1
|
Giralt M, Díaz-Troyano N, Comas I, Blanco A, Conesa L, Mendoza M, Zafon C, Goya M, Ferrer R. Reference ranges of thyroid hormones during the first trimester in Catalan women using the Atellica ® IM Solution Immunoassay Analyzer. Ann Clin Biochem 2024; 61:284-290. [PMID: 37996255 DOI: 10.1177/00045632231219387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational hypothyroidism has been shown to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as adverse outcomes for the child. Thyroid hormones concentrations change in gestation, especially within the first trimester, so the results of thyroid function test often are outside non-pregnant reference ranges. The objective of this study was to establish the first trimester reference ranges for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) for pregnant women in Barcelona (Spain). METHODS It was a prospective study in which 673 women were recruited during their first trimester of gestation (8-13 weeks). Serum TSH, FT4 and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) were measured with Atellica® IM 1600 (Siemens Healthineers). After excluding 418 women, the reference ranges for TSH and FT4 were calculated by the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. Potential variables examined in this study were age, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, iodine supplementation and smoking habit. RESULTS The reference ranges established on the Atellica® IM 1600 for the first trimester pregnancy in our population were 0.111 to 4.291 mIU/L for TSH and 11.45 to 17.76 pmol/L for FT4. No significant differences were found in thyroid hormones concentrations regarding maternal age (≤30 years vs >30 years) (p = .117), iodine supplementation (p = .683) and smoking habit (p = .363). The prevalence of TPOAb was estimated at 10.0%. CONCLUSIONS We found that in our local population, the optimal TSH upper reference limit in the first trimester of gestation was 4.3 mIU/L, similar to that proposed by de ATA-2017 guideline (4.0 mIU/L).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Giralt
- Department of Biochemistry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Noelia Díaz-Troyano
- Department of Biochemistry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Immaculada Comas
- Department of Biochemistry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Conesa
- Department of Biochemistry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Mendoza
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Zafon
- Diabetes and Metabolism Research Unit (VHIR) and Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Goya
- Department of Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Ferrer
- Department of Biochemistry, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wigh IMN, Andersen L, Lundgaard MH, Torp NMU, Karmisholt J, Andersen S, Andersen SL. Agreement between routinely used immunoassays for thyroid function testing in non-pregnant and pregnant adults. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 101:69-77. [PMID: 38630936 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15062] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thyroid function tests are common biochemical analyses, and agreement between the routinely used immunoassays is important for diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid disease. Efforts are continuously made to align the biochemical assays, and we aimed to evaluate the agreement between immunoassays used in a clinical laboratory setting among non-pregnant and pregnant adults. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Serum samples were obtained from 192 blood donors (non-pregnant adults) and from 86 pregnant women in the North Denmark Region with no known thyroid disease. MEASUREMENTS Each sample was used for measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with the routinely used automatic immunoassays in the regional Departments of Clinical Biochemistry (Alinity, Abbott Laboratories, Cobas, Roche Diagnostics, and Atellica, Siemens Healthineers) and reported as the median with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS In nonpregnant adults, the level of TSH was higher with Cobas and Atellica than with Alinity as reflected by median (Alinity: 1.39 mIU/L (95% CI: 1.30-1.51 mIU/L); Cobas: 1.57 mIU/L (95% CI: 1.48-1.75 mIU/L); Atellica: 1.74 mIU/L (95% CI: 1.61-1.83 mIU/L)). Similarly, a trend was seen towards higher median TSH with Cobas than with Alinity among pregnant women (Alinity: 1.90 mIU/L (95% CI: 1.37-2.82 mIU/L); Cobas: 2.33 mIU/L (95% CI: 1.69-3.62 mIU/L)). CONCLUSION Results of thyroid function tests obtained with different immunoassays were not interchangeable when evaluated among pregnant and non-pregnant adults. The distinct differences are relevant for clinical decision making and emphasize the necessity of clinical laboratory information when different assays are used for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with thyroid disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Marie Nørum Wigh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lærke Andersen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maja Hjelm Lundgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nanna Maria Uldall Torp
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jesper Karmisholt
