorest quartile in the EU countries. Thyroid diseases affected more than 650,000 women in 2021 based on a recent report by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office. Despite the high prevalence rates, quality of life in these patients is scarcely researched in Hungary. To fill this gap, this study aims to explore the associations of the quality of life of thyroid patients in Hungary with social support and adherence. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online questionnaire. Data from 885 female Hungarian thyroid patients with pharmacological treatment (M = 35.6 years, SD = 10.7, age range: 18-73 years) were analyzed. Participants were divided into two patient groups based on the type of thyroid disorder: hypothyroidism (n = 824; 93.1%) and hyperthyroidism (n = 61; 6.9%). Group comparisons, correlations, and a mediation model were performed to explore differences between thyroid patients. RESULTS No differences were found between patients with different types of thyroid disorders in quality of life, adherence, and social support. Consistent, weak associations were found between quality of life and social support in both patient groups. Higher perceived social support partially explained the relationship between adherence and life quality in thyroid patients. CONCLUSIONS: No substantial differences were found between patients with different types of thyroid disease in mental well-being indicators. These patients are psychologically more vulnerable and need a socially supportive environment to recover, because higher adherence is associated with a better quality of life, and social support can facilitate this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Kollerits
- ELTE Doctoral School of Psychology, Kazinczy u. 23-27, Budapest, 1075, Hungary.
- ELTE Institute of Psychology, Kazinczy u. 23-27, Budapest, 1075, Hungary.
- Institute of Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Mikszáth Kálmán tér 1., Budapest, 1088, Hungary.
| | - Ágnes Zsila
- ELTE Institute of Psychology, Kazinczy u. 23-27, Budapest, 1075, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Mikszáth Kálmán tér 1., Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Balázs Matuszka
- Institute of Psychology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Mikszáth Kálmán tér 1., Budapest, 1088, Hungary
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Ilyushchenko AK, Machekhina LV, Dudinskaya EN. [Hypothyroidism and aging: the search for protective factors]. PROBLEMY ENDOKRINOLOGII 2023; 69:11-15. [PMID: 37448266 DOI: 10.14341/probl13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Searching for aging key points is one of the main problems in geriatrics. More and more research in recent years has been devoted to the study of geroprotective mechanisms, the impact of various conditions and diseases on aging in general. Of particular importance is the determination of age-related involutive processes in the human body, whether they are part of normal aging or a condition that needs to be corrected to improve the functioning of organs and systems. An important mechanism of aging starts is a change in hormonal activity of endocrine glands, in particular in hormonal activity of thyroid. Frequency of hypothyroidism in advanced age explains relevance of the chosen topic. The aim of the review was to find out the role hypothyroidism in aging. The main task was to define, whether thyroid hormones decrease in older age was a protective factor or pathological process. A review of the literature over the past 10 years on subclinical treatment was carried out and we identified the most pressing issues associated with hypothyroidism and aging. We studied data on the relationship between hypothyroidism and major geriatric syndromes, with special attention paid to cognitive diseases and emotional disorders.
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Müller P, Leow MKS, Dietrich JW. Minor perturbations of thyroid homeostasis and major cardiovascular endpoints—Physiological mechanisms and clinical evidence. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:942971. [PMID: 36046184 PMCID: PMC9420854 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.942971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that thyroid dysfunction is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The pleiotropic action of thyroid hormones strongly impacts the cardiovascular system and affects both the generation of the normal heart rhythm and arrhythmia. A meta-analysis of published evidence suggests a positive association of FT4 concentration with major adverse cardiovascular end points (MACE), but this association only partially extends to TSH. The risk for cardiovascular death is increased in both subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical thyrotoxicosis. Several published studies found associations of TSH and FT4 concentrations, respectively, with major cardiovascular endpoints. Both reduced and elevated TSH concentrations predict the cardiovascular risk, and this association extends to TSH gradients within the reference range. Likewise, increased FT4 concentrations, but high-normal FT4 within its reference range as well, herald a poor outcome. These observations translate to a monotonic and sensitive effect of FT4 and a U-shaped relationship between TSH and cardiovascular risk. Up to now, the pathophysiological mechanism of this complex pattern of association is poorly understood. Integrating the available evidence suggests a dual etiology of elevated FT4 concentration, comprising both ensuing primary hypothyroidism and a raised set point of thyroid function, e. g. in the context of psychiatric disease, chronic stress and type 2 allostatic load. Addressing the association between thyroid homeostasis and cardiovascular diseases from a systems perspective could pave the way to new directions of research and a more personalized approach to the treatment of patients with cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Müller
- Department for Electrophysiology, Medical Hospital I, Klinikum Vest, Recklinghausen, NRW, Germany
| | - Melvin Khee-Shing Leow
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Metabolic Disorders Research Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Johannes W. Dietrich
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/Hattingen, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Blankenstein, Hattingen, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- *Correspondence: Johannes W. Dietrich
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Abstract
Hypothyroidism is the common clinical condition of thyroid hormone deficiency and, if left untreated, can lead to serious adverse health effects on multiple organ systems, with the cardiovascular system as the most robustly studied target. Overt primary hypothyroidism is defined as elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in combination with free thyroxine (fT4) concentration below the reference range. Subclinical hypothyroidism, commonly considered an early sign of thyroid failure, is defined by elevated TSH concentrations but fT4 concentrations within the reference range. Hypothyroidism is classified as primary, central or peripheral based on pathology in the thyroid, the pituitary or hypothalamus, or peripheral tissue, respectively. Acquired primary hypothyroidism is the most prevalent form and can be caused by severe iodine deficiency but is more frequently caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis in iodine-replete areas. The onset of hypothyroidism is insidious in most cases and symptoms may present relatively late in the disease process. There is a large variation in clinical presentation and the presence of hypothyroid symptoms, especially in pregnancy and in children. Levothyroxine (LT4) is the mainstay of treatment and is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. After normalization of TSH and fT4 concentrations, a considerable proportion of patients treated with LT4 continue to have persistent complaints, compromising quality of life. Further research is needed regarding the appropriateness of currently applied reference ranges and treatment thresholds, particularly in pregnancy, and the potential benefit of LT4/liothyronine combination therapy for thyroid-related symptom relief, patient satisfaction and long-term adverse effects.
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Zhao C, Wang Y, Xiao L, Li L. Effect of Levothyroxine on Older Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:913749. [PMID: 35909574 PMCID: PMC9329610 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.913749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is usually treated with levothyroxine, but there is controversy as to whether SCH should be treated, especially for older patients. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether levothyroxine has a beneficial or harmful effect on older patients with SCH. METHODS Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, Weipu and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched from inception until December 21, 2021. Subjects must be diagnosed with SCH, and older than or equal to 60 years of age. Interventions should be thyroid hormone therapy (e.g. levothyroxine). The literature was independently screened by 2 researchers. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS A total of 13 articles were included. Meta-analysis results showed that in older SCH patients, levothyroxine can significantly reduce cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.00001), triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.00001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.03) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (p < 0.00001). In addition, levothyroxine had no significant effect on bone mineral density, fatigue, hypothyroidism symptoms, quality of life, BMI, cognitive function, depression, blood pressure, etc. in older SCH patients, and also did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Among older SCH patients, levothyroxine treatment may reduce TC, TG, LDL-C, and ApoB.
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Carlé A, Karmisholt JS, Knudsen N, Perrild H, Thuesen BH, Ovesen L, Rasmussen LB, Pedersen IB. Does Subclinical Hypothyroidism Add Any Symptoms? Evidence from a Danish Population-Based Study. Am J Med 2021; 134:1115-1126.e1. [PMID: 33872585 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have scrutinized the spectrum of symptoms in subclinical hypothyroidism. METHODS From 3 Danish Investigation on Iodine Intake and Thyroid Diseases (DanThyr) cross-sectional surveys performed in the period 1997 to 2005, a total of 8903 subjects participated in a comprehensive investigation including blood samples and questionnaires on previous diseases, smoking habits, alcohol intake, and education. From the 3 surveys we included patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 376) and euthyroid controls (n = 7619). We explored to what extent patients with subclinical hypothyroidism reported 13 previously identified hypothyroidism-associated symptoms (tiredness, dry skin, mood lability, constipation, palpitations, restlessness, shortness of breath, wheezing, globus sensation, difficulty swallowing, hair loss, dizziness/vertigo, and anterior neck pain). In various uni- and multivariate regression models we searched for circumstances predicting why some patients have more complaints than others. RESULTS Subclinically hypothyroid patients did not report higher hypothyroidism score [(median, interquartile range), 2 (0-4) vs 2 (0-4), P = .25] compared with euthyroid controls. Within the group of subclinical hypothyroid patients, comorbidity had the highest impact on symptoms (tiredness, shortness of breath, wheezing; all P < .001); TSH level had no impact on symptom score; and younger age was accompanied by higher mental burden (tiredness, P < .001; mood lability, P < .001; restlessness, P = .012), whereas shortness of breath was associated with high body mass index (P < .001) and smoking (P = .007). CONCLUSION Patients with a thyroid function test suggesting subclinical hypothyroidism do not experience thyroid disease-related symptoms more often than euthyroid subjects. In subclinical hypothyroidism, clinicians should focus on concomitant diseases rather than expecting symptomatic relief following levothyroxine substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Carlé
- Department of Endocrinology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Denmark.
| | - Jesper Scott Karmisholt
- Department of Endocrinology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Nils Knudsen
- Department of Endocrinology, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hans Perrild
- Department of Endocrinology, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Lars Ovesen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Lone Banke Rasmussen
- Department of Endocrinology, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Bülow Pedersen
- Department of Endocrinology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Institute, Aalborg University, Denmark
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8
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Liew H, Watt T, Nan L, Tan AWK, Chan YH, Chew DEK, Dalan R. Psychometric properties of the thyroid-specific quality of life questionnaire ThyPRO in Singaporean patients with Graves' disease. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2021; 5:54. [PMID: 34236563 PMCID: PMC8266927 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-021-00309-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It results in accelerated tissue metabolism with multi-organ involvement ranging from cardiovascular to neuropsychological function. This results in a negative impact on the quality of life (QOL) of the individual patient. We aim to evaluate the psychometric properties of ThyPRO, a Thyroid-related Patient Reported Outcome questionnaire, and validate its use in our multi-ethnic Asian patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism. Methods Forty-seven consecutive Graves’ hyperthyroidism patients answered the ThyPRO questionnaire at baseline and at 4 months after treatment initiation. Data were recorded for thyroid related symptoms and signs, thyroid function tests and thyroid volume. We analyzed the internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha, construct validity by evaluating relationship between clinical variables and ThyPRO scales, ceiling and floor effects, and responsiveness of ThyPRO to treatment based on Cohen’s effect size. Results Correlations between individual scale scores and free thyroxine concentrations were moderate and statistically significant: 0.21–0.64 (p < 0.05). There was high internal consistency between the items in this instrument, Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7 for all scales. ThyPRO was responsive to the changes in QOL after treatment (Effect Size: 0.20–0.77) in 9 of the 14 scales including the hyperthyroid symptoms and psychosocial scales (Tiredness, Cognitive complaints, Anxiety, Emotional susceptibility, Impact on Social, Daily and Sex life). Conclusion This study provides evidence that ThyPRO has satisfactory measurement properties in hyperthyroid Graves’ disease patients in Singapore population with the potential to complement clinical care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41687-021-00309-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Liew
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
| | - Torquil Watt
- Department of Medical Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luo Nan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alvin W K Tan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Ek Kwang Chew
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rinkoo Dalan
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Danicic JM, Inder WJ, Kotowicz MA. The impact of subclinical hypothyroidism on health-related quality of life: a narrative review. Intern Med J 2021; 51:1380-1387. [PMID: 34139046 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A biochemical diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism is defined by an elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with a normal serum free thyroxine (FT4). This paper discusses SCH in the Australian population, the impact of SCH on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and the evidence for thyroid hormone therapy as well as exercise therapy to improve HRQoL in SCH. The prevalence of SCH in Australia is approximately 4-5% and is higher in females and the elderly. Current evidence suggests thyroid hormone therapy is not associated with an improvement in HRQoL. However, there does appear to be a subgroup of those with SCH that experience an impairment in HRQoL who may potentially benefit from treatment. Because the majority of research to date has been done in elderly, largely asymptomatic individuals, this may not be representative of the entire SCH population. Additionally, alternative treatments such as exercise therapy have not been well explored in the literature, despite exercise therapy's effects on HRQoL in other populations. Further research is required to clearly define which individuals with SCH are likely to experience an impaired HRQoL, as well as explore the effects of thyroid hormone therapy and exercise therapy in these individuals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Danicic
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Warrick J Inder
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark A Kotowicz
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Barwon Health.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne
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10
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What Is the Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism and How Are We Measuring It? A Critical, Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071386. [PMID: 33808358 PMCID: PMC8037475 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT, generally using oral levothyroxine (LT4)) is a safe, effective means of treating hypothyroidism. However, a proportion of LT4-treated patients with biochemically normal thyroid function tests complain of persistent symptoms that impact their health-related quality of life (QoL). The objectives of this critical, narrative review of the literature were to identify studies of QoL in LT4-treated patients with hypothyroidism, examine the instruments used to measure QoL, determine whether normal QoL is restored by THRT, and identify factors associated with QoL. The PubMed database was searched from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2020. A total of 809 publications were screened, 129 full-text articles were retrieved, and 58 were analyzed. The studies of overt hypothyroidism evidenced an improvement in psychological and emotional well-being after three to six months of THRT with LT4, although contrasting results were found for patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Combination treatment with LT4 and liothyronine was not generally associated with better QoL. In hypothyroidism, QoL appears to be influenced by a number of physiological, behavioral, cognitive and/or lifestyle factors that are not strictly related to thyroid hormone levels.
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Kerp H, Gassen J, Führer D. Age and Sex Influence Thyroid Hormone Effects in Target Tissues with
Organ-Specific Responses. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2020; 128:469-472. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1083-6272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAge and sex impact prevalence and clinical features of thyroid disease.
Thyroid dysfunction occurs with a higher frequency in elderly patients and
females. Moreover, age alters clinical presentation of hyper- and
hypothyroidism and onset of thyroid hormone (TH) related co-morbidities
leading to increased risk for underdiagnosis and maltreatment in the
elderly. Rodent models allow further insights into mechanisms of age- and
sex-dependent TH action in target tissues. In this review, we summarize
findings from mouse studies showing distinct effects of age and sex on
systemic versus organ-specific TH action and discuss their wider implication
for clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Kerp
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University
Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Janina Gassen
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University
Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University
Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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