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Bazika-Gerasch B, Kumowski N, Enax-Krumova E, Kaisler M, Eitner LB, Maier C, Dietrich JW. Impaired autonomic function and somatosensory disturbance in patients with treated autoimmune thyroiditis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12358. [PMID: 38811750 PMCID: PMC11137073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63158-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite treatment with levothyroxine, hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) may be associated with reduced quality of life (QoL), an enigmatic condition referred to as "syndrome T". Peripheral neuropathy, described in untreated thyroid disease, could be a contributing mechanism. We analysed autonomic and somatosensory function in 29 patients with AIT and treated hypothyroidism and 27 healthy volunteers. They underwent heart rate variability (HRV) analysis and quantitative sensory testing (n = 28), comprising 13 parameters of small and large nerve fibre function and pain thresholds. Autonomic cardiovascular function was assessed in rest, deep respiration and orthostasis. Additionally, biomarkers for autoimmunity and thyroid function were measured. Anxiety, depression and QoL were assessed using validated questionnaires. 36% of the patients showed at least one sign of somatosensory small or large fibre dysfunction. 57% presented with mild hyperalgesia to at least one stimulus. Several markers of autonomic function and some detection thresholds were related to the antibody titres. Anxiety, depression scores and QoL correlated to antibody titres and HRV measures. Autonomic and somatosensory dysfunction indicate that in treated hypothyroidism and AIT a subgroup of patients suffers from neuropathic symptoms leading to impaired QoL. Additionally, mild hyperalgesia as a possible sensitisation phenomenon should be considered a target for symptomatic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Bazika-Gerasch
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/Hattingen, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Blankenstein, Im Vogelsang 5-11, 45527, Hattingen, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, NRW, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Nina Kumowski
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Aachen, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, NRW, Germany
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Miriam Kaisler
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Lynn Bernadette Eitner
- Pediatrics Department, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Christoph Maier
- Pediatrics Department, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Alexandrinenstraße 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany
| | - Johannes W Dietrich
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Section, Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
- Diabetes Centre Bochum/Hattingen, St. Elisabeth-Hospital Blankenstein, Im Vogelsang 5-11, 45527, Hattingen, NRW, Germany.
- Centre for Diabetes Technology, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, NRW, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany.
- Centre for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Ruhr Centre for Rare Diseases (CeSER), Ruhr University Bochum and Witten/Herdecke University, Alexandrinenstr. 5, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
- Centre for Thyroid Medicine KKB, Catholic Hospitals Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Gudrunstr. 56, 44791, Bochum, NRW, Germany.
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Bablis P, Day RR, Bablis S, Pollard H. Treatment of Hypothyroidism and Stress Using Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET): A Case Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e58231. [PMID: 38745794 PMCID: PMC11092426 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is generally considered an autoimmune condition, and typical medical management involves taking levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone) for life. This case report details the results of a mind-body intervention (MBI) called the Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) used to treat a 28-year-old Caucasian female presenting with symptoms and bloodwork markers associated with two years of hypothyroidism and a long history of stress. The patient's medical doctor provided a diagnosis of hypothyroidism after blood tests showed that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were high at 6.87 mIU/L (where the acceptable range is 0.40-3.50 mIU/L) and free T4 (FT4) levels were low at 8.6 pmol/L (where the acceptable range is 9.0-19.0 pmol/L). Psychometric tests were completed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment to evaluate changes in mental health and emotional well-being. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q) revealed a high degree of childhood trauma that may have predisposed to the underlying autoimmune thyroid dysfunction. At the conclusion of the treatment period, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 were within normal ranges and psychometric indicators normalized. We hypothesize that these changes may be due to the stress-reducing mechanism of NET and outline possible mechanisms via the Psycho-Immune-Neuroendocrine (PINE) network. The PINE network model asserts that chronic stress acts as a potential driver of pathophysiology that can lead to one or more medical and mental health conditions. While further studies with larger sample sizes are required to establish whether these results could be extrapolated to a wider population, the results of this case suggest that it may be pertinent to consider co-management of subclinical hypothyroidism with a relatively quick and cost-effective MBI such as NET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bablis