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Stig Andersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Geriatrics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Stine Linding Andersen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dorizzi RM, Spiazzi G, Rolli N, Maltoni P, Mingolla L, Sgarzani C, Torello M, Tosi F, Bonin C, Moghetti P. Trimester-specific reference intervals for thyroid function parameters in pregnant Caucasian women using Roche platforms: a prospective study. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2459-2469. [PMID: 37095269 PMCID: PMC10632219 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02098-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard thyroid function parameters reference intervals (RI) are unsuitable during pregnancy, potentially resulting in incongruous treatments that may cause adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes. We aimed at defining trimester-specific TSH, FT4 and FT3 RI, using samples longitudinally collected from healthy Caucasian women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood samples from 150 healthy Caucasian women, who had a physiological gestation and a healthy newborn at term, were collected in each trimester and at around six months post-partum. They showed mild iodine deficiency. After excluding women with overt TSH abnormalities (> 10 mU/L) and/or TPO antibodies, data from 139 pregnant women were analyzed by means of widely used Roche platforms, and TSH, FT4 and FT3 trimester-specific RI were calculated. Post-partum data were available for 55 subjects. RESULTS Serum TSH RI were 0.34-3.81 mU/L in the first trimester, and changed slightly to 0.68-4.07 U/L and 0.63-4.00 mU/L in the second and third trimester, respectively. Conversely, both FT4 and FT3 concentrations progressively decreased during pregnancy, the median values in the third trimester being 14.8% and 13.2% lower, respectively, than in the first trimester. Thyroid function parameters in the first trimester were similar to those measured after the end of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS This study calculates trimester-specific RI for thyroid function parameters in pregnancy, and proposes the reference limits that should be adopted when using Roche platforms in Caucasian women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R M Dorizzi
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Hub Laboratory, AUSL Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - G Spiazzi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, p.le Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy
| | - N Rolli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, p.le Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy
| | - P Maltoni
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Hub Laboratory, AUSL Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - L Mingolla
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, p.le Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy
| | - C Sgarzani
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Hub Laboratory, AUSL Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - M Torello
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Hub Laboratory, AUSL Romagna, Cesena, Italy
| | - F Tosi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, p.le Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy
| | - C Bonin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - P Moghetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, p.le Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma S, Yu J, Qin X, Liu J. Current status and challenges in establishing reference intervals based on real-world data. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2023; 60:427-441. [PMID: 37038925 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2195496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Reference intervals (RIs) are the cornerstone for evaluation of test results in clinical practice and are invaluable in judging patient health and making clinical decisions. Establishing RIs based on clinical laboratory data is a branch of real-world data mining research. Compared to the traditional direct method, this indirect approach is highly practical, widely applicable, and low-cost. Improving the accuracy of RIs requires not only the collection of sufficient data and the use of correct statistical methods, but also proper stratification of heterogeneous subpopulations. This includes the establishment of age-specific RIs and taking into account other characteristics of reference individuals. Although there are many studies on establishing RIs by indirect methods, it is still very difficult for laboratories to select appropriate statistical methods due to the lack of formal guidelines. This review describes the application of real-world data and an approach for establishing indirect reference intervals (iRIs). We summarize the processes for establishing iRIs using real-world data and analyze the principle and applicable scope of the indirect method model in detail. Moreover, we compare different methods for constructing growth curves to establish age-specific RIs, in hopes of providing laboratories with a reference for establishing specific iRIs and giving new insight into clinical laboratory RI research. (201 words).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Juntong Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosong Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Shenyang, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Spencer CA. Laboratory Thyroid Tests: A Historical Perspective. Thyroid 2023; 33:407-419. [PMID: 37037032 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Background: This review presents a timeline showing how technical advances made over the last seven decades have impacted the development of laboratory thyroid tests. Summary: Thyroid tests have evolved from time-consuming manual procedures using isotopically labeled iodine as signals (131I and later 125I) performed in nuclear medicine laboratories, to automated nonisotopic tests performed on multianalyte instruments in routine clinical chemistry laboratories. The development of isotopic radioimmunoassay techniques around 1960, followed by the