Thyrotoxicosis in an Indigenous New Zealand Population - a Prospective Observational Study

Ethnic differences in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for non-toxic multinodular goitre

BACKGROUND

Māori have an increased incidence of thyrotoxicosis when compvared to non-Māori, however there are limited data on benign non-toxic nodular thyroid disease.

AIMS

The aims of this study were to determine the rates of non-toxic multinodular goitre (NTMNG) surgery for Māori and non-Māori and to determine if there were differences in thyroid size between Māori and non-Māori undergoing total thyroidectomy for NTMNG.

METHODS

Single centre study of patients undergoing thyroidectomy for NTMNG from 1 December 2006 to 30 November 2016.

RESULTS

Māori were overrepresented amongst the 427 patients who underwent surgery for NTMNG at 34% compared to the expected ~17% of the background Māori adult population in the region. At the time of surgery, Māori were younger (P = 0.004) and had a larger thyroid gland (P < 0.001) when compared to non-Maori also undergoing total/near total thyroidectomy. Complication rates were low across all ethnic groups.

CONCLUSION

Māori have increased rates of surgery for NTMNG compared to non-Māori and thyroid size is larger at the time of surgery. The reasons for this are currently unknown and more research is required.

Thyrotoxicosis in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical presentation

Background

Thyrotoxicosis is a common endocrine disorder. The clinical presentation is variable, and it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late in Africa. This study was aimed at collating and analyzing the clinical characteristics of the disease across the continent so as to enhance correct and timely diagnosis.

Methods

The study is a systematic review with a meta-analysis. Studies, done in Africa, which documented the clinical features of thyrotoxicosis were selected. African Journal Online (AJOL), PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar, Research Square, SciELO, and medRxiv were systematically searched using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Heterogeneity was determined using I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test. LFK index and the symmetry of the Doi plot were used to assess publication bias.

Results

The eligible studies were 59 and the total sample size was 9592. The most common symptoms of thyrotoxicosis on the continent included palpitations (69%), weight loss (65%), heat intolerance (64%), tiredness (49%), increased appetite (49%), hyperhidrosis (48%), and insomnia (47%). The most common signs were thyromegaly (88%), tachycardia (67%), sweaty palms (54%), hand tremor (49%), and exophthalmos (49%). Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and thyrotoxic heart disease were found in 9, 12, and 22% respectively. Other findings were hypertension (25%) and diabetes (9%).

Conclusion

Clinical presentation of thyrotoxicosis varies, and understanding these peculiarities would mitigate misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in Africa.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the etiology and treatment patterns of thyrotoxicosis in Africa

INTRODUCTION

Thyrotoxicosis is one of the most common endocrine disorders seen in clinical practice. This study aims to determine the etiologies and treatment modalities of thyrotoxicosis in Africa.

AREAS COVERED

The study design is a systematic review with a meta-analysis. Medical databases and the gray literature were systematically searched following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies done in Africa on the etiology and treatment of thyrotoxicosis were selected.

EXPERT OPINION

In Africa, it is still believed that autoimmune diseases, generally, are not as common as what is seen in the western world. The frequency of Graves' disease is reportedly lower in Africa. The treatment of thyrotoxicosis depends on the cause. Therefore, it is of substantial importance to establish the etiology following the diagnosis of the clinical syndrome.