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Radu AM, Carsote M, Nistor C, Dumitrascu MC, Sandru F. Crossroads between Skin and Endocrine Glands: The Interplay of Lichen Planus with Thyroid Anomalies. Biomedicines 2023; 12:77. [PMID: 38255184 PMCID: PMC10813575 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we aimed to overview the interplay between lichen planus (LP) and thyroid conditions (TCs) from a dual perspective (dermatologic and endocrine), since a current gap in understanding LP-TC connections is found so far and the topic is still a matter of debate. We searched PubMed from Inception to October 2023 by using the key terms "lichen planus" and "thyroid", (alternatively, "endocrine" or "hormone"). We included original clinical studies in humans according to three sections: LP and TC in terms of dysfunction, autoimmunity, and neoplasia. Six studies confirmed an association between the thyroid dysfunction (exclusively hypothyroidism) and LP/OL (oral LP); of note, only one study addressed cutaneous LP. The sample size of LP/OLP groups varied from 12-14 to 1500 individuals. Hypothyroidism prevalence in OLP was of 30-50%. A higher rate of levothyroxine replacement was identified among OLP patients, at 10% versus 2.5% in controls. The highest OR (odd ratio) of treated hypothyroidism amid OLP was of 2.99 (p < 0.005). Hypothyroidism was confirmed to be associated with a milder OLP phenotype in two studies. A single cohort revealed a similar prevalence of hypothyroidism in LP versus non-LP. Non-confirmatory studies (only on OLP, not cutaneous LP) included five cohorts: a similar prevalence of hypothyroidism among OLP versus controls, and a single cohort showed that the subjects with OLP actually had a lower prevalence of hypothyroidism versus controls (1% versus 4%). Positive autoimmunity in LP/OLP was confirmed in eight studies; the size of the cohorts varied, for instance, with 619 persons with LP and with 76, 92, 105, 108, 192, 247, and 585 patients (a total of 1405) with OLP, respectively; notably, the largest control group was of 10,441 individuals. Four clusters of approaches with respect to the autoimmunity in LP/OLP were found: an analysis of HT/ATD (Hashimoto's thyroiditis/autoimmune thyroid diseases) prevalence; considerations over the specific antibody levels; sex-related features since females are more prone to autoimmunity; and associations (if any) with the clinical aspects of LP/OLP. HT prevalence in OLP versus controls was statistically significantly higher, as follows: 19% versus 5%; 12% versus 6%; and 20% versus 9.8%. A single study addressing LP found a 12% rate of ATDs. One study did not confirm a correlation between OLP-associated clinical elements (and OLP severity) and antibody values against the thyroid, and another showed that positive TPOAb (anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies) was more often found in erosive than non-erosive OLP (68% versus 33%). Just the reverse, one cohort found that OLP subjects had a statistically significantly lower rate of positive TPOAb versus controls (9% versus 15%). Five case-control studies addressed the issue of levothyroxine replacement for prior hypothyroidism in patients that were diagnosed with OLP (no study on LP was identified); three of them confirmed a higher rate of this treatment in OLP (at 8.9%, 9.7%, and 10.6%) versus controls. In conclusion, with regard to LP/OLP-TC, we note several main aspects as practical points for multidisciplinary practitioners: OLP rather than LP requires thyroid awareness; when it comes to the type of thyroid dysfunction, mostly, hypothyroidism should be expected; female patients are more prone to be associated with ATDs; a potential higher ratio of OLP subjects taking levothyroxine was found, thus a good collaboration with an endocrinology team is mandatory; and so far, OLP individuals have not been confirmed to be associated with a higher risk of thyroid nodules/cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea-Maria Radu
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology V, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudiu Nistor
- Department 4—Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Thoracic Surgery Department, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, 010242 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Cristian Dumitrascu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, C. Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & University Emergency Hospital, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Florica Sandru
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy & Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania;
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Biondi B, Pucci M, Pontieri G, Formisano P, Esposito R. Preliminary Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Cardiometabolic Effects of Levothyroxine and Liothyronine Compared to Levothyroxine with Placebo in Athyreotic Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer Patients. Thyroid 2023; 33:1402-1413. [PMID: 37725587 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Evidence is needed on the risks and benefits of combination therapy with levothyroxine (LT4)+liothyronine (LT3) for the treatment of hypothyroidism. Objective and Methods: We performed a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study to assess the effects of LT4+LT3 therapy versus LT4+placebo in a homogeneous group of athyreotic patients, without cardiovascular risk factors during long-term replacement monotherapy with LT4. The primary objective of the study was to assess the effects of combination LT4+LT3 therapy on heart rate, cardiac rhythm, and sensitive cardiovascular parameters of cardiac morphology and function by means of electrocardiography and Doppler echocardiography. The secondary objective of the study was to evaluate patient compliance, tolerability, and potential adverse events. Results: Thirty-eight patients with postsurgical hypothyroidism satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected