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Hegedüs L, Van Der Feltz-Cornelis CM, Papini E, Nagy EV, Weetman AP, Perros P. Medically not yet explained symptoms in hypothyroidism. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024:10.1038/s41574-024-01022-7. [PMID: 39138377 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-024-01022-7] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Persistent symptoms are common in the general population and even more so in people with hypothyroidism. When symptoms are unexplained and brought to medical attention, they can be referred to as medically not yet explained symptoms (MNYES), a term preferred to other descriptors by patients, care-givers and experts. MNYES might be neglected by endocrinologists or misattributed to hypothyroidism. Awareness of MNYES could open up more effective and less harmful interventions for patients who present to endocrinologists with unexplained symptoms than costly over-investigations and over-treatment with thyroid hormones (such as levothyroxine and liothyronine). The role of the endocrinologist is to recognize and acknowledge that MNYES could be underlying a patient's presentation, to communicate effectively with the patient and others involved in the patient's care, to apply a 'two-track approach' in management by paying equal attention to physical and psychosocial contributors, and to collaborate with other relevant health professionals. Categorization of patients into levels of risk for symptom deterioration helps in selecting suitable therapies. Effective management of MNYES demands time, training, expertise and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Endre V Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anthony P Weetman
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Petros Perros
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Osnaya-Brizuela N, Valenzuela-Peraza A, Santamaría-del Ángel D, García-Martínez Y, Pacheco-Rosado J, Pérez-Sánchez G, Sánchez-Huerta K. Is the acquired hypothyroidism a risk factor for developing psychiatric disorders? Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1429255. [PMID: 39100850 PMCID: PMC11294236 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1429255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a prevalent thyroid condition in which the thyroid gland fails to secrete an adequate amount of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. This condition may develop due to genetic or acquired factors. The most frequent cause of acquired hypothyroidism is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's disease. Acquired hypothyroidism is diagnosed when patients present with overt hypothyroidism (also known as clinical hypothyroidism), as they exhibit increased TSH and decreased T3 and T4 serum levels. This article examines the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients diagnosed with acquired hypothyroidism with or without Levothyroxine treatment. We discuss the available evidence indicating that acquired hypothyroidism may be a risk factor for psychiatric disorders, and the effectiveness of thyroid treatment in relieving psychiatric symptoms. Additionally, we provide critical details on thyroid hormone cutoff values reported in the literature, their potential clinical importance, and their correlation with psychiatric symptoms. Finally, we examined the various mechanisms by which acquired hypothyroidism can lead to depression. The high rate of comorbidity between hypothyroidism and psychiatric disorders deserves special attention, indicating the importance of consistent monitoring and timely identification of psychiatric symptoms to prevent disease exacerbation and facilitate therapeutic management. On the other hand, several mechanisms underlie the strong association between depression and acquired hypothyroidism. Deeper research into these mechanisms will allow knowledge of the pathophysiology of depression in patients with acquired hypothyroidism and will provide clues to design more precise therapeutic strategies for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma Osnaya-Brizuela
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Armando Valenzuela-Peraza
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Daniel Santamaría-del Ángel
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Yuliana García-Martínez
- Departamento de Fisiología “Mauricio Russek”, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Jorge Pacheco-Rosado
- Departamento de Fisiología “Mauricio Russek”, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gilberto Pérez-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Psicoinmunología, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Karla Sánchez-Huerta
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Zhou H, Zhu H, Wang J, Gao X, Jiang C. Association between hypothyroidism subtypes and major depression: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study. J Affect Disord 2024; 351:843-852. [PMID: 38341154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causal relationship between different hypothyroidism subtypes and the risk of major depression (MD) is yet to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine if there's a causal relationship between various hypothyroidism subtypes (and related factors) and the risk of MD. METHODS This genetic association study utilized a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach to explore the causal relationships between various hypothyroidism subtypes and MD risk. Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics were obtained from the FinnGen and the UK Biobank. Instrumental variables (IVs) were chosen based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). RESULTS Among the analyzed hypothyroidism subtypes and related factors, "Hypothyroidism, strict autoimmune" (HTCBSA) and "Hypothyroidism, levothyroxin purchases" (HT/LP) demonstrated a statistically significant positive causal relationship with MD, with odds ratios of 1.020 (95 % CI: 1.004-1.037) and 1.022 (95 % CI: 1.005-1.040), respectively. The sensitivity analysis supported the robustness of these findings, showing no significant horizontal pleiotropy and confirming the stability of results when individual SNPs were removed. "Congenital iodine-deficiency syndrome/hypothyroidism" (CIDS/HT), "Postinfectious hypothyroidism" (PHT), "Hypothyroidism due to medicaments and other exogenous substances" (HDTDM and OES), "Thyroid Stimulating Hormone" (TSH), "Thyrotropin-releasing hormone" (THRH), and "Hypothyroidism, strict autoimmune, 3 medication purchases required" (HTCBSA/3MPR) showed no significant causal relationship with MD. LIMITATIONS The study population was limited to individuals of European ancestry, and there may be certain genetic differences between different ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS This MR study suggests a potential causal relationship between certain hypothyroidism subtypes (specifically HTCBSA and HT/LP) and an increased risk of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Zhou
- Department of Medical Psychology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Haohao Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuezheng Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenguang Jiang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Perros P, Nagy EV, Papini E, Abad-Madroñero J, Lakwijk P, Poots AJ, Mols F, Hegedüs L. Hypothyroidism and Type D Personality: Results From E-MPATHY, a Cross-sectional International Online Patient Survey. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024:dgae140. [PMID: 38591918 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Between 10% and 15% of people with hypothyroidism experience persistent symptoms, despite achieving biochemical euthyroidism. The underlying causes are unclear. Type D personality (a vulnerability factor for general psychological distress) is associated with poor health status and symptom burden but has not been studied in people with hypothyroidism. OBJECTIVE To investigate type D personality in hypothyroidism and explore associations with other characteristics and patient-reported outcomes. DESIGN Multinational, cross-sectional survey. SETTING Online. PARTICIPANTS Individuals with self-reported, treated hypothyroidism. INTERVENTION Questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Type D personality and associations with baseline characteristics, control of the symptoms of hypothyroidism by medication, satisfaction with care and treatment of hypothyroidism, impact of hypothyroidism on everyday living. RESULTS A total of 3915 responses were received, 3523 of which were valid. The prevalence of type D personality was 54.2%. Statistically significant associations were found between type D personality and several respondent characteristics (age, marital status, ethnicity, household income, comorbidities, type of treatment for hypothyroidism, most recent TSH level), anxiety, depression, somatization, poor control of the symptoms of hypothyroidism by medication, dissatisfaction with care and treatment of hypothyroidism, and a negative impact of hypothyroidism on everyday living). DISCUSSION Our study found a high prevalence of type D personality among people with hypothyroidism who responded to the survey. Type D personality may be an important determinant of dissatisfaction with treatment and care among people with hypothyroidism. Our findings require independent confirmation. Close collaboration between the disciplines of thyroidology and psychology is likely to be key in progressing our understanding in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Perros
- Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Endre Vezekenyi Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4032, Hungary
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Rome 00041, Italy
| | - Juan Abad-Madroñero
- Data Science and Insight Team, Picker Institute Europe, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 2JY, UK
| | - Peter Lakwijk
- Thyroid Federation International, Transpolispark, Hoofddorp 2132 WT, The Netherlands
| | - Alan J Poots
- Data Science and Insight Team, Picker Institute Europe, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 2JY, UK
| | - Floortje Mols
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg 5000 LE, The Netherlands
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense 5000, Denmark
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5
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Attanasio R, Žarković M, Papini E, Nagy EV, Negro R, Perros P, Akarsu E, Alevizaki M, Ayvaz G, Bednarczuk T, Beleslin BN, Berta E, Bodor M, Borissova AM, Boyanov M, Buffet C, Burlacu MC, Ćirić J, Díez JJ, Dobnig H, Fadeyev V, Field BCT, Fliers E, Führer-Sakel D, Galofré JC, Hakala T, Jiskra J, Kopp PA, Krebs M, Kršek M, Kužma M, Lantz M, Lazúrová I, Leenhardt L, Luchytskiy V, Marques Puga F, McGowan A, Metso S, Moran C, Morgunova T, Niculescu DA, Perić B, Planck T, Poiana C, Robenshtok E, Rosselet PO, Ruchala M, Ryom Riis K, Shepelkevich A, Tronko MD, Unuane D, Vardarli I, Visser WE, Vryonidou A, Younes YR, Hegedüs L. Patients' Persistent Symptoms, Clinician Demographics, and Geo-Economic Factors Are Associated with Choice of Therapy for Hypothyroidism by European Thyroid Specialists: The "THESIS" Collaboration. Thyroid 2024; 34:429-441. [PMID: 38368541 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Background: Hypothyroidism is common, however, aspects of its treatment remain controversial. Our survey aimed at documenting treatment choices of European thyroid specialists and exploring how patients' persistent symptoms, clinician demographics, and geo-economic factors relate to treatment choices. Methods: Seventeen thousand two hundred forty-seven thyroid specialists from 28 countries were invited to participate in an online questionnaire survey. The survey included respondent demographic data and treatment choices for hypothyroid patients with persistent symptoms. Geo-economic data for each country were included in the analyses. Results: The response rate was 32.9% (6058 respondents out of 17,247 invitees). Levothyroxine (LT4) was the initial treatment preferred by the majority (98.3%). Persistent symptoms despite normal serum thyrotropin (TSH) while receiving LT4 treatment were reported to affect up to 10.0% of patients by 75.4% of respondents, while 28.4% reported an increasing such trend in the past 5 years. The principal explanations offered for patients' persistent symptoms were psychosocial factors (77.1%), comorbidities (69.2%), and unrealistic patient expectations (61.0%). Combination treatment with LT4+liothyronine (LT3) was chosen by 40.0% of respondents for patients who complained of persistent symptoms despite a normal TSH. This option was selected more frequently by female thyroid specialists, with high-volume practice, working in countries with high gross national income per capita. Conclusions: The perception of patients' dissatisfaction reported by physicians seems lower than that described by hypothyroid patients in previous surveys. LT4+LT3 treatment is used frequently by thyroid specialists in Europe for persistent hypothyroid-like symptoms even if they generally attribute such symptoms to nonendocrine causes and despite the evidence of nonsuperiority of the combined over the LT4 therapy. Pressure by dissatisfied patients on their physicians for LT3-containing treatments is a likely explanation. The association of the therapeutic choices with the clinician demographic characteristics and geo-economic factors in Europe is a novel information and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Attanasio
- Scientific Committee Associazione Medici Endocrinologi, Milan, Italy
| | - Miloš Žarković
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Diseases of Metabolism, Thyroid Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Endre Vezekenyi Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Roberto Negro
- Division of Endocrinology, Ospedale Fazzi, Lecce, Italy
| | - Petros Perros
- Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ersin Akarsu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Maria Alevizaki
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Centre, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Göksun Ayvaz
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Koru Ankara Hospital, Çankaya, Turkey
| | - Tomasz Bednarczuk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Biljana Nedeljković Beleslin
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Diseases of Metabolism, Thyroid Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Eszter Berta
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklos Bodor
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anna Maria Borissova
- Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospital "Sofiamed," Medical Faculty, Sofia University "Saint Kliment Ohridski," Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mihail Boyanov
- Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospital "Alexandrovska," Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Camille Buffet
- GRC n 16, GRC Thyroid Tumors, Thyroid Disease and Endocrine Tumor Department, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtriére, Sorbonne Universitè, Paris, France
| | - Maria-Cristina Burlacu
- Department of Endocrinology Diabetology and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jasmina Ćirić
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Diseases of Metabolism, Thyroid Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Juan J Díez
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro Segovia de Arana, Calle Manuel de Falla, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Harald Dobnig
- Thyroid and Osteoporosis Praxis, Kumberg, Austria
- Thyroid Practice for Radiofrequency Ablation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Valentin Fadeyev
- Department of Endocrinology No. 1, N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Benjamin C T Field
- Section of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Fliers
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dagmar Führer-Sakel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Juan Carlos Galofré
- Department of Endocrinology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Tommi Hakala
- Department of Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jan Jiskra
- 3rd Department of Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter A Kopp
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Krebs
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michal Kršek
- 3rd Department of Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kužma
- 5th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty of Comenius University and University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mikael Lantz
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ivica Lazúrová
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine of the Medical Faculty, P.J. Šafárik University Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Laurence Leenhardt
- GRC n 16, GRC Thyroid Tumors, Thyroid Disease and Endocrine Tumor Department, APHP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtriére, Sorbonne Universitè, Paris, France
| | - Vitaliy Luchytskiy
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism named after V.P. Komissarenko, National Academy of Medical Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Francisca Marques Puga
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anne McGowan
- Robert Graves Institute, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Saara Metso
- Department of Endocrinology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Carla Moran
- Diabetes & Endocrinology Section, Beacon Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tatyana Morgunova
- Department of Endocrinology No. 1, N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Dan Alexandru Niculescu
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Božidar Perić
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases "Mladen Sekso," University Hospital Center "Sisters of Mercy," Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tereza Planck
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Catalina Poiana
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eyal Robenshtok
- Thyroid Cancer Service, Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Beilinson Hospital and Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Marek Ruchala
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Kamilla Ryom Riis
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Alla Shepelkevich
- Department of Endocrinology, Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Republic of Belarus
| | - Mykola D Tronko
- V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - David Unuane
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Unit, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Irfan Vardarli
- Department of Medicine I, Klinikum Vest GmbH, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Recklinghausen, Academic Teaching Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Recklinghausen, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - W Edward Visser
- Rotterdam Thyroid Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andromachi Vryonidou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
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Perros P, Nagy EV, Papini E, Van Der Feltz-Cornelis CM, Weetman AP, Hay HA, Abad-Madroñero J, Tallett AJ, Bilas M, Lakwijk P, Poots AJ, Hegedüs L. Hypothyroidism and Somatization: Results from E-Mode Patient Self-Assessment of Thyroid Therapy, a Cross-Sectional, International Online Patient Survey. Thyroid 2023; 33:927-939. [PMID: 37134204 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: Between 10% and 15% of hypothyroid patients experience persistent symptoms despite achieving biochemical euthyroidism. Unexplained persistent symptoms can be a sign of somatization. This is associated with distress and high health care resource use and can be classified as somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Prevalence rates for SSD differ depending on classification criteria and how they are ascertained, varying between 4% and 25%. As this has not been studied in hypothyroid patients before, the aim of this study was to document somatization in people with hypothyroidism and to explore associations with other patient characteristics and outcomes. Methods: Online, multinational cross-sectional survey of individuals with self-reported, treated hypothyroidism, which included the validated Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) for assessment of somatization. Chi-squared tests with the Bonferroni correction were used to explore outcomes for respondents with a PHQ-15 score ≥10 (probable somatic symptom disorder [pSSD]) versus a PHQ-15 score <10 (absence of SSD). Results: A total of 3915 responses were received, 3516 of which contained the valid PHQ-15 data (89.8%). The median score was 11.3 (range 0-30 [confidence interval 10.9-11.3]). The prevalence of pSSD was 58.6%. Associations were found between pSSD and young age (p < 0.001), women (p < 0.001), not working (p < 0.001), having below average household income (p < 0.001), being treated with levothyroxine (LT4) (rather than combination of LT4 and L-triiodothyronine [LT3], LT3 alone, or desiccated thyroid extract) (p < 0.001), expression of the view that the thyroid medication taken did not control the symptoms of hypothyroidism well (p < 0.001), and with number of comorbidities (p < 0.001). pSSD was associated with respondent attribution of most PHQ-15 symptoms to the hypothyroidism or its treatment (p < 0.001), dissatisfaction with care and treatment of hypothyroidism (p < 0.001), a negative impact of hypothyroidism on daily living (p < 0.001), and with anxiety and low mood/depression (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of pSSD among people with hypothyroidism and associations between pSSD and negative patient outcomes, including a tendency to attribute persistent symptoms to hypothyroidism or its treatment. SSD may be an important determinant of dissatisfaction with treatment and care among some hypothyroid patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Endre Vezekenyi Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Christina Maria Van Der Feltz-Cornelis
- Department of Health Sciences, HYMS, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Megan Bilas
- Picker Institute Europe, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Lakwijk
- Thyroid Federation International, Transpolispark, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | | | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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7
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Perros P, Van Der Feltz-Cornelis C, Papini E, Nagy EV, Weetman AP, Hegedüs L. The enigma of persistent symptoms in hypothyroid patients treated with levothyroxine: A narrative review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:461-468. [PMID: 33783849 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A significant minority of patients with hypothyroidism report persistent symptoms despite achieving normal thyroid biochemistry after levothyroxine (L-T4) replacement. Four principal lines of thinking, which are not mutually exclusive, may explain this enigma. The 'low tissue liothyronine hypothesis' emphasizes the potential imperfections of L-T4 replacement therapy that may lead to hypothyroidism in some tissues such as the brain, while others (eg hypothalamus) are euthyroid. The 'Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders hypothesis' draws attention to an incidental coexistence of a diagnosis of Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders in patients with treated hypothyroidism. The 'autoimmune neuroinflammation hypothesis' highlights the potential consequences of inflammatory mediators due to thyroid autoimmunity (the commonest cause of hypothyroidism) on the brain. The 'comorbidities and psychosocial hypothesis' implicates a variety of physical and psychosocial factors that have been noted to be associated with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, which may be primarily the cause of persistent complaints. Over the past twenty years, a great deal of time and effort has been expended pursuing the 'low tissue liothyronine hypothesis', which has failed to yield results that translate to patient benefits. This has skewed the balance in clinical practice, in favour of pursuing answers relating to L-T4 and liothyronine combination treatment, while the alternative explanations have been downplayed and potentially useful interventions have been given insufficient attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Endre V Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anthony P Weetman
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Wu S, Wang H, Zhou Y, Xia X, Yue Y, Wu Y, Peng R, Yang R, Li R, Yuan N, Li Z, Zhao X, Yin M, Du X, Zhang X. Clinical correlates of autoimmune thyroiditis and non-autoimmune hypothyroidism in treatment-naïve patients with major depressive disorders. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:755-761. [PMID: 36529413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid autoimmunity is a potentially critical factor that is often neglected in the association between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and depressive disorders. This study aimed to investigate the clinical correlates of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and non-autoimmune hypothyroidism (NAIH) in treatment-naïve patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHOD Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited a total of 1718 outpatients with treatment-naïve MDD. Demographic and relevant clinical information including duration of MDD, severity of depression and anxiety, psychotic symptoms, suicide attempts, thyroid function parameters, etc. were collected. According to thyroid function parameters, patients were classified as AIT, NAIH, latent Hashimoto's thyroiditis (LH) and euthyroidism (ET). RESULTS Patients with SCH (including AIT and NAIH) had older age at onset, and were more likely to have psychotic symptoms compared to those with ET. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that SCH was associated with duration of MDD and HAMD scores. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of having more severe anxiety and metabolic syndrome were greater among patients with SCH compared to those with ET. The odds of having suicide attempts were greater among patients with AIT than among those with ET. LIMITATION Because of the cross-sectional design of this study, we were unable to sort out causality between MDD and SCH. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that AIT and NAIH were associated with duration of MDD, HAMD scores, severity of anxiety, and metabolic syndrome. However, only AIT in SCH was associated with suicide attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Wu
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xingzhi Xia
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yan Yue
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Wu
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Peng
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruchang Yang
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ronghua Li
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Nian Yuan
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueli Zhao
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ming Yin
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiangdong Du
- Suzhou Guangji Hospital, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Xue B, Lei R, Tian X, Zheng J, Li Y, Wang B, Luo B. Perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate and depression: the potential mediating role of sleep. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:16488-16498. [PMID: 36190642 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23138-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate are common thyroid disruptors, but it is not clear whether they are related to depression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate and depression, and to explore the potential role of sleep in this process. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). From 2005 to 2016, 6 cycles cross-sectional data were combined. Urinary perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate came from laboratory test; depression was diagnosed by the Nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Weighted generalized liner models, restricted cubic splines, and mediation analysis were used in this study. Totally, 16,715 participants were involved in this study, of which 8295 (49.63%) were male and 8420 (50.37%) were female, with an average age of 46.19 ± 0.32 years. We found that urinary thiocyanate concentration was positively associated with depression (Odds ratios [ORs]: 1.49; 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]: 1.16, 1.91), but not perchlorate (ORs: 0.71; 95% CIs: 0.52, 0.97) or nitrate (ORs: 0.89, 95% CIs: 0.66, 1.19). Sleep may play a potential mediating role between thiocyanate and depression (9.55%). In conclusion, higher concentrations of thiocyanate exposure may be associated with a higher risk of depression, and the sleep duration may be an important mediating factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baode Xue
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyi Lei
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlin Li
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Wang
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Luo
- Institute of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Jensen CZ, la Cour JL, Watt T, Kanters JK, Poulsen HE, Faber J, Ellervik C, Nygaard B. Association of Levothyroxine Treatment and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies with Antidepressant Use: A Danish Population-Based Longitudinal Study. Thyroid 2022; 32:1477-1487. [PMID: 36222609 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background: Subjects receiving levothyroxine (LT4) treatment have increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and antidepressant use, but whether the underlying mechanism relates to thyroid autoimmunity is still unclarified. Methods: This is a population-based longitudinal study. Baseline biochemical and questionnaire data from the Danish General Suburban Population Study (GESUS) in 2010-2013 were linked with individual-level longitudinal data in national health registries. The aim was to investigate the associations between thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) and LT4 treatment, separately and through interaction, and at least one redeemed prescription for antidepressants. Logistic and Cox regression were used to evaluate initiation of antidepressant use before and after the baseline examination in GESUS, respectively. All exposures and covariates were fixed at the date of baseline examination. Thyroid autoimmunity was defined as serum TPOAbs >60 U/mL. Adjustments included sex, age, education, income, Charlson comorbidity index, smoking, and alcohol. Sensitivity analyses were performed for missing variables, exclusion of lithium use, exclusion of thyroid surgery, and conservative definitions for LT4 treatment and antidepressant use requiring at least two prescriptions. Results: We included 12,894 individuals, of whom 2353 (18%) had "past or current" antidepressant use at baseline, leaving 10,541 individuals at risk for incident antidepressant use after baseline. The median follow-up was 7.8 years during which 783 individuals (7.4% of 10,541 individuals) had incident antidepressant use. TPOAb positivity was not associated with "past or current" (odds ratio [OR] 0.90 [confidence interval, CI 0.78-1.03], p = 0.13) nor incident antidepressant use (hazard ratio [HR] 1.02 [CI 0.83-1.25], p = 0.88). LT4 treatment was associated with increased "past or current" antidepressant use (OR 1.33 [CI 1.10-1.62], p = 0.004) and increased incident antidepressant use (HR 1.38 [CI 1.03-1.85], p = 0.03). There were no interactions between the effects of TPOAb positivity and LT4 treatment on the use of antidepressants in logistic (p = 0.87) or Cox regression models (p = 0.82). Sensitivity analyses were robust, except that incident use of at least two redeemed antidepressant prescriptions was not statistically significant. Conclusions: LT4 treatment, but not TPOAb positivity, was associated with increased prevalent or incident antidepressant use with at least one prescription. Our findings do not support that thyroid autoimmunity is an important factor for antidepressant use in patients receiving LT4 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Zinck Jensen
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Lerche la Cour
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Torquil Watt
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kim Kanters
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Enghusen Poulsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital-Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Derpartment of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital-North Zealand, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Jens Faber
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Ellervik
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Data Support, Region Zealand, Sorø, Denmark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Birte Nygaard
- Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Galofré JC, Attanasio R, Hegedüs L, Nagy E, Negro R, Papini E, Perros P, Díez JJ. Use of thyroid hormone in hypothyroid patients and euthyroid subjects in Spain: A THESIS* questionnaire survey. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2022; 69:520-529. [PMID: 36084989 DOI: 10.1016/j.endien.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypothyroidism is one of the leading conditions in endocrinology. Despite that fact, clinical indications for treatment still vary among Spanish specialists. AIMS To identify attitudes of Spanish specialists relating to the use of levothyroxine (LT4) and the management of hypothyroidism. METHODS The members of the Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition) were invited to participate in a web-based survey. The survey, initially in English, was modified to reflect in accordance with the availability of thyroid hormone formulations in Spain. RESULTS A total of 505 of 1956 (25.8%) members (66% female) completed the survey; 97.4% declared that LT4 is the first-line therapy for hypothyroidism. The indications for LT4 therapy in euthyroidism were infertility in thyroid antibody-positive women (48.5%) and simple goitre (21.2%). However, 44.2% of specialists reported that there was no indication for LT4 therapy in such patients. Only a minority of respondents (2.6%) considered combining LT4 with liothyronine as the treatment of choice from inception, whereas 49% stated that it should never be used. CONCLUSIONS The standard of treatment of hypothyroidism in Spain is almost exclusively with LT4 tablets. Availability of other formulations of LT4 or combination therapy for hypothyroidism management remains to be explored, especially in patients with persistent symptoms. Notably, non-evidence-based use of LT4 is widely practiced in Spain for euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis and fertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Galofré