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, University Research Institute, Athens, GRC
- Department of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, Universal Health, Sydney, AUS
| | - Ryan R Day
- Department of Chiropractic, Universal Health, Sydney, AUS
| | - Sophia Bablis
- Department of Psychology, Universal Health, Sydney, AUS
| | - Henry Pollard
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, ZAF
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Martin M, Subramaniyan R, Naik D, Ramamoorthy L, Lalthanthuami HT. Health-related quality of life and its association with the symptom score and the thyroid function status of patients with primary hypothyroidism on replacement therapy. J Family Community Med 2023; 30:280-286. [PMID: 38044967 PMCID: PMC10688588 DOI: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_103_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of patients with primary hypothyroidism have reduced health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), even with optimum thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This study aimed to assess the HR-QoL of patients with hypothyroidism under replacement therapy and identify its relationship with the symptom score and thyroid function status. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a cross-sectional study design, 175 hypothyroid patients under replacement therapy who visited the Endocrinology Outpatient Department of a tertiary care center were selected by convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured data collection tool comprising, HR-QoL Short Form-36 questionnaire, and Zulewski's clinical score. Inferential statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Karl-Pearson Correlation tests. RESULTS The overall mean quality of life score was 44.22 ± 12.14, with a substantial decline in role functioning because of physical health. A significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) was found between HR-QoL and hypothyroidism symptom score. A significant association was observed between participants' HR-QoL and their dosage of thyroxine supplement (P < 0.05,) but no association was found with thyroid function status. CONCLUSION There was a substantial reduction in the quality of life of the patients despite being on thyroid replacement therapy and achieving euthyroid status. This underlines the importance of symptom reduction and hormone optimization to enhance the quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merina Martin
- Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Rani Subramaniyan
- Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Dhukhabandu Naik
- Department of Endocrinology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Lakshmi Ramamoorthy
- Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Hmar T. Lalthanthuami
- Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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Ruíz-Pacheco MG, Hernández I, Hernández-Estrella G, Basurto L, Vargas-Ortega G, González-Virla B, Molina-Ayala M, Hernández-Martínez AF, Luengas-Mondragón R, Hernández-Allende AA, Mendoza-Zubieta V, Balcázar-Hernández L. Severity of Fatigue and Its Relationship with TSH before and after Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy in Patients with Primary Hypothyroidism. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030811. [PMID: 36979787 PMCID: PMC10045891 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Fatigue is a common symptom in hypothyroidism; however, the effect of levothyroxine on fatigue has been little studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of levothyroxine on fatigue in Latino patients with primary hypothyroidism, as well as the association of TSH and free T4 (FT4) with the severity and persistence of fatigue. Methods: A prospective study was performed in 92 patients with primary hypothyroidism. Fatigue severity scale (FSS) scores and clinical and biochemical characteristics before and at 6 months of levothyroxine were evaluated. Results: After 6 months of levothyroxine, a reduction in FSS (53 (47–57) vs. 36 (16–38); p = 0.001) and fatigue frequency (45.7% vs. 26.1%; p = 0.008) was evident. Both before and after 6 months of levothyroxine, there was a positive correlation of the FSS score with TSH and a negative correlation with FT4. Persistent fatigue was associated with a pretreatment FSS score (r = 0.75; p = 0.001) and diabetes (r = 0.40; p = 0.001). An FSS > 34 (RR 3.9 (95% CI 1.43–10.73; p = 0.008)), an FSS > 36 (RR 3.23 (95% CI 1.21–8.6; p = 0.019)), and diabetes (RR 5.7 (95% CI 1.25–9.6; p = 0.024)) before treatment were risk factors for persistent fatigue. Conclusions: Levothyroxine improved fatigue in most patients. Diabetes and an FSS score >34 or >36 before treatment were risk factors for persistent fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Guadalupe Ruíz-Pacheco
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Irma Hernández
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Hernández-Estrella
- Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 69, Department of Family Medicine, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Calle José María Morelos 210-232, Centro, Texcoco 56100, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Basurto