advent of monoclonal antibody technology in the mid-1970s, led to the development of a nonisotopic immunometric assay methodology that forms the backbone of present-day thyroid testing. This review discusses the development of methods for measuring total thyroxine and triiodothyronine, direct and indirect free thyroid hormone measurements and estimates (free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid autoantibodies (thyroperoxidase, thyroglobulin [Tg] and TSH receptor autoantibodies), and Tg protein. Despite progressive improvements made in sensitivity and specificity, current thyroid tests remain limited by between-method differences in the numeric values they report, as well as nonspecific interferences with test reagents and interferences from analyte autoantibodies. Conclusions: Thyroid disease affects ∼10% of the U.S. population and is mostly managed on an outpatient basis, generating 60% of endocrine laboratory tests. In future, it is hoped that interferences will be eliminated, and the standardization/harmonization of tests will facilitate the establishment of universal test reference ranges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Ann Spencer
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brown A, Hofman P, Li B, Heron C, Heather N. A Positive Newborn Screen for Congenital Hypothyroidism in a Clinically Euthyroid Neonate-Avoiding Unnecessary Treatment. Int J Neonatal Screen 2023; 9:ijns9020016. [PMID: 37092510 PMCID: PMC10123723 DOI: 10.3390/ijns9020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) has dramatically improved the neurocognitive outcomes for newborns with a confirmed positive screening test result. However, screening yields a small number of false positive and false negative results. This report describes the first known case of familial dysalbuminaemic hyperthyroxinaemia presenting with a positive newborn thyroid stimulating hormone screen. This condition is characterized by artefactually elevated free tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels due to increased albumin binding and subsequent dissociation during laboratory assays but normal true free thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in a clinically euthyroid subject. This highlights the need to take care when attributing clinical significance to discordant results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Brown
- Starship Child Health, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Paul Hofman
- Starship Child Health, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Bobby Li
- Canterbury Health Laboratories, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Campbell Heron
- LabPlus, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland 1148, New Zealand
| | - Natasha Heather
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- LabPlus, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, Auckland 1148, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
D'Aurizio F, Kratzsch J, Gruson D, Petranović Ovčariček P, Giovanella L. Free thyroxine measurement in clinical practice: how to optimize indications, analytical procedures, and interpretation criteria while waiting for global standardization. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2023; 60:101-140. [PMID: 36227760 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2022.2121960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid dysfunctions are among the most common endocrine disorders and accurate biochemical testing is needed to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. Notably, true hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in the setting of a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level are highly unlikely, making the assessment of free thyroxine (FT4) inappropriate in most new cases. However, FT4 measurement is integral in both the diagnosis and management of relevant central dysfunctions (central hypothyroidism and central hyperthyroidism) as well as for monitoring therapy in hyperthyroid patients treated with anti-thyroid drugs or radioiodine. In such settings, accurate FT4 quantification is required. Global standardization will improve the comparability of the results across laboratories and allow the development of common clinical decision limits in evidence-based guidelines. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Committee for Standardization of Thyroid Function Tests has undertaken FT4 immunoassay method comparison and recalibration studies and developed a reference measurement procedure that is currently being validated. However, technical and implementation challenges, including the establishment of different clinical decision limits for distinct patient groups, still remain. Accordingly, different assays and reference values cannot be interchanged. Two-way communication between the laboratory and clinical specialists is pivotal to properly select a reliable FT4 assay, establish reference intervals, investigate discordant results, and monitor the analytical and clinical performance of the method over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica D'Aurizio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Jürgen Kratzsch
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Damien Gruson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Petra Petranović Ovčariček