- Department of Endocrinology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Spain; Thyroid Task Force from the Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN), Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Endre Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Roberto Negro
- Division of Endocrinology, V. Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Juan J Díez
- Thyroid Task Force from the Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN), Madrid, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro Segovia de Arana, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
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12
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Anderson KS, Howard KJ, Haskard-Zolnierek KB, Pruin J, Deason RG. Using the Biopsychosocial Approach to Identify Factors Associated with Major Depressive Disorder for Individuals with Hypothyroidism. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:755-765. [PMID: 35358004 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2022.2053010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has found that major depressive disorder (MDD) commonly occurs in hypothyroid populations. The purpose of this study was to use the biopsychosocial model to investigate factors associated with MDD and hypothyroidism by comparing hypothyroid patients with MDD and without MDD. A sample of 386 participants with hypothyroidism completed both cognitive and psychosocial self-reported assessments along with a questionnaire rating the severity of common hypothyroid symptoms. Participants were divided into two groups (MDD and no MDD) using the diagnostic criteria of the Patient Health Questionnaire. Univariate comparisons were used to assess differences in the severity of physical, psychological, and social correlates in participants with and without MDD. Participants with MDD reported significantly worse symptom severity, increased stress, and disruptions of cognitive functioning. Compared to individuals without MDD, they also indicated poorer quality of life, doctor-patient relationships, and treatment adherence. Individuals with comorbid depression and hypothyroidism reported worse outcomes across physical symptoms, social factors, and psychological and cognitive states than individuals without MDD. Integrating depression screeners and independent treatment for MDD, in addition to the patient's hypothyroid treatment plan, may result in hypothyroid symptom relief and greater quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy S Anderson
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Krista J Howard
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | | | - Julia Pruin
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Rebecca G Deason
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
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13
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Kim Y, Chang Y, Cho IY, Kwon R, Lim GY, Jee JH, Ryu S, Kang M. The Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Korean Women Undergoing Routine Health Screening: A Cross-Sectional Study. Thyroid 2022; 32:819-827. [PMID: 35293242 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Women are more likely to experience thyroid diseases than men. However, thyroid dysfunction risk in women undergoing the menopausal transition remains largely unknown. We explored the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction across menopausal stages. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 53,230 women aged 40 years or older who underwent health screening between 2014 and 2018. Menopausal stages were categorized into 4 based on the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop +10 criteria. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) with confidence intervals [CIs] for thyroid dysfunction in menopausal stages compared with that in premenopause. Results: The prevalence of overt hypothyroidism was significantly increased during late transition and postmenopause; it remained significant after further adjustments for potential confounders (age, center, year of examination, age at menarche, parity, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and body mass index) with corresponding multivariable-adjusted PRs [CI] of 1.61 [1.12-2.30] and 1.66 [1.16-2.37] in the late transition and postmenopausal stages, respectively. A significant increase in the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was also observed in the late transition and postmenopausal stage with multivariable-adjusted PRs [CI] of 1.22 [1.06-1.40] and 1.24 [1.07-1.44], respectively. In contrast, subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism were not significantly associated with menopausal stages. Conclusions: In this study of pre- and perimenopausal Korean women, the prevalence of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly elevated in the late menopausal transition. Future prospective studies are warranted to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of thyroid dysfunction in women during menopausal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yejin Kim
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoosoo Chang
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In Young Cho
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Family Medicine; Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ria Kwon
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Young Lim
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Jee
- Health Promotion Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungho Ryu
- Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mira Kang
- Health Promotion Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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14
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Lan H, Wen J, Mao Y, Huang H, Chen G, Lin W. Combined T4 + T3 therapy versus T4 monotherapy effect on psychological health in hypothyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 97:13-25. [PMID: 35445422 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether T4 + T3 combination therapy had advantages in improving psychological health compared with T4 monotherapy. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from January 2000 to March 2021, and updated in September 2021. The inclusion criteria (prospective study, published in English, had a T4 + T3 combination therapy test group and a T4 monotherapy control group, patients aged ≥18 years and with overt primary hypothyroidism, and published after January 2000) were applied by two reviewers; any disagreement was resolved by a third reviewer. The two reviewers independently extracted data using a standard data form and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Coprimary outcomes included the psychological health measures of depression, fatigue, pain, anxiety and anger, measured using validated and reliable instruments. RESULTS Eighteen of 2029 studies (883 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. No significant difference was found between T4 + T3 combination therapy and T4 monotherapy with regard to depression (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.18; 0.07), fatigue (SMD: 0.06, 95% CI: -0.13; 0.26), pain (SMD: -0.01, 95% CI: -0.24; 0.22), anxiety (SMD: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.15; 0.17) and anger (SMD: 0.05, 95% CI: -0.15; 0.24). Methodological heterogeneity had no influence on the results. The patients preferred combination therapy significantly. CONCLUSIONS Compared with T4 monotherapy, T4 + T3 combination therapy had no significant advantage in improving psychological health. For patients who are unsatisfied with LT4 monotherapy, the patient and the physician should make a joint decision concerning therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Lan
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Junping Wen
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yaqian Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Huibin Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Fujian Academy of Medical, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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15
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Pavlatou MG, Žarković M, Hegedüs L, Priestley J, McMullan C, Perros P. A survey on the psychological impact and access to health care of thyroid patients during the first SARS-COV-2 lockdown. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:869-877. [PMID: 34881433 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Information on the impact of SARS-COV-2 on the daily life of thyroid patients during lockdown is sparse. The main objective was explorative, focusing on how SARS-COV-2 affected thyroid patients. DESIGN Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, using an online platform. PATIENTS Patients >18 years with a history of thyroid disease. MEASUREMENTS Demographic data, psychological impact of SARS-COV-2, medical care during the pandemic. RESULTS Valid responses were received from 609 responders. The median age was 50 years, 94% were female and 98.5% were UK residents. The commonest diagnosis was primary hypothyroidism (52.2%). Negative psychological effects following the lockdown were reported by 45.6%-58.7%. Cancellations of appointments with thyroid specialists were reported by 43.8%, although cancellations of thyroid investigations and treatments were relatively infrequent (12.9%-14.1%). Overall satisfaction rates for thyroid services were low (satisfaction score 40.1-42.8 out of 100), but nearly 80% were satisfied with remote consultations. Responder ratings of online information sources about SARS-COV-2 and thyroid diseases were lowest for government sites. Unmet needs during lockdown were: more remote access to thyroid specialists, more online information in 'plain English', and psychological support. In multivariate analyses, younger age, female gender, history of depression, hyperthyroidism, not having contracted SARS-COV-2 and multiple comorbidities were risk factors for a negative psychological impact of lockdown. CONCLUSIONS This survey identified a significant negative impact of SARS-COV-2 and lockdown on psychological wellbeing, particularly in some groups of patients defined by demographic factors, history of hyperthyroidism and comorbidities. Low satisfaction with healthcare services among thyroid patients was noted, but remote consultations were rated favourably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Pavlatou
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Miloš Žarković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotića 8, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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16
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Vardarli I, Brandenburg T, Hegedüs L, Attanasio R, Nagy E, Papini E, Perros P, Weidemann F, Herrmann K, Führer D. A Questionnaire Survey of German Thyroidologists on the Use of Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroid and Euthyroid Patients: The THESIS (Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists: An International Survey) Collaborative. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2022; 130:577-586. [PMID: 35640637 DOI: 10.1055/a-1832-0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the attitudes of German thyroid specialists towards the clinical treatment of hypothyroidism using thyroid hormones (TH). METHODS All members of the thyroid section of the German Endocrine Society (DGE) were e-mailed an invitation to participate in a web-based survey about substitution with TH. RESULTS Out of 206 members of the DGE's thyroid section, 163 (79.1%) responses were received and included in the analysis. Of responding members, 98.6% used levothyroxine (LT4) as the treatment of choice, and 45.4% also prescribed combination therapy with liothyronine (LT4+LT3) in their clinical practice (p<0.001). LT4+LT3 combination was favored in patients with persistent hypothyroidism symptoms despite biochemical euthyroidism on LT4 treatment (p<0.001). Of all respondents, 26.4% never indicated TH therapy for euthyroid patients (p<0.001), while the remainder would consider THs for one or more indications (62.9% for euthyroid infertile women with high anti-thyroid antibody levels (p<0.001), 7.1% in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia, as complementary treatment (p=0.007), and 57.1% in patients with simple goiter (p<0.001)). In conditions that could interfere with LT4 absorption, most respondents still preferred tablets and did not expect a significant difference when switching from one LT4 formulation to another. CONCLUSION For German thyroid specialists, LT4 is the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism. Combination therapy with LT4+LT3 was considered for patients with persistent symptoms. Even in conditions that could affect bioavailability, German thyroid specialists prefer LT4 tablets rather than other LT4 formulations, such as liquid or soft-gel capsules. The widespread use of thyroid hormone for non-hypothyroid conditions is not consistent with current evidence and needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Vardarli
- Department of Medicine I, Klinikum Vest, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Recklinghausen, Academic Teaching Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - Tim Brandenburg
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Clinical Chemistry - Division of Laboratory Research; Endocrine Tumor Center at WTZ/Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Roberto Attanasio
- Scientific Committee Associazione Medici Endocrinologi, Milan, Italy
| | - EndreV Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ospedale Regina Apostolorum, Rome, Italy
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Weidemann
- Department of Medicine I, Klinikum Vest, Knappschaftskrankenhaus Recklinghausen, Academic Teaching Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - Ken Herrmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Clinical Chemistry - Division of Laboratory Research; Endocrine Tumor Center at WTZ/Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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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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Jiskra J, Paleček J, Attanasio R, Hegedüs L, Nagy EV, Papini E, Perros P, Negro R, Kršek M. Use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients: a 2020 THESIS questionnaire survey of members of the Czech Society of Endocrinology. BMC Endocr Disord 2022; 22:117. [PMID: 35501788 PMCID: PMC9063132 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-022-01027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inconsistencies in the management of hypothyroidism have been reported among endocrinologists in different European countries. Aim of this study was to explore Czech endocrinologists' use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients. METHODS We used a web-based survey containing 32 questions regarding the use of thyroid hormones. Four-hundred thirty-two members of the Czech Society of Endocrinology received an e-mail invitation to participate in the survey. RESULTS We received and analysed 157 responses (112 females and 45 males) from the 432 members (36.3%). According to 99.4% of the respondents, levothyroxine (LT4) is the primary drug of choice for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Liothyronine (LT3) was used in clinical practice by 29.9% of responders. According to 90.5% of respondents, thyroid hormones may be indicated in biochemically euthyroid patients. Female physicians prescribe thyroid hormones in euthyroid infertile women with high antibody levels more frequently than male physicians (P = 0.003). Most Czech endocrinologists (76.4%) consider combined therapy with LT4 and LT3 in various clinical scenarios, but only 1 of 29 hypothyroid physicians (3.5%) would recommend it to their patients, and only 4 out of 128 respondents (3.1%) would consider LT3 or desiccated thyroid for themselves, if diagnosed with hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION LT4 is the primary thyroid hormone used in the Czech Republic for treatment of hypothyroidism. At variance with thyroid guideline recommendations, Czech endocrinologists are quite liberal when prescribing thyroid hormones to euthyroid patients and in the use of LT4/LT3 combination treatment for hypothyroid patients with persisting symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jiskra
- 3rd Department of Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Paleček
- 3rd Department of Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Roberto Attanasio