- Endocrine Diseases Research Unit, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Vargas-Ortega
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Baldomero González-Virla
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Mario Molina-Ayala
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Alex Francisco Hernández-Martínez
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | | | | | - Victoria Mendoza-Zubieta
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Balcázar-Hernández
- Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Department of Endocrinology, Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-5556276900 (ext. 21551)
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Ramezani M, Reisian M, Sajadi Hezaveh Z. The effect of synbiotic supplementation on hypothyroidism: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0277213. [PMID: 36745650 PMCID: PMC9901790 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We hypothesize that synbiotic supplementation could modulate the intestinal microbiota and subsequently, improve the condition of hypothyroid patients. METHODS Fifty-six adult hypothyroid patients were recruited to this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. The intervention was 10 weeks of synbiotic (500 mg of 109 CFU/g probiotics plus fructo-oligosaccharide, n = 28) compared to placebo (lactose, magnesium stearate, talc, and silicon dioxide, n = 28). Randomization and allocation to trial groups were carried out using random number sequences drawn from https://sealedenvelope.com/. Primary outcomes were serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), and secondary outcomes were depression, quality of life, and blood pressure (BP). P-values< 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS Analysis on 51 patients who completed the trial showed that TSH and depression (p> 0.05) did not change significantly, while serum FT4 significantly increased in both groups (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02 in symbiotic and placebo respectively). A significant decrease in systolic BP occurred only in the synbiotic group (p = 0.05). Significant improvements occurred regarding different domains and areas of quality of life in the crude and adjusted analysis, including perceived mental health (p = 0.02), bodily pain (p = 0.02), general health perception (p = 0.002), and wellbeing (p = 0.002), which were significantly higher in the synbiotic group. CONCLUSIONS Ten-week supplementation with synbiotic had no favorable effect on depression and TSH, but it improved blood pressure and quality of life in patients with hypothyroidism. More trials are needed to support or reject these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION IRCT20210926052583N1, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), registered October 1st, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Ramezani
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Reisian
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sajadi Hezaveh
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
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Pop VJ, Hulsbosch LP, Boekhorst MGBM, Broeren MAC, Krabbe JG, Wiersinga WM. Hypothyroid Symptoms Throughout Pregnancy Are Predominantly Associated with Thyroxine and Not with Thyrotropin Concentrations. Thyroid 2022; 32:1249-1258. [PMID: 35999708 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0244] [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: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: It is unclear whether levels of hypothyroid symptoms in pregnant women with (sub)clinical thyroid dysfunction differ from euthyroid controls and whether free thyroxine (fT4)/thyrotropin (TSH) changes throughout pregnancy affect hypothyroid symptom levels. The objective was twofold: (1) To compare hypothyroid symptom levels between thyroid dysfunction subgroups and a carefully defined reference group; (2) to assess the association between fT4/TSH changes throughout pregnancy and hypothyroid symptom levels adjusted for depressive symptoms. Methods: The current study was a longitudinal prospective cohort study in 1800 healthy pregnant women. At each trimester of pregnancy, hypothyroid symptoms were assessed with a 12-item symptom hypothyroidism checklist and depressive symptoms with the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Thyroid dysfunction was defined using the 2.5-97.5th fT4/TSH percentile of thyroid peroxidase antibodies-negative women. Euthyroid controls consisted of women with appropriate fT4 levels within the 10-90th percentile and with a normal TSH level. Hypothyroid symptom mean scores were compared between controls and several thyroid dysfunction subgroups. Growth mixture modeling was performed to evaluate possible longitudinal trajectories of hypothyroid and depressive symptoms. The association between hypothyroid symptom trajectories (adjusted for depression) and fT4/TSH changes was assessed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Women with overt hypothyroidism (fT4 < 2.5th, TSH >97.5th) and hypothyroxinemia (fT4 < 2.5th, TSH: 2.5-97.5th) showed higher hypothyroid symptom levels compared with the euthyroid controls and women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH, fT4: 2.5-97.5th, TSH >97.5th), because 82% of these SCH women had fT4 levels in the euthyroid range. Two groups of hypothyroid and depressive symptoms were defined: a persistently low and persistently high symptom group. fT4 decreased in 98% of the women from the first to third trimester and per unit pmol/L fT4 decrease (not TSH increase), the likelihood to present persistently high hypothyroid symptoms increased with 46%, adjusted for depression. Conclusions: A properly defined euthyroid control group distinguishes women with hypothyroid symptoms. An fT4 decrease toward end term is associated with persistently high hypothyroid symptom levels. Clinicians should be aware of the importance of fT4 stratification in SCH women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J Pop