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Center for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Center, University and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jansen HI, van Herwaarden AE, Huijgen HJ, Painter RC, Hillebrand JJ, Boelen A, Heijboer AC. Pregnancy disrupts the accuracy of automated fT4 immunoassays. Eur Thyroid J 2022; 11:e220145. [PMID: 36219545 PMCID: PMC9641786 DOI: 10.1530/etj-22-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Thyroid hormone measurements are often performed in pregnant women, as hypo- and hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can severely affect the fetus. Serum free thyroxine (fT4) measurements are well known for their analytical challenges, due to low serum concentrations and the subtle equilibrium between free and bound T4 (to thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), transthyretin and albumin). Pregnant women have high TBG concentrations due to an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen and lower albumin concentrations which change the equilibrium and may affect the validity of fT4 measurements in their samples. As accurate serum fT4 measurements in pregnant women are important for the long-term health of the fetus, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of several fT4 immunoassays in the serum of pregnant women. Methods FT4 was measured in healthy controls and pregnant women using a candidate-reference method (LC-MS/MS) and five commercially available automated immunoassays (Alinity (Abbott), Atellica (Siemens), Cobas (Roche), Lumipulse (Fujirebio) and UniCel DXI (Beckman Coulter)). Method comparisons (Bland Altman plots and Passing and Bablok analyses) were performed. Results Serum samples from both healthy controls (n = 30) and pregnant women (n = 30; mean gestational age, 24.8 weeks) were collected. The fT4 immunoassays deviated +7 to +29% more from the LC-MS/MS in serum samples of pregnant women than healthy controls (falsely high). Conclusions Our results indicate that immunoassays overestimate fT4 in pregnant women, which might lead to an overestimation of thyroid status. Physicians and laboratory specialists should be aware of this phenomenon to avoid drawing false conclusions about thyroid function in pregnant women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heleen I Jansen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Henk J Huijgen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca C Painter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacquelien J Hillebrand
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anita Boelen
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke C Heijboer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Endocrine Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Panagiotou G, Taylor PN, Rees DA, Okosieme OE. Late offspring effects of antenatal thyroid screening. Br Med Bull 2022; 143:16-29. [PMID: 35868487 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy is associated with adverse offspring outcomes and recent birth-cohort studies suggest that even mild degrees of thyroid dysfunction may be linked with a range of late cognitive and behavioural effects in childhood and adolescence. SOURCES OF DATA This review summarizes recent literature of observational studies and critically appraises randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antenatal thyroid screening and Levothyroxine intervention. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Overt hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism carry significant risks for unfavourable offspring outcomes and should be appropriately corrected in pregnancy. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The significance of subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinaemia is still unclear. Meta-analyses of birth-cohort studies show associations of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinaemia with intellectual deficits, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders, while hyperthyroidism and high-normal FT4 were linked with ADHD. RCTs have shown no benefits of screening on neurodevelopmental outcomes although Levothyroxine could have been initiated too late in pregnancy in these trials. GROWING POINTS A small number of studies have shown inconsistent associations of maternal thyroid dysfunction with offspring cardiometabolic indices including blood pressure and body weight. Correction of maternal thyroid dysfunction was, however, associated with favourable long-term metabolic profiles in mothers, including lipid profiles, fat mass and body mass index. Antenatal thyroid screening may therefore present opportunities for optimizing a wider range of outcomes than envisaged. AREAS FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Future trials with early antenatal thyroid screening and intervention are necessary to clarify the impact of screening on late offspring and maternal effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter N Taylor
- Thyroid Research Group, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - D Aled Rees
- Thyroid Research Group, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Onyebuchi E Okosieme
- Thyroid Research Group, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,Diabetes Department, Prince Charles Hospital, Cwm Taf University Health Board, Gurnos Estate, Merthyr Tydfil, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Giovanella L, Duntas L, D'Aurizio F, Kurka H, Ammer T, Rank CM, Visser WE, van den Berg SAA. How to approach clinically discordant FT4 results when changing testing platforms: real-world evidence. Endocrine 2022; 77:333-339. [PMID: 35689789 PMCID: PMC9325840 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03098-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) is important for assessing thyroid dysfunction. After changing assay manufacturer, high FT4 versus TSH levels were reported at Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC; Bellinzona, Switzerland). METHODS Exploratory analysis used existing TSH and FT4 measurements taken at EOC during routine clinical practice (February 2018-April 2020) using Elecsys® TSH and Elecsys FT4 III immunoassays on cobas® 6000 and cobas 8000 analyzers (Roche Diagnostics). Reference intervals (RIs) were estimated using both direct and indirect (refineR algorithm) methods. RESULTS In samples with normal TSH levels, 90.9% of FT4 measurements were within the normal range provided by Roche (12-22 pmol/L). For FT4 measurements, confidence intervals (CIs) for the lower end of the RI obtained using direct and indirect methods were lower than estimated values in the method sheet; the estimated value of the upper end of the RI (UEoRI) in the method sheet was within the CI for the UEoRI using the direct method but not the indirect method. CIs for the direct and indirect methods overlapped at both ends of the RI. The most common cause of increased FT4 with normal TSH was identified in a subset of patients as use of thyroxine therapy (72.6%). CONCLUSIONS It is important to verify RIs for FT4 in the laboratory population when changing testing platforms; indirect methods may constitute a convenient tool for this. Applying specific RIs for selected subpopulations should be considered to avoid misinterpretations and inappropriate clinical actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, and University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Leonidas Duntas
- Evgenideion Hospital, Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Federica D'Aurizio
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Tatjana Ammer
- Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
- Chair of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - W Edward Visser
- Academic Center for Thyroid Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd A A van den Berg
- Academic Center for Thyroid Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ilias I, Milionis C, Koukkou E. Further understanding of thyroid function in pregnant women. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:365-374. [PMID: 35831988 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2099372] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Normal thyroid status throughout pregnancy is important for both maternal and fetal health. Despite the bulk of contemporary research honing on thyroid function in gestation and the relevant disorders, there are still gaps in our current knowledge about the etiology and treatment of thyroid diseases in pregnant women. AREAS COVERED This article analyzes the adaptation of the thyroid gland to gestational physiological changes and attempts to explain the effect of several factors on thyroid function in pregnancy. It also stresses proper utilization and interpretation of thyroid tests during pregnancy and underlines the significance of proper screening and treatment of pregnant women aiming at favorable health outcomes. EXPERT OPINION Appropriate strategies for diagnosing and treating thyroid disease in pregnancy are important. Laboratory thyroid testing plays a leading role, but test results should be interpreted with caution. Given the possible serious maternal and fetal/neonatal complications of thyroid disease in pregnancy, we recommend universal screening with TSH measurements of all pregnant women. Additional assessment with determination of the levels of free thyroid hormones and thyroid antibodies may be necessary under certain conditions. The economic burden of such interventions should be considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Elena Venizelou Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Milionis
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Elena Venizelou Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Eftychia Koukkou
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Elena Venizelou Hospital, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pearce EN. Management of Hypothyroidism and Hypothyroxinemia in Pregnancy. Endocr Pract 2022; 28:711-718. [PMID: 35569735 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy, preconception, and the postpartum period. METHODS Literature review of English-language papers published between 1982 and 2022, focusing on the most recent literature. RESULTS During pregnancy, thyroid function laboratory tests need to be interpreted with regard to gestational age. Overt hypothyroidism, regardless of the TSH level, should always be promptly treated when it is diagnosed preconception or during pregnancy or lactation. Most women with preexisting treated hypothyroidism will require an increase in levothyroxine dosing to maintain euthyroidism during gestation. levothyroxine-treated pregnant patients need close monitoring with serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to avoid or- or under treatment. There is no consensus about whether to initiate levothyroxine in women with mild forms of gestational thyroid hypofunction. However, in light of current evidence it is reasonable to treat subclinically hypothyroid women with levothyroxine, particularly if the TSH is >10 mIU/L or the thyroperoxidase antibody is positive. Women who are not treated need to be followed to ensure that treatment is initiated promptly if thyroid failure progresses. Additional studies are needed to better understand the effects of the initiation of levothyroxine in early gestation in subclinically hypothyroid and hypothyroxinemic women and to determine optimal strategies for thyroid function screening in preconception and pregnancy. CONCLUSION The diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism in the peripregnancy period present specific challenges. In making management decisions, it is essential to weigh the risks and benefits of treatments not just for the mother but also for the fetus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N Pearce
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Boston University School of Medicine, 720 Harrison Ave, Suite 8100, Boston, MA, 02118.
| |
Collapse
|