- Scientific Committee of Associazione Medici Endocrinologi, Milan, Italy
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Endre V Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Roberto Negro
- Division of Endocrinology, "V. Fazzi" Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Michal Kršek
- 3rd Department of Medicine, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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19
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Hegedüs L, Bianco AC, Jonklaas J, Pearce SH, Weetman AP, Perros P. Primary hypothyroidism and quality of life. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:230-242. [PMID: 35042968 PMCID: PMC8930682 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In the 1970s, treatment with thyroid extract was superseded by levothyroxine, a synthetic L form of tetraiodothyronine. Since then, no major innovation has emerged for the treatment of hypothyroidism. The biochemical definition of subclinical hypothyroidism is a matter of debate. Indiscriminate screening for hypothyroidism has led to overdiagnosis and treatment initiation at lower serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) than previously. Adverse health effects have been documented in individuals with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and these adverse effects can affect health-related quality of life (QOL). Levothyroxine substitution improves, but does not always normalize, QOL, especially for individuals with mild hypothyroidism. However, neither studies combining levothyroxine and liothyronine (the synthetic form of tri-iodothyronine) nor the use of desiccated thyroid extract have shown robust improvements in patient satisfaction. Future studies should focus not only on a better understanding of an individual's TSH set point (the innate narrow physiological range of serum concentration of TSH in an individual, before the onset of hypothyroidism) and alternative thyroid hormone combinations and formulations, but also on autoimmunity and comorbidities unrelated to hypothyroidism as drivers of patient dissatisfaction. Attention to the long-term health consequences of hypothyroidism, beyond QOL, and the risks of overtreatment is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Antonio C Bianco
- Section of Adult and Paediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Simon H Pearce
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Anthony P Weetman
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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20
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Kim HK, Song J. Hypothyroidism and Diabetes-Related Dementia: Focused on Neuronal Dysfunction, Insulin Resistance, and Dyslipidemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062982. [PMID: 35328405 PMCID: PMC8952212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062982] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of dementia is steadily increasing worldwide. The risk factors for dementia are diverse, and include genetic background, environmental factors, sex differences, and vascular abnormalities. Among the subtypes of dementia, diabetes-related dementia is emerging as a complex type of dementia related to metabolic imbalance, due to the increase in the number of patients with metabolic syndrome and dementia worldwide. Thyroid hormones are considered metabolic regulatory hormones and affect various diseases, such as liver failure, obesity, and dementia. Thyroid dysregulation affects various cellular mechanisms and is linked to multiple disease pathologies. In particular, hypothyroidism is considered a critical cause for various neurological problems-such as metabolic disease, depressive symptoms, and dementia-in the central nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated the relationship between hypothyroidism and brain insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, leading to diabetes-related dementia. Therefore, we reviewed the relationship between hypothyroidism and diabetes-related dementia, with a focus on major features of diabetes-related dementia such as insulin resistance, neuronal dysfunction, and dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Kyung Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, 264 Seoyangro, Hwasun 58128, Korea;
| | - Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun 58128, Korea
- BioMedical Sciences Graduate Program (BMSGP), Chonnam National University, 264 Seoyangro, Hwasun 58128, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-61-379-2706; Fax: +82-61-375-5834
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21
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Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrinopathy, and levothyroxine is frequently prescribed. Despite the basic tenets of initiating and adjusting levothyroxine being agreed on, there are many nuances and complexities to consistently maintaining euthyroidism. Understanding the impact of patient weight and residual thyroid function on initial levothyroxine dosage and consideration of age, comorbidities, thyrotropin goal, life stage, and quality of life as levothyroxine is adjusted can be challenging and continually evolving. Because levothyroxine is a lifelong medication, it is important to avoid risks from periods of overtreatment or undertreatment. For the subset of patients not restored to baseline health with levothyroxine, causes arising from all aspects of the patient's life (coexistent medical conditions, stressors, lifestyle, psychosocial factors) should be broadly considered. If such factors do not appear to be contributing, and biochemical euthyroidism has been successfully maintained, there may be benefit to a trial of combination therapy with levothyroxine and liothyronine. This is not supported by the majority of randomized clinical trials, but may be supported by other studies providing lower-quality evidence and by animal studies. Given this discrepancy, it is important that any trial of combination therapy be continued only as long as a patient benefit is being enjoyed. Monitoring for adverse effects, particularly in older or frail individuals, is necessary and combination therapy should not be used during pregnancy. A sustained-release liothyronine preparation has completed phase 1 testing and may soon be available for better designed and powered studies assessing whether combination therapy provides superior therapy for hypothyroidism.
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22
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Paschou SA, Alevizaki M, Attanasio R, Hegedüs L, Nagy EV, Papini E, Perros P, Vryonidou A. Use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients: a 2020 THESIS questionnaire survey of members of the Hellenic Endocrine Society. Hormones (Athens) 2022; 21:103-111. [PMID: 34755283 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00335-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate current practices of specialists in the use of thyroid hormone preparations in Greece as part of an ongoing international survey, namely THESIS-Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists: an International Survey. METHODS An electronic link leading to an anonymized questionnaire was sent to all (n = 837) members of the Hellenic Endocrine Society. RESULTS In total, 501 respondents participated in the survey, though only part of the questionnaire was filled in by some participants. A total of 88.2% were endocrinologists and 57.9% worked in private practice. Levothyroxine (LT4) was the first-line choice (98.6%) for the treatment of hypothyroid patients. In total, 70.2% preferred LT4 soft-gel capsules for patients reporting intolerance to various foods. Soft-gel capsules were the preferred LT4 formulation for patients on generic LT4 and with unexplained poor biochemical control of hypothyroidism (66.3%) or inability to take LT4 fasted and separate from food/drink (68.3%). It was found that 48.4% would never use combined LT4 + LT3. However, 25% would use combination therapy for a short period in patients recovering from protracted hypothyroidism or in patients with normal serum TSH but persistent symptoms. Concerning euthyroid individuals, 31.9% considered treatment with thyroid hormones in infertile females with positive thyroid antibodies and 24.4% in patients with growing goiter. Selenium or iodine supplementation was used occasionally, mostly in patients with coexisting autoimmune thyroiditis. CONCLUSIONS LT4 tablets are the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism in Greece. Several conditions may lead to various other practices, some of which deviate from current evidence-based guidelines and need more scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula A Paschou
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Alevizaki
- Endocrine Unit and Diabetes Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Endre V Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andromachi Vryonidou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Hellenic Red Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Шепелькевич АП, Дыдышко ЮВ, Юреня ЕB, Лобашова ВЛ, Аттанасио Р, Хегедюс Л, Надь Э, Негро Р, Папини Э, Перрос П. [Features of the use of synthetic analogues of thyroid hormones: а 2020 THESIS* questionnaire survey of members of the Belarusian Public Medical Association of Endocrinology and Metabolism]. PROBLEMY ENDOKRINOLOGII 2021; 68:18-26. [PMID: 35262294 PMCID: PMC9112860 DOI: 10.14341/probl12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (LT4), which in the Republic of Belarus is available in tablet form whereas liothyronine (LT3) is not registered, but patients can purchase them on their own abroad. AIM This study aimed to investigate Belarusian endocrinologists' attitude of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS An online survey was conducted, for which members of the Belarusian Medical Association of Endocrinology and Metabolism were invited by posting information in the group chat and by e-mail. The research period was from October 1 to December 26, 2020. 210 questionnaires were received, 146 of which were used. RESULTS The majority of participants, 145 (99.3%), indicated that they were using LT4 as the first-choice drug for the treatment hypothyroidism. Sixty-one (41.8%) doctors answered that LT3 + LT4 combination likely can be used in patients with long-term untreated hypothyroidism and 15 (10.3%) - in patients with persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism, despite biochemical euthyroidism on therapy LT4. Over half of the respondents 84 (57.5%) answered that thyroid hormone therapy was never indicated for euthyroid patients, but 50 (34.2%) would consider it for female infertility with high level of thyroid antibodies and 36 (24.7%) for simple goiter growing over time. In various conditions that could interfere with absorption of LT4, most responding Belarusian endocrinologists do not expect a significant difference with different formulations (tablets+"I do not expect major changes in different forms" vs. "soft gel capsules"+"liquid solution"; p <0.001). Persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism on the background of LT4 replacement therapy with the achievement of the target TSH can mainly be caused by psychosocial factors, concomitant diseases, unrealistic patient expectations, chronic fatigue syndrome, and the burden of chronic disease. CONCLUSION The method of choice of Belarusian endocrinologists in the treatment of hypothyroidism is LT4 replacement therapy, but the appointment of LT4 + LT3 combination therapy can be considered in certain clinical situations. As a rule, endocrinologists do not prescribe LT4 in patients with euthyroidism and do not expect a significant difference when using other forms of levothyroxine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ю. В. Дыдышко
- Белорусский государственный медицинский университет;
Республиканский центр медицинской реабилитации и бальнеолечения
| | - Е. B. Юреня
- Минский городской клинический эндокринологический центр
| | - В. Л. Лобашова
- Республиканский центр медицинской реабилитации и бальнеолечения
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24
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Buffet C, Belin L, Attanasio R, Hegedüs L, Nagy EV, Papini E, Perros P, Leenhardt L. Real-life practice of thyroid hormone use in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients: a detailed view from the THESIS* questionnaire survey in France. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2021; 83:27-34. [PMID: 34861221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe practices of French physicians regarding thyroid hormone therapy, focusing on available LT4 formulations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Members of the French Endocrine Society (FES) and affiliated societies (the Endocrine Tumor Group, French College of Teachers of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases and the Union of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition Specialists) were invited to participate in an online survey. RESULTS 534 of the 2,094 persons contacted (25.5%) completed the survey and were included in the analysis. The vast majority (99.4%) reported that levothyroxine (LT4) is the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism. 7.1% and 14.2% of respondents respectively considered liothyronine (LT3) or a combination of LT4 and LT3 for the treatment of hypothyroidism, mainly when symptoms persisted despite achieving normal TSH concentrations with LT4 therapy. For 44% of respondents, thyroid hormone treatment is never indicated in euthyroid patients, while the remainder would consider treating euthyroid patients with a goiter growing over time (40.2%) and/or euthyroid women with positive anti-TPO antibodies and infertility (31.7%). LT4 tablets were the preferred LT4 formulation. A significant proportion of FES members expected no major clinical differences upon changing to formulations such as soft-gel capsules or liquid solutions, even in specific scenarios such as poor biochemical control or suspicion of malabsorption. CONCLUSION The treatment of choice for hypothyroidism in France is LT4. LT3-based therapy is considered by some physicians in case of persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism despite normal TSH level. A significant proportion of respondents (66.0%) would consider treating euthyroid patients, contrary to the present state of knowledge. These outdated practices should be addressed by professional bodies such as the FES.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Buffet
- Sorbonne Université, GRC n°16, GRC Thyroid Tumors, Thyroid Pathology and Endocrine Tumor Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - L Belin
- Sorbonne Université, Biostatistics Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - R Attanasio
- Scientific Committee, Associazione Medici Endocrinologi, International Chapter of Clinical Endocrinology, Italy
| | - L Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - E V Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - E Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - P Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - L Leenhardt
- Sorbonne Université, GRC n°16, GRC Thyroid Tumors, Thyroid Pathology and Endocrine Tumor Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
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25
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Riis KR, Frølich JS, Hegedüs L, Negro R, Attanasio R, Nagy EV, Papini E, Perros P, Bonnema SJ. Use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients: A 2020 THESIS questionnaire survey of members of the Danish Endocrine Society. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2435-2444. [PMID: 33774809 PMCID: PMC8004561 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The standard treatment of hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (LT4), which is available as tablets or soft-gel capsules in Denmark. This study aimed to investigate Danish endocrinologists' use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients. METHODS An e-mail with an invitation to participate in an online survey investigating practices about substitution with thyroid hormones was sent to all members of the Danish Endocrine Society (DES). RESULTS Out of 488 eligible DES members, a total of 152 (31.2%) respondents were included in the analysis. The majority (94.1%) of responding DES members use LT4 as the treatment of choice. Other treatment options for hypothyroidism are also used, as 58.6% prescribe combination therapy with liothyronine (LT3) + LT4 in their clinical practice. LT4 + LT3 combination is preferred in patients with persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism despite biochemical euthyroidism on LT4 treatment. Over half of the respondents answered that thyroid hormone therapy is never indicated for euthyroid patients, but 42.1% will consider it for euthyroid infertile women with high antibody levels. In various conditions that could interfere with the absorption of LT4, most responding Danish endocrinologists prefer tablets and do not expect a significant difference when switching from one type of tablet formulation to another. CONCLUSION The treatment of choice for hypothyroidism is LT4. Combination therapy with LT4 + LT3 is considered for patients with persistent symptoms. Even in the presence of conditions affecting bioavailability, responding Danish endocrinologists prefer LT4 tablets rather than newer LT4 formulations, such as soft-gel capsules.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Riis