- Center of Research in Psychological and Somatic disorders (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne P Hulsbosch
- Center of Research in Psychological and Somatic disorders (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Myrthe G B M Boekhorst
- Center of Research in Psychological and Somatic disorders (CoRPS), Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten A C Broeren
- Laboratory for Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, Máxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Krabbe
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Medlon BV, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Wilmar M Wiersinga
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Moncayo R, Moncayo H. Practical Guidelines for Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid Disease Based on the WOMED Metabolic Model of Disease Focusing on Glycolysis and Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency—A Clinical Alternative to the 2021 Retired Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Endocrine Society. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010107. [PMID: 35054274 PMCID: PMC8774471 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide a functional, metabolic view of the pathogenesis of benign thyroid disease. Here, we summarize the features of our previous publications on the “WOMED model of benign thyroid disease”. As of 2021, the current state of art indicates that the basic alteration in benign thyroid disease is a metabolic switch to glycolysis, which can be recognized using 3D-power Doppler ultrasound. A specific perfusion pattern showing enlarged vessels can be found using this technology. This switch originates from an altered function of Complex I due to acquired coenzyme Q10 deficiency, which leads to a glycolytic state of metabolism together with increased angiogenesis. Implementing a combined supplementation strategy that includes magnesium, selenium, and CoQ10, the morphological and perfusion changes of the thyroid can be reverted, i.e., the metabolic state returns to oxidative phosphorylation. Normalization of iron levels when ferritin is lower than 50 ng/mL is also imperative. We propose that a modern investigation of probable thyroid disease requires the use of 3D-power Doppler sonography to recognize the true metabolic situation of the gland. Blood levels of magnesium, selenium, CoQ10, and ferritin should be monitored. Thyroid function tests are complementary so that hypo- or hyperthyroidism can be recognized. Single TSH determinations do not reflect the glycolytic state.
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Cui Z, Ding X, Bian N, Chang X, Wang J, An Y, Liu J, Wang G. Relatively Lower FT3 Levels Are Associated with Impaired Quality of Life in Levothyroxine-Treated Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Int J Endocrinol 2022; 2022:1918674. [PMID: 35311029 PMCID: PMC8926544 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1918674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) frequently have some complaints despite achieving euthyroidism after levothyroxine (LT4) treatment. This study aimed to investigate the relevant factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) in euthyroid HT patients after LT4 treatment. METHODS In this case-control study, 133 participants with HT were included. They were divided into two groups: 64 euthyroid HT subjects (control group) and 69 HT patients were rendered euthyroid by LT4 treatment (well-controlled group). QoL was measured with the Thyroid-Related Patient-Reported Outcome (ThyPRO-39) questionnaire. RESULTS Both study groups were well matched with respect to gender, age, BMI, euthyroidism, and thyroid antibodies (TPOAb and TGAb). Compared with the control group, the well-controlled group had lower FT3 (P < 0.01) levels. Of note, QoL was impaired on all scales in the well-controlled group. Moreover, ThyPRO-39 scores among the well-controlled group were significantly higher (worse) than the control group in all scales. Regarding the composite scale, its score was related to FT3 (r = -0.176, P=0.043) but not to FT4 and TSH levels. Further logistic regression analysis revealed FT3 was significantly associated with elevated composite QoL [0.128 (0.029-0.577), P < 0.01] after adjustment of potential confounders. CONCLUSION Relatively lower FT3 concentrations, even within the normal reference range, were related to impaired QoL in HT patients treated with LT4. This finding supports the great value of FT3 in clinical decision-making on dose adequacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Cui
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Nannan Bian
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiaona Chang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jiaxuan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Yu An