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | - J S Frølich
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - L Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - R Negro
- Division of Endocrinology, V. Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - R Attanasio
- IRCCS Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Endocrinology Service, Milan, Italy
| | - E V Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - E Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Opsedale Regina Apostolorum, Rome, Italy
| | - P Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - S J Bonnema
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Brix TH, Hegedüs L. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and thyroid disease. An update. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2021; 28:525-532. [PMID: 34224435 PMCID: PMC8452244 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with excess morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension and diabetes but little is known about thyroid diseases. Thus, our goal was to review the literature with respect to: (i) Are patients with underlying hypo- or hyperthyroidism at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection? (ii) do underlying hypo- and hyperthyroidism impact the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection? (iii) does SARS-CoV-2 infection cause de novo thyroid dysfunction? RECENT FINDINGS Patients with hypo- or hyperthyroidism do not have an increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, and a diagnosis of hypo- or hyperthyroidism is not associated with a worsened prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with subsequent thyrotoxicosis, euthyroid sick syndrome, subacute thyroiditis, and autoimmune thyroid disease. SUMMARY These findings suggest that receiving treatment for thyroid dysfunction does not per se impact the patients' risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection, or the management of those who already contracted it. Additional studies with larger numbers of patients and long-term follow-up are required in order to clarify whether patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are more or less prone to develop thyroid dysfunction and/or thyroid autoimmunity than patients recovering from other virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Brix
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
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27
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Galofré JC, Attanasio R, Hegedüs L, Nagy E, Negro R, Papini E, Perros P, Díez JJ. Use of thyroid hormone in hypothyroid patients and euthyroid subjects in Spain: A THESIS* questionnaire survey. ENDOCRINOL DIAB NUTR 2021; 69:S2530-0164(21)00190-7. [PMID: 34509420 DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypothyroidism is one of the leading conditions in endocrinology. Despite that fact, clinical indications for treatment still vary among Spanish specialists. AIMS To identify attitudes of Spanish specialists relating to the use of levothyroxine (LT4) and the management of hypothyroidism. METHODS The members of the Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition) were invited to participate in a web-based survey. The survey, initially in English, was modified to reflect in accordance with the availability of thyroid hormone formulations in Spain. RESULTS A total of 505 of 1956 (25.8%) members (66% female) completed the survey; 97.4% declared that LT4 is the first-line therapy for hypothyroidism. The indications for LT4 therapy in euthyroidism were infertility in thyroid antibody-positive women (48.5%) and simple goitre (21.2%). However, 44.2% of specialists reported that there was no indication for LT4 therapy in such patients. Only a minority of respondents (2.6%) considered combining LT4 with liothyronine as the treatment of choice from inception, whereas 49% stated that it should never be used. CONCLUSIONS The standard of treatment of hypothyroidism in Spain is almost exclusively with LT4 tablets. Availability of other formulations of LT4 or combination therapy for hypothyroidism management remains to be explored, especially in patients with persistent symptoms. Notably, non-evidence-based use of LT4 is widely practiced in Spain for euthyroid women with autoimmune thyroiditis and fertility issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Galofré
- Department of Endocrinology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Spain; Thyroid Task Force from the Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN), Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Endre Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Roberto Negro
- Division of Endocrinology, V. Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Juan J Díez
- Thyroid Task Force from the Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN), Madrid, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Puerta de Hierro Segovia de Arana, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
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Konstantakou P, Chalarakis N, Valsamakis G, Sakkas EG, Vousoura E, Gryparis A, Sakkas GE, Papadimitriou G, Zervas I, Mastorakos G. Associations of Thyroid Hormones Profile During Normal Pregnancy and Postpartum With Anxiety, Depression, and Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder Scores in Euthyroid Women. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:663348. [PMID: 34421508 PMCID: PMC8371251 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.663348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Thyroid dysfunction (overt and subclinical) has been consistently linked to pregnancy adversity and abnormal fetal growth and development. Mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are frequently diagnosed during pregnancy and at postpartum, and emerging evidence suggests association with impaired offspring neurodevelopment and growth. This study aimed to examine potential associations between thyroid function and mood symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum. Design This is a prospective study measuring thyroid hormones and assessing mood symptoms by employing specific questionnaires in the same cohort of 93 healthy pregnant women at the 24th (2nd trimester) and 36th (3rd trimester) gestational weeks and at the 1st postpartum week. Methods Serum thyroid hormones, TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg antibodies were measured at the 24th (2nd trimester) and 36th (3rd trimester) gestational weeks and at the 1st postpartum week. Specific validated questionnaires were employed at the same time-points to assess separately symptoms of anxiety [Generalized Anxiety Disorder Inventory (GADI), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), STAI-State Anxiety inventory (STAI-S), STAI-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T)], depression [Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Stein’s Blues Scale (BLUES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)], and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) [Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive scale (Y-BOCS)]. Results At the 2nd trimester, GADI score correlated negatively with FT3 (p < 0.010, r = −0.545) and positively with TSH (p < 0.050, r = 0.837) concentrations; GADI, PSWQ, EPDS and Y-BOCS scores correlated negatively with FT4 concentrations (p < 0.010, r = −0.768; p < 0.010, r = −0.384; p < 0.050, r = −0.364; p < 0.010, r = −0.544, respectively). At the 3rd trimester, BLUES score correlated positively with rT3 concentrations (p = 0.00, r = 0.89); GADI, EPDS, and Y-BOCS scores correlated negatively with FT4 concentrations (p = 0.001, r = − 0.468; p = 0.036, r = −0.39; p = 0.001, r = −0.625, respectively); GADI, STAI-S, and Y-BOCS scores correlated positively with TSH concentrations (p = 0.015, r = 0.435; p = 0.024, r = 0.409 p = 0.041, r = 0.389, respectively). At postpartum, PSWQ, STAI-T, EPDS, and BDI scores correlated positively with rT3 concentrations (p = 0.024, r = 0.478; p = 0.014, r = 0.527; p = 0.046, r = 0.44; p = 0.021, r = 0.556, respectively, Y-BOCS score correlated positively with TSH (p = 0.045, r = 0.43), and BLUES score correlated positively with anti-TPO antibody concentrations (p = 0.070, r = 0.586). Conclusion The reported findings demonstrate positive associations between low-normal thyroid function at the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and postpartum with anxiety, depression, and OCD scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Konstantakou
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikos Chalarakis
- Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Valsamakis
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Grigoriou Sakkas
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Rea Maternity, Private Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Vousoura
- Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Gryparis
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - George Papadimitriou
- Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Zervas
- Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Ellegård L, Krantz E, Trimpou P, Landin-Wilhelmsen K. Health-related quality of life in hypothyroidism-A population-based study, the WHO MONICA Project. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 95:197-208. [PMID: 33665871 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among subjects with hypothyroidism compared to subjects without hypothyroidism in the general population. HRQoL is important in clinical practice. Hypothyroidism is prevalent, mainly found in women, and increasing with age. DESIGN Cohort study of random population sample. PATIENTS Women and men, n = 414 (39-78 years) from the WHO MONICA project, Gothenburg, Sweden, participated. Hypothyroidism was defined as subjects having levothyroxine supplementation or serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (S-TSH) >4.2 mU/L. MEASUREMENTS Health-related quality of life was measured with Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and a single item self-rated health scale (0-100), and stress was rated 1-6. The results were adjusted for age, sex and comorbidity using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS Hypothyroidism was found in 70 subjects (17%). They scored worse HRQoL than controls regarding Sleep (p < .001), Social isolation (p = .01) and Total NHP (p < .05), and had more medication in general 2.7 ± 2.5 vs. 1.8 ± 2.1, p < .05. Subjects with levothyroxine (n = 40) showed similar results as the total hypothyroid group. Subjects unaware of their newly detected elevated STSH (n = 30) showed lower HRQoL in Sleep (p < .01) and Pain (p < .05) in NHP. HRQoL was similar in subjects with and without positive thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) either in those with hypothyroidism (44% TPO-Ab) or controls (9% TPO-Ab). CONCLUSION Men and women with hypothyroidism in the general population reported having more issues with Sleep and Social isolation than those without hypothyroidism irrespective of TPO-Ab. Scores were similar in all of the other HRQoL domains measuredAQ5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotta Ellegård
- The Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emily Krantz
- The Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Penelope Trimpou
- The Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Section of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Landin-Wilhelmsen
- The Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Section of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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30
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Thvilum M, Brandt F, Lillevang-Johansen M, Folkestad L, Brix TH, Hegedüs L. Increased risk of dementia in hypothyroidism: A Danish nationwide register-based study. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 94:1017-1024. [PMID: 33484007 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, the prevalence of individuals with dementia is increasing, and identification of risk factors is of paramount interest. Using population-based registers, we evaluated whether hypothyroidism is a risk factor for dementia. DESIGN Register-based cohort study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Risk of dementia was evaluated in two cohorts. The DNPR cohort comprises 111,565 hypothyroid patients, diagnosed between 1995 and 2012, and 446,260 euthyroid age- and sex-matched individuals (median follow-up 6.2 years). The OPENTHYRO cohort comprises 233,844 individuals with at least one measurement of serum thyrotropin (TSH) between 1995 and 2011, of whom 2,894 had hypothyroidism (median follow-up 7.2 years). Primary outcome was dementia defined as an International Classification of Diseases 10 code, or prescription of medicine for dementia. RESULTS In the DNPR cohort, risk of dementia was significantly increased in subjects with hypothyroidism (HR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.17-1.27), which attenuated after adjusting for pre-existing comorbidity (HR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.79-0.86). Stratification of age into ≤56 and >56 years showed an inverse relationship between age and risk of dementia (HR≤56 years. 2.03; 95% CI: 1.62-2.53 and HR>56 years . 1.00; 95% CI: 0.96-1.05). In the OPENTHYRO cohort, the risk of dementia was significantly increased for each 6 months of elevated TSH (HR 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07-1.16). CONCLUSIONS Hypothyroidism is associated with increased risk of dementia. The association is influenced by comorbidity and age. Every 6 months of elevated TSH increased the risk of dementia by 12%, suggesting that also the length of hypothyroidism influences the risk of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Thvilum
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frans Brandt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Southern Jutland, Sønderborg, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Lillevang-Johansen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Folkestad
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas H Brix
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Ferreira AI, Pérez-Nebra AR, Ellen Costa E, Aguiar MLA, Zambonato A, Costa CG, Modesto JG, Ferreira PDC. Presenteeism and Productivity: The Role of Biomarkers and Hormones. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18095014. [PMID: 34068466 PMCID: PMC8126032 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18095014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. This study aimed to assess whether self-reported productivity despite presenteeism may be affected by biomarkers and hormones and how these physiological indicators can interact with each other to explain the presenteeism dimensions. Methods. This pilot study included 180 healthy participants with a mean age of 41.22 years (SD = 13.58), 76.11% of whom were female. The dependent variable included a self-reported measure of productivity loss due to presenteeism: the Stanford Presenteeism Scale 6. This study also includes physiological indicators such as biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood glucose) and hormones (cortisol and TSH thyroid hormone). Results. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that CRP moderated the relationship between cortisol levels and productivity despite presenteeism. Moreover, the increase of TSH moderated the relationship between cortisol, glycemia, and employees’ capacity to complete work tasks while sick. Conclusions. The results highlight TSH’s moderating role in decreasing employees’ capacity to fulfill tasks when these individuals have high levels of glycemia and cortisol in their blood. These findings have practical and theoretical implications based on a fuller understanding of how biomarkers and hormones explain productivity despite presenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristides I. Ferreira
- ISCTE—Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-21-790-3415
| | - Amalia R. Pérez-Nebra
- UnB—Universidade de Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil;
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Internacional de Valencia, Calle Pintor Sorolla, 21, 46002 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Ellen Costa
- ISCSP—Instituto Superior de Ciências Sociais e Politicas da Universidade de Lisboa, R. Almerindo Lessa, 1300-666 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Maria Luisa A. Aguiar
- UniCEUB—Centro Universitário de Brasília, SEPN 707/907, Campus do UniCEUB, Bloco 9, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; (M.L.A.A.); (A.Z.); (J.G.M.)
| | - Adriane Zambonato
- UniCEUB—Centro Universitário de Brasília, SEPN 707/907, Campus do UniCEUB, Bloco 9, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; (M.L.A.A.); (A.Z.); (J.G.M.)
| | - Carla G. Costa
- ISMAT—Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes, R. Dr. Estevão de Vasconcelos 33 A, 8500-656 Portimão, Portugal;
| | - João G. Modesto
- UniCEUB—Centro Universitário de Brasília, SEPN 707/907, Campus do UniCEUB, Bloco 9, Asa Norte, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; (M.L.A.A.); (A.Z.); (J.G.M.)
- UEG—Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Av. Universitária, S/N—Nordeste, Formosa, GO 73807-250, Brazil
| | - Paula da Costa Ferreira
- CICPSI (UIDB/04527/2020; UIDP/04527/2020)—Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon, Alameda da Universidade, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Morón-Díaz M, Saavedra P, Alberiche-Ruano MP, Rodríguez-Pérez CA, López-Plasencia Y, Marrero-Arencibia D, González-Lleó AM, Boronat M. Correlation between TSH levels and quality of life among subjects with well-controlled primary hypothyroidism. Endocrine 2021; 72:190-197. [PMID: 32897515 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02449-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has been suggested that increasing levothyroxine dose to lower TSH levels within the normal laboratory range might be a therapeutic option for patients with apparently well-controlled primary hypothyroidism who are dissatisfied with their treatment and complain of physical or psychological symptoms. This study assessed whether there is a relationship between TSH levels and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among subjects with adequately treated hypothyroidism. METHODS HRQoL was measured with the specific thyroid disease ThyPRO-39 questionnaire in 218 consecutive patients with primary hypothyroidism of any cause attending an Endocrinology Department in a single center. Patients had TSH values within the normal laboratory range on a blood test performed not before than 6 weeks prior to study participation, but they were not aware of their lab results. The association between TSH values and the different ThyPRO-39 scales was analyzed by means of multiple regression models, both linear and additive, in which, in addition to TSH, a wide set of clinical and sociodemographic variables potentially related to HRQoL were also considered. RESULTS TSH levels and the use of anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs were the only variables that showed a positive linear correlation with the ThyPRO-39 composite scale in the multivariate regression analysis, indicating greater impairment in HRQoL with increasing TSH values. TSH was also independently correlated to scores of scales dealing on tiredness and emotional susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS In patients with primary hypothyroidism, higher TSH values, even within the normal reference range, are associated with greater deterioration of HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Morón-Díaz
- Endocrinology and Nutrition, Quirónsalud Tenerife, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María P Alberiche-Ruano
- Section of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Research Institute in Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Carlos A Rodríguez-Pérez
- Section of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza López-Plasencia
- Section of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Dunia Marrero-Arencibia
- Section of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ana M González-Lleó
- Section of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Research Institute in Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Mauro Boronat
- Section of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
- Research Institute in Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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Brix TH, Hegedüs L, Hallas J, Lund LC. Risk and course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients treated for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:197-199. [PMID: 33617779 PMCID: PMC7906640 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00028-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas H Brix
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark.
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Hallas
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars C Lund
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Moratalla-Navarro F, Moreno V, López-Simarro F, Aguado A. MorbiNet Study: Hypothyroidism Comorbidity Networks in the Adult General Population. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e1179-e1190. [PMID: 33319230 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multimorbidity impacts quality of life. We constructed hypothyroidism comorbidity networks to identify positive and negative associations with other prevalent diseases. METHODS We analyzed data of 285 342 patients with hypothyroidism from 3 135 948 adults with multimorbidity in a population-based study in Catalonia, Spain, (period: 2006-2017). We constructed hypothyroidism comorbidity networks using logistic regression models, adjusted by age and sex, and for men and women separately. We considered relevant associations those with odds ratios (OR) >1.2 or <0.8 and P value < 1e-5 to identify coexistence greater (or smaller) than the expected by the prevalence of diseases. Multivariate models considering comorbidities were used to further adjust OR values. RESULTS The conditions associated included larynx cancer (adjusted OR: 2.48), congenital anomalies (2.26), thyroid cancer (2.13), hyperthyroidism (1.66), vitamin B12/folate deficiency anemia (1.57), and goiter (1.56). The network restricted to men had more connections (mental, cardiovascular, and neurological) and stronger associations with thyroid cancer (7.26 vs 2.55), congenital anomalies (5.11 vs 2.13), hyperthyroidism (4.46 vs 1.69), larynx cancer (3.55 vs 1.67), and goiter (3.94 vs 1.64). After adjustment for comorbidities, OR values were more similar in men and women. The strongest negative associations after adjusting for comorbidities were with HIV/AIDS (OR: 0.71) and tobacco abuse (0.77). CONCLUSIONS Networks show direct and indirect hypothyroidism multimorbidity associations. The strongest connections were thyroid and larynx cancer, congenital anomalies, hyperthyroidism, anemia, and goiter. Negative associations included HIV/AIDS and tobacco abuse. The network restricted to men had more and stronger associations, but not after adjusting for comorbidities, suggesting important indirect interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Moratalla-Navarro
- Oncology Data Analytics Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Barcelona, Spain
- ONCOBELL Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Campus Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Moreno
- Oncology Data Analytics Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Barcelona, Spain
- ONCOBELL Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Campus Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Alba Aguado
- CAP Sagrada Familia, Consorci Sanitari Integral, Barcelona, Spain
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Mitchell AL, Hegedüs L, Žarković M, Hickey JL, Perros P. Patient satisfaction and quality of life in hypothyroidism: An online survey by the british thyroid foundation. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 94:513-520. [PMID: 32978985 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dissatisfaction with treatment and impaired quality of life (QOL) are reported among people with treated hypothyroidism. We aimed to gain insight into this. DESIGN AND PATIENTS We conducted an online survey of individuals with self-reported hypothyroidism. RESULTS Nine hundred sixty-nine responses were analysed. Dissatisfaction with treatment was common (77.6%), and overall QOL scores were low. Patient satisfaction did not correlate with type of thyroid hormone treatment, but treatment with combination levothyroxine (L-T4) and liothyronine (L-T3) or with desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) was associated with significantly better reported QOL than L-T4 or L-T3 monotherapies (P < .001); however, multivariate analysis inclusive of other clinical parameters failed to confirm an association between type of thyroid hormone treatment and QOL or satisfaction. Multivariate analysis showed positive correlations between satisfaction and age (P = .026), male gender (P = .011), being under the care of a thyroid specialist (P < .001), family doctor (GP) prescribing DTE or L-T4 + L-T3 or L-T3 (P < .001) and being well informed about hypothyroidism (P < .001); negative correlations were observed between satisfaction and negative experiences with L-T4 (P < .001) and expectations for more support from the GP (P < .001), for L-T4 to resolve all symptoms (P = .004), and to be referred to a thyroid specialist (P < .001). For QOL, positive correlations were with male gender (P = .011) and duration of hypothyroidism (P = .002); negative correlations were with age (P = .027), visiting the GP more than 3 times before diagnosis (P < .001), sourcing DTE or L-T3 independently (P = .014), negative experiences with L-T4 (P = .013), having expectations for L-T4 to resolve all symptoms (P < .001) and of more support from the GP (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS Multiple parameters including prior healthcare experiences and expectations influence satisfaction with hypothyroidism treatment and QOL. Focusing on enhancing the patient experience and clarifying expectations at diagnosis may improve satisfaction and QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Mitchell
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- British Thyroid Foundation, Harrogate, UK
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Miloš Žarković
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- British Thyroid Foundation, Harrogate, UK
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Nagy EV, Perros P, Papini E, Katko M, Hegedüs L. New Formulations of Levothyroxine in the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Trick or Treat? Thyroid 2021; 31:193-201. [PMID: 33003978 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Levothyroxine (LT4) as a medication is used by up to 5.3% of the adult population. For optimal efficacy, the traditional tablet formulation (LT4tab) requires that patients avoid concomitant ingestion with food, drinks, and certain medications, as well as excellent patient compliance. Some comorbidities influence bioavailability of LT4 and may mandate repeated dose adjustments. Summary: New LT4 formulations (soft gel [LT4soft] and liquid [LT4liq]) containing predissolved LT4 are claimed to improve bioavailability, presumably by facilitating absorption. Thus, these formulations may well be more suitable than LT4tab for patients whose daily requirements are subjected to variations in bioavailability. Here, we review the evidence and indications for use of new LT4 formulations and highlight areas of uncertainty that are worthy of further investigation. While bioequivalence is established for LT4soft and LT4liq administered to healthy volunteers compared with LT4tab in pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, therapeutic equivalence of the new formulations seems to be different in several clinical settings. Some evidence suggests that new formulations of LT4 may mitigate against the strict requirements relating to concomitant ingestion with food, drinks, and certain medications, which apply to traditional LT4 tablets. The principal indication is in selected patients with disease fluctuations and intermittent therapies with interfering medications, where the need for frequent dose adjustments and office visits may be diminished. Whether the use of LT4soft or LT4liq in patients with impaired gastric acid secretion results in better control of hypothyroidism than LT4tab remains unclear. Conclusions: The evidence in favor of using LT4soft and LT4liq in clinical practice over LT4tab is weak, and the underlying putative PK mechanisms unclear. Additional studies to investigate these potential benefits, define the cost-effectiveness, and understand the PK mechanisms involved with new LT4 formulations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre V Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano, Rome, Italy
| | - Monika Katko
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Obling ML, Nicolaisen P, Brix TH, Winther KH, Hansen S, Hegedüs L, Hermann AP, Bonnema SJ. Restoration of euthyroidism in women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis changes bone microarchitecture but not estimated bone strength. Endocrine 2021; 71:397-406. [PMID: 32623638 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fracture risk in hypothyroid patients is debated, and since the effects of hypothyroidism on bone microarchitecture and strength are unclarified, we investigated these characteristics by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). METHODS Two approaches were used: a cross-sectional control study, comparing 32 hypothyroid women (mean age; 47 ± 12 years) suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis with 32 sex-, age-, and menopause-matched healthy controls; a prospective study, where 27 of the women were reexamined 1 year after restoration of euthyroidism. HR-pQCT of the distal radius and tibia, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the spine and hip were performed. Bone strength was estimated using a finite element analysis (FEA). RESULTS Cross-sectional control study: in the radius, total (mean 14.6 ± 29.3% (SD); p = 0.04) and trabecular bone areas (19.8 ± 37.1%, p = 0.04) were higher, and cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) lower (-2.2 ± 6.5%, p = 0.032) in hypothyroid patients than in controls. All indices of tibia cortical and trabecular vBMD, microarchitecture, and estimated bone strength were similar between groups, as was hip and spine areal BMD (aBMD). Prospective study: in the radius, mean cortical (-0.9 ± 1.8%, p = 0.02) and trabecular (-1.5 ± 4.6%, p = 0.02) vBMD decreased, and cortical porosity increased (18.9 ± 32.7%, p = 0.02). In the tibia, mean total vBMD (-1.1 ± 1.9%, p = 0.01) and cortical vBMD (-0.8 ± 1.4%, p = 0.01) decreased, while cortical porosity (8.2 ± 11.5%, p = 0.002) and trabecular area (0.2 ± 0.6%, p = 0.047) increased. No changes in FEA were detected. Lumbar spine aBMD decreased (-1.3 ± 3.0%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Hypothyroidism was associated with an increased trabecular bone area and a lower mineral density of cortical bone in the radius, as assessed by HR-pQCT. Restoration of euthyroidism mainly increased cortical porosity, while estimated bone strength was unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lohman Obling
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Pia Nicolaisen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Stinus Hansen
- Department of Medicine, Hospital of South West Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Steen Joop Bonnema
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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Planck T, Lantz M, Perros P, Papini E, Attanasio R, Nagy EV, Hegedüs L. Use of Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroid and Euthyroid Patients: A 2020 THESIS Questionnaire Survey of Members of the Swedish Endocrine Society. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:795111. [PMID: 34938274 PMCID: PMC8687360 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.795111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The standard treatment of hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (LT-4). However, there are several controversies regarding treatment of hypothyroid patients. AIM To investigate the Swedish endocrinologists' use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid individuals. METHODS Physician members of the Swedish Endocrine Society (SEF) were invited by e-mail to participate in an online survey investigating this topic. RESULTS Out of the eligible 411 members, 116 (28.2%) responded. The majority (98.9%) stated that L-T4 is the treatment of choice. However, around 50% also prescribed liothyronine (L-T3) or a combination of L-T4+L-T3 in their practice. Combination therapy was mostly (78.5%) used in patients with persistent hypothyroid symptoms despite biochemical euthyroidism on L-T4 treatment. Most respondents prescribed L-T4 tablets and did not expect any major changes with alternative formulations such as soft-gel capsules or liquid formulations in situations influencing the bioavailability of L-T4. In euthyroid patients, 49.5% replied that treatment with thyroid hormones was never indicated, while 47.3% would consider L-T4 for euthyroid infertile women with high thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody levels. CONCLUSION The treatment of choice for hypothyroidism in Sweden is L-T4 tablets. Combination therapy with L-T4+L-T3 tablets was considered for patients with persistent symptoms despite biochemical euthyroidism. Soft-gel capsules and liquid solutions of L-T4 were infrequently prescribed. Swedish endocrinologists' deviation from endocrine society guidelines merits further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Planck
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Tereza Planck,
| | - Mikael Lantz
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Attanasio
- Endocrine Unit, Institutes for Care and Scientific Research (IRCCS) Orthopedic Institute Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Endre V. Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Chen Y, Li X, Dai Y, Zhang J. The Association Between COVID-19 and Thyroxine Levels: A Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:779692. [PMID: 35058879 PMCID: PMC8763686 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.779692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recently, a number of reports have described the potential relationship between COVID-19 and thyroid hormones, but the results were conflicting. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of the severity of COVID-19 on thyroid-related hormones and the effect of thyroid-related hormones on the outcome of COVID-19 in order to try to confirm the association between the serum levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the severity or mortality of coronavirus-19 patients. METHODS The methodology was already registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database, and the protocol number is CRD42021269246. Systematic searches were carried out on the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science databases on November 15, 2021. We set up the literature search strategy based on the following keywords: [(T3 OR FT3 OR triiodothyronine) or (T4 OR FT4 OR thyroxine) or (TSH or thyrotropin)] and (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2), without time restrictions. RESULTS Twenty studies satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 3609 patients were enrolled in the study. From the analysis of the included studies, the incidence of thyroid-related hormone abnormalities was higher in patients with severe COVID-19, and the serum levels of FT3 and TSH were lower than those of patients with nonsevere COVID-19. However, the difference in the FT4 levels was not significant. Similar characteristics were shown between survivors and nonsurvivors. In addition, the outcomes of the meta-analysis showed that patients with abnormal thyroid-related hormones had greater mortality. CONCLUSIONS Low FT3 serum levels, low FT4 serum levels and low TSH serum levels may increase the mortality of COVID-19 patients during admission. On the other hand, the higher the severity level of COVID-19, the higher the probability of decreases in the FT3, FT4, TSH levels.