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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Ettleson MD, Papaleontiou M. Evaluating health outcomes in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1026262. [PMID: 36329885 PMCID: PMC9623066 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1026262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical hypothyroidism is defined by the inadequate production of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland to maintain normal organ system functions. For nearly all patients with clinical hypothyroidism, lifelong treatment with thyroid hormone replacement is required. The primary goal of treatment is to provide the appropriate daily dose of thyroid hormone to restore normal thyroid function for each individual patient. In current clinical practice, normalization of thyrotropin (TSH) level is the primary measure of effectiveness of treatment, however the use of a single biomarker to define adequate thyroid hormone replacement is being reevaluated. The assessment of clinical health outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), often within the context of intensity of treatment as defined by thyroid function tests (i.e., undertreatment, appropriate treatment, or overtreatment), may play a role in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the prominent health outcomes literature in patients with treated hypothyroidism. To date, overall mortality, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, bone health and cognitive function have been evaluated as endpoints in clinical outcomes studies in patients with treated hypothyroidism. More recent investigations have sought to establish the relationships between these end results and thyroid function during the treatment course. In addition to clinical event outcomes, patient-reported quality of life (QoL) has also been considered in the assessment of adequacy of hypothyroidism treatment. From a health care quality perspective, treatment of hypothyroidism should be evaluated not just on its effectiveness for the individual patients but also to the extent to which patients of different sociodemographic groups are treated equally. Ultimately, more research is needed to explore differences in health outcomes between different sociodemographic groups with hypothyroidism. Future prospective studies of treated hypothyroidism that integrate biochemical testing, PROs, and end result clinical outcomes could provide a more complete picture into the effectiveness of treatment of hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Ettleson
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew D. Ettleson,
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes and Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Wu X, Qin X, Yao Y. Methimazole plus levothyroxine for treating hyperthyroidism in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Pediatr 2022; 11:41-57. [PMID: 35242651 PMCID: PMC8825942 DOI: 10.21037/tp-21-497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperthyroidism is a disease of excessive synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, and there is a lack of studies that have systematically evaluated the efficacy of the combination in treating hyperthyroidism. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of methimazole combined with levothyroxine for treating hyperthyroidism in children. METHODS We searched PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang Database, EMBASE, Web of Science, and other online electronic databases to find correlation studies of methimazole combined with levothyroxine in treating hyperthyroidism in children from 2010 to 2021. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16 software. RESULTS Finally, 15 relevant articles were included comprising 1,718 pediatric patients. Meta-analysis results indicated that compared with methimazole alone (control group), the experimental group administered methimazole + levothyroxine had no evident difference in the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone [standardized mean difference (SMD) =-0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.02, 0.35, P=0.33], but notably improved the efficacy of clinical treatment of hyperthyroidism in children [odds ratio (OR) =5.77, 95% CI: 2.62, 12.74, P<0.001]. Meanwhile, the experimental group had lower adverse reaction rates (OR =0.28, 95%CI: 0.19, 0.40, P<0.001), free triiodothyronine (FT3) level (SMD =-0.85, 95% CI: -1.57, 0.13, P=0.02), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4) level (SMD =-0.94, 95% CI: -1.59, -0.30, P=0.004) and reduced thyroid volume (SMD =-1.3, 95% CI: -1.67, 0.93, P<0.001). DISCUSSION Using methimazole + levothyroxine to treat hyperthyroidism in children can raise the levels of FT3 and FT4, reduce the thyroid volume, improve clinical efficacy, and lower the adverse reaction rate of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wu
- Department of Pediatrics - Preventive Health Care, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xia Qin
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Department of Endocrine, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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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Thyroid Hormone Replacement in Total Thyroidectomized Patients: Symptomatic and Metabolic Effects of Levothyroxine Monotherapy. JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.30621/jbachs.916680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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