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Kumari K, Chainy GB, Subudhi U. Prospective role of thyroid disorders in monitoring COVID-19 pandemic. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05712. [PMID: 33344794 PMCID: PMC7733548 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 200 countries and 1.3 million individuals have deceased within eleven months. Intense research on COVID-19 occurrence and prevalence enable us to understand that comorbidities play a crucial role in spread and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chronic kidney disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases and hypertension are among the various morbidities that are prevalent in symptomatic COVID-19 patients. However, the effect of altered thyroid-driven disorders cannot be ignored. Since thyroid hormone critically coordinate and regulate the major metabolism and biochemical pathways, this review is on the potential role of prevailing thyroid disorders in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Direct link of thyroid hormone with several disorders such as diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, obesity, kidney and liver disorders etc. suggests that the prevailing thyroid conditions may affect SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further, we discuss the oxidative stress-induced aging is associated with the degree of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Importantly, ACE2 protein which facilitates the host-cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 using the spike protein, are highly expressed in individuals with abnormal level of thyroid hormone. Altogether, we report that the malfunction of thyroid hormone synthesis may aggravate SARS-CoV-2 infection and thus monitoring the thyroid hormone may help in understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Kumari
- CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar 751013, Odisha, India
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umea University, Sweden
| | - Gagan B.N. Chainy
- Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India
| | - Umakanta Subudhi
- CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar 751013, Odisha, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110025, India
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Radiation-Induced Hypothyroidism in Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated with IMRT: Independent and External Validation of Five Normal Tissue Complication Probability Models. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092716. [PMID: 32971838 PMCID: PMC7563778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hypothyroidism is a common complication of therapeutic irradiation in the neck area. Several dose-response models have been proposed to predict its’ occurrence based on clinical and radiomic features. We aimed to externally validate the results of five such models in a prospectively recruited cohort of 108 patients with oropharyngeal cancer. Two of the evaluated models, published by Rønjom et al. and by Boomsma et al., had satisfactory performance. Both models are based on mean thyroid dose and thyroid volume. Three remaining models, by Cella et al., Bakhshandeh et al. and Vogelius et al., performed significantly worse. Short-term change in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) after radiation therapy was not indicative of hypothyroidism development in long term. We conclude that the models by Rønjom et al. and by Boomsma et al. are feasible for long-term prediction of hypothyroidism in oropharyngeal cancer survivors treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Abstract We aimed to externally validate five normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models for radiation-induced hypothyroidism (RIHT) in a prospectively recruited cohort of 108 patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). NTCP scores were calculated using original published formulas. Plasma thyrotropin (TSH) level was additionally assessed in the short-term after RT. After a median of 28 months of follow-up, thirty one (28.7%) patients developed RIHT. Thyroid mean dose and thyroid volume were significant predictors of RIHT: odds ratio equal to 1.11 (95% CI 1.03–1.19) for mean thyroid dose and 0.87 (95%CI 0.81–0.93) for thyroid volume in univariate analyses. Two of the evaluated NTCP models, published by Rønjom et al. and by Boomsma et al., had satisfactory performance with accuracies of 0.87 (95%CI 0.79–0.93) and 0.84 (95%CI: 0.76–0.91), respectively. Three remaining models, by Cella et al., Bakhshandeh et al. and Vogelius et al., performed significantly worse, overestimating the risk of RIHT in this patient cohort. A short-term TSH level change relative to baseline was not indicative of RIHT development in the follow-up (OR 0.96, 95%CI: 0.65–1.42, p = 0.825). In conclusion, the models by Rønjom et al. and by Boomsma et al. demonstrated external validity and feasibility for long-term prediction of RIHT in survivors of OPC treated with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).
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Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a common condition in which the thyroid gland provides insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone for the needs of peripheral tissues. The most common cause in adults is chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto thyroiditis), but there are many other causes. Because most of the clinical features of hypothyroidism are nonspecific, the diagnosis requires laboratory testing. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement is the best diagnostic test; an elevated TSH level almost always signals primary hypothyroidism. Serum free thyroxine levels may be below the reference range (overt hypothyroidism) or within the reference range (subclinical hypothyroidism). All patients with overt hypothyroidism should be treated, but those with subclinical hypothyroidism do not always benefit from treatment, especially elderly patients and those with baseline TSH levels below 10 mU/L. Oral L-thyroxine is the treatment of choice because of its well-demonstrated efficacy, safety, and ease of use. Therapy goals are symptom relief and maintenance of serum TSH levels within the reference range. Myxedema coma is a life-threatening form of decompensated hypothyroidism that must be treated with aggressive L-thyroxine replacement and other supportive measures in the inpatient setting.
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Turan E, Karaaslan O. The Relationship between Iodine and Selenium Levels with Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Euthyroid Nodular Goiter. Oman Med J 2020; 35:e161. [PMID: 32802419 PMCID: PMC7418102 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2020.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Selenium and iodine are essential microelements for normal body functions. These two elements play important roles in thyroid metabolism. The potential relationship between thyroid diseases and mental disorders have been demonstrated. We aimed to investigate the relationship between selenium and iodine levels with anxiety and depression in patients with euthyroid nodular goiter (ENG). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 102 consecutive patients with ENG who attended the endocrine outpatient clinic between January 2018 and June 2018. We noted the patient's demographics, thyroid ultrasound imaging, thyroid hormones, and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) results. We also obtained venous blood samples for serum selenium measurement. The same psychiatrist completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) for all participants. The study population was dichotomized according to the median values of selenium levels and UIC. RESULTS BAI and HDRS scores were significantly higher in the low selenium group than the high selenium group (p = 0.032 and p = 0.042, respectively). BAI scores were significantly higher in the low UIC group than the high UIC group (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Low selenium and UIC levels may contribute to the development of anxiety and depression, independent of thyroid functions, in patients with ENG. In these patients, selenium and iodine replacement may be useful for the prevention of anxiety and depression, especially in deficient regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Turan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, Medical School of Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Ozgul Karaaslan
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School of Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
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Negro R, Attanasio R, Nagy EV, Papini E, Perros P, Hegedüs L. Use of Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroid and Euthyroid Patients; the 2019 Italian Survey. Eur Thyroid J 2020; 9:25-31. [PMID: 32071899 PMCID: PMC7024857 DOI: 10.1159/000502057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence and prevalence of hypothyroidism are increasing and the threshold for the treatment of hypothyroid as well as individuals without evident thyroid disease with thyroid hormone is declining. OBJECTIVE To investigate endocrinologists' use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients in Italy, a country where different formulations of levothyroxine (LT4; tablet, liquid solution and soft-gel capsule) are available on the market. METHODS Members of the Associazione Medici Endocrinologi (Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists) were invited to participate in a web-based survey investigating the topic. RESULTS A total of 797 of 2,028 (39.3%) members completed all the sections of the survey; 98.7% declared that the treatment of choice for hypothyroidism is LT4. A significant minority (37.3%) indicated that LT4 may be considered in infertile euthyroid women seeking pregnancy and harbouring positive thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and in goitre increasing in size (18.1%). LT4 + LT3 was considered by 43.2% for LT4-replaced patients and normal TSH, if they reported persistent symptoms. High percentages of respondents chose LT4 in a liquid solution or soft-gel capsules when taken together with other drugs interfering with LT4 absorption (81.8%), in patients with a history of celiac disease, malabsorption, lactose intolerance, intolerance to common excipients (96.6%), or unexplained poor biochemical control of hypothyroidism (74.4%), or in patients not able to adhere to ingesting LT4 fasted and/or separated from food/drink (98.9%). In total, 43.6% of responders would use LT4 in a liquid solution or soft-gel capsules for hypothyroid patients with biochemical euthyroidism on LT4, who had persistent symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The preferred treatment for hypothyroidism is LT4; LT3 + LT4 combination treatment is mainly considered in patients with persistent symptoms. A significant minority would offer LT4 to euthyroid women with positive TPOAb and infertility and to euthyroid patients with progressive simple goitre. Alternative LT4 formulations like liquid solution or soft-gel capsules are largely reserved for specific conditions (interfering drugs, actual or suspected malabsorption, inability to take LT4 in the fasting state, unexplained poor biochemical control of hypothyroidism).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Negro
- Division of Endocrinology, V. Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
- *Roberto Negro, Division of Endocrinology, V. Fazzi Hospital, Piazza Muratore, IT–73100 Lecce (Italy), E-Mail
| | | | - Endre V. Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ospedale Regina Apostolorum, Rome, Italy
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Choi KW, Kim Y, Fava M, Mischoulon D, Na EJ, Kim SW, Shin MH, Chung MK, Jeon HJ. Increased Morbidity of Major Depressive Disorder After Thyroidectomy: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in South Korea. Thyroid 2019; 29:1713-1722. [PMID: 31422760 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: The number of thyroidectomies in South Korea has been increasing rapidly due to extensive checkups for thyroid cancer. However, few studies have examined the association between thyroidectomy and major depressive disorder (MDD). We investigated the association between thyroidectomy and the risk of MDD. Methods: A population-based electronic medical records database from South Korea was used to identify 187,176 individuals who underwent partial or total thyroidectomy between 2009 and 2016. A self-controlled case series design and Cox regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for MDD. Results: Among the 187,176 individuals who underwent thyroidectomy, 16,744 (8.9%) were diagnosed with MDD during the observation period. Of those, 3837 (22.9%) underwent partial thyroidectomy and 12,907 (77.1%) underwent total thyroidectomy. An elevated MDD risk was found during the one-year period before thyroidectomy, with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 1.29 ([95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-1.41], p < 0.0001) for subjects with partial thyroidectomy and 1.27 ([95% CI 1.21-1.33], p < 0.0001) for subjects with total thyroidectomy. After total thyroidectomy, the IRR increased for 31-60 days (IRR 1.81; [95% CI 1.59-2.06], p < 0.0001) and remained elevated for up to 540 days, whereas after partial thyroidectomy, the IRR increased for 31-60 days (IRR 1.68; [95% CI 1.32-2.13], p < 0.0001) but returned to baseline levels after 270 days. Total thyroidectomy was associated with a prolonged risk of MDD compared with partial thyroidectomy in patients with cancer, which was different from the results in patients without cancer. Conclusion: The incidence of MDD increased in the period immediately after thyroidectomy and remained high for one to two years. This study highlights the importance of relatively long-term regular psychiatric assessments in patients who undergo partial or total thyroidectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Woo Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yuwon Kim
- Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine Seoul, South Korea
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eun Jin Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Korean Psychological Autopsy Center (KPAC), Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myung-Hee Shin
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine Seoul, South Korea
| | - Man Ki Chung
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Korean Psychological Autopsy Center (KPAC), Seoul, Korea
- Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Medical Device Management & Research, and Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
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Heiberg Brix T, Ferløv-Schwensen C, Thvilum M, Hegedüs L. Death by unnatural causes, mainly suicide, is increased in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. A nationwide Danish register study. Endocrine 2019; 65:616-622. [PMID: 31065912 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-01946-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is associated with excess psychiatric in addition to reduced quality of life. However, little is known about risk of unnatural manners of death in HT. We investigated the risk of death by accidents, suicide, violence/homicide, and unknown causes in patients with HT, compared to a matched control population. METHODS Register study covering all adult Danes diagnosed with HT during 1995-2012. In total, 111,565 HT cases were identified and matched for age and sex with four euthyroid controls. The hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were calculated using Cox regression analyses, adjusted for pre-existing morbidity. Median follow-up time was 5.9 years (range 0-17.5). RESULTS Compared to controls, HT patients had an increased frequency of death by suicide (0.10% vs 0.07%, p < 0.001) and unknown manners (0.05% vs 0.02%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between controls and HT patients in risk of death by accidents (0.36% vs 0.37%, p = 0.384) or violence (0.004% vs 0.005%, p = 0.749). After adjustment for pre-existing somatic and psychiatric morbidity HT patients still had an increased risk of suicide and death by unknown causes, whereas risk of death caused by accidents was reduced. CONCLUSIONS Mortality due to suicide and unknown causes, but not accidents and violence, was increased in HT. This indicates that HT may have a significant role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of suicidal behavior. This suggests that physicians caring for HT patients should be vigilant when facing expressions of suicidal ideation or signs and symptoms of self-harm as a first step towards prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Heiberg Brix
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Ferløv-Schwensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marianne Thvilum
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, DK-5000, Odense, Denmark
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47
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Hoermann R, Midgley JEM, Larisch R, Dietrich JW. Individualised requirements for optimum treatment of hypothyroidism: complex needs, limited options. Drugs Context 2019; 8:212597. [PMID: 31516533 PMCID: PMC6726361 DOI: 10.7573/dic.212597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Levothyroxine (LT4) therapy has a long history, a well-defined pharmacological profile and a favourable safety record in the alleviation of hypothyroidism. However, questions remain in defining the threshold for the requirement of treatment in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, assessing the dose adequacy of the drug, and selecting the best treatment mode (LT4 monotherapy versus liothyronine [LT3]/LT4 combinations) for subpopulations with persisting complaints. Supplied as a prodrug, LT4 is enzymatically converted into the biologically more active thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3). Importantly, tetraiodothyronine (T4) to T3 conversion efficiency may be impaired in patients receiving LT4, resulting in a loss of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-mediated feed-forward control of T3, alteration of the interlocking equilibria between serum concentrations of TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyonine (FT3), and a decrease in FT3 to FT4 ratios. This downgrades the value of the TSH reference system derived in thyroid health for guiding the replacement dose in the treatment situation. Individualised conditionally defined setpoints may therefore provide appropriate biochemical targets to be clinically tested, together with a stronger focus on clinical presentation and future endpoint markers of tissue thyroid state. This cautionary note encompasses the use of aggregated statistical data from clinical trials which are not safely applicable to the individual level of patient care under these circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Hoermann
- Department for Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Lüdenscheid, Paulmannshöherstr. 14, 58515 Lüdenscheid, Germany
| | | | - Rolf Larisch
- Department for Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Lüdenscheid, Paulmannshöherstr. 14, 58515 Lüdenscheid, Germany
| | - Johannes W Dietrich
- Medical Department I, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Bergmannsheil University Hospitals, Ruhr University of Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany.,Ruhr Center for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University of Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791 Bochum, Germany
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48
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Lillevang-Johansen M, Abrahamsen B, Jørgensen HL, Brix TH, Hegedüs L. Duration of over- and under-treatment of hypothyroidism is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Eur J Endocrinol 2019; 180:407-416. [PMID: 31035256 DOI: 10.1530/eje-19-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the association between hypothyroidism and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in both treated and untreated hypothyroid patients, and the consequences of over- and under-treatment with respect to cardiovascular risk. Design A registry-based case-control study nested within a population-based cohort of 275 467 individuals with at least one serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement in the period of 1995-2011. Methods Incident cases of CVD were matched with controls according to gender, age and year of birth. Conditional logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate CVD risks associated with exposure to hypothyroidism, with adjustment for 19 pre-existing comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results Overall, 20 487 individuals experienced CVD (9.4%, incidence rate 13.1 per 1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval (CI), 13.0-13.3). Risk of CVD was increased in untreated hypothyroidism compared to euthyroidism (odds ratio (OR): 1.83 (95% CI: 1.43-2.35; P < 0.001)). Cardiovascular risk was increased in both treated and untreated hypothyroid individuals per half year of elevated TSH (OR: 1.11 (95% CI: 1.06-1.16; P < 0.001) and OR: 1.15 (95% CI: 1.09-1.23; P = 0.001), respectively). In patients treated with levothyroxine, OR for CVD was 1.12 (95% CI: 1.06-1.18; P < 0.001) for each 6 months of decreased TSH. Conclusion Cardiovascular risk is increased in untreated, but not in treated hypothyroid patients. Among those with treated hypothyroidism, duration of decreased TSH (overtreatment) had a similar impact on cardiovascular risk as duration of elevated TSH (under-treatment), highlighting the importance of initiating treatment and maintaining biochemical euthyroidism in hypothyroid patients in order to reduce the risk of CVD and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Lillevang-Johansen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bo Abrahamsen
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Patient data Explorative Network OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, Holbæk Hospital, Holbæk, Denmark
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Henrik Løvendahl Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Heiberg Brix
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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49
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Sawicka-Gutaj N, Ruchala M, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Rasmussen ÅK, Hegedüs L, Bonnema SJ, Groenvold M, Bjorner JB, Watt T. Patients with Benign Thyroid Diseases Experience an Impaired Sex Life. Thyroid 2018; 28:1261-1269. [PMID: 30039748 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to characterize the frequency of self-reported thyroid-related impaired sex life in patients with thyroid diseases, to examine its clinical correlates and relationship with overall quality of life (QOL), and to investigate the effect of treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two separate patient samples with benign thyroid diseases were investigated: a cross-sectional sample (759 women and 118 men) treated at two Danish university hospital outpatient clinics, in 2007-2008, and a longitudinal sample (358 women and 74 men) undergoing treatment at the abovementioned centers, during 2008-2012, evaluated before and 6 months after therapy. The thyroid-specific QOL questionnaire ThyPRO was used to measure patient-evaluated thyroid-related sex life impairment. Biochemical and clinical variables were analyzed (i.e., age, education, degree of thyroid dysfunction, comorbidity, serum thyrotropin, total thyroxine, and triiodothyronine, as well as thyroperoxidase and thyrotropin receptor antibody concentrations). The SF-36 Health Survey was used to analyze the effect of impaired sex life on overall QOL. RESULTS In the cross-sectional sample, 36% of women and 31% of men reported what they perceived to be thyroid-attributable impaired sex life. Women with autoimmune thyroid diseases reported more impairment than those with non-autoimmune thyroid diseases. In patients with Graves' disease lower levels of educational attainment and in patients with toxic nodular goiter comorbidities were associated with impaired sex life. Overall QOL was lower in patients with thyroid-related sex life impairment. In the longitudinal sample, 42% of women and 33% of men had impaired sex life at baseline, which improved at 6 months follow-up only in women and, when analyzing individual diagnoses separately, statistically significantly among those with autoimmune hypothyroidism. Sexual impairment was associated with low education in patients with toxic nodular goiter and with high plasma triiodothyronine concentrations in patients with Graves' disease. In autoimmune hypothyroidism, a younger age was associated with sex life impairment. CONCLUSION We found a high frequency of self-reported, thyroid-related sex life impairment in patients with benign thyroid diseases, especially in young women with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Self-perceived impaired sex life persisted in women treated for Graves' disease, suggesting that normalization of thyroid function was not sufficient to restore sexual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Sawicka-Gutaj
- 1 Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences , Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchala
- 1 Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences , Poznan, Poland
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- 2 Department of Medical Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet , Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Åse Krogh Rasmussen
- 2 Department of Medical Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet , Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- 3 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital , Odense, Denmark
| | - Steen Joop Bonnema
- 3 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital , Odense, Denmark
| | - Mogens Groenvold
- 4 Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Bue Bjorner
- 4 Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen, Denmark
- 5 Optum Patient Insights , Johnston, Rhode Island
| | - Torquil Watt
- 2 Department of Medical Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet , Copenhagen, Denmark
- 6 Department of Internal Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev Gentofte , Herlev, Denmark
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50
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Peterson SJ, Cappola AR, Castro MR, Dayan CM, Farwell AP, Hennessey JV, Kopp PA, Ross DS, Samuels MH, Sawka AM, Taylor PN, Jonklaas J, Bianco AC. An Online Survey of Hypothyroid Patients Demonstrates Prominent Dissatisfaction. Thyroid 2018; 28:707-721. [PMID: 29620972 PMCID: PMC6916129 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 15% more patients taking levothyroxine (LT4) report impaired quality of life compared to controls. This could be explained by additional diagnoses independently affecting quality of life and complicating assignment of causation. This study sought to investigate the underpinnings of reduced quality of life in hypothyroid patients and to provide data for discussion at a symposium addressing hypothyroidism. METHODS An online survey for hypothyroid patients was posted on the American Thyroid Association Web site and forwarded to multiple groups. Respondents were asked to rank satisfaction with their treatment for hypothyroidism and their treating physician. They also ranked their perception regarding physician knowledge about hypothyroidism treatments, need for new treatments, and life impact of hypothyroidism on a scale of 1-10. Respondents reported the therapy they were taking, categorized as LT4, LT4 and liothyronine (LT4 + LT3), or desiccated thyroid extract (DTE). They also reported sex, age, cause of hypothyroidism, duration of treatment, additional diagnoses, and prevalence of symptoms. RESULTS A total of 12,146 individuals completed the survey. The overall degree of satisfaction was 5 (interquartile range [IQR] = 3-8). Among respondents without self-reported depression, stressors, or medical conditions (n = 3670), individuals taking DTE reported a higher median treatment satisfaction of 7 (IQR = 5-9) compared to other treatments. At the same time, the LT4 treatment group exhibited the lowest satisfaction of 5 (IQR = 3-7), and for the LT4 + LT3 treatment group, satisfaction was 6 (IQR = 3-8). Respondents taking DTE were also less likely to report problems with weight management, fatigue/energy levels, mood, and memory compared to those taking LT4 or LT4 + LT3. CONCLUSIONS A subset of patients with hypothyroidism are not satisfied with their current therapy or their physicians. Higher satisfaction with both treatment and physicians is reported by those patients on DTE. While the study design does not provide a mechanistic explanation for this observation, future studies should investigate whether preference for DTE is related to triiodothyronine levels or other unidentified causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Peterson
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anne R. Cappola
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Colin M. Dayan
- Thyroid Research Group, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Alan P. Farwell
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Boston Medical Center/Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James V. Hennessey
- Division of Endocrinology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter A. Kopp
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Douglas S. Ross
- Thyroid Associates, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mary H. Samuels
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Anna M. Sawka
- University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter N. Taylor
- Thyroid Research Group, Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Antonio C. Bianco
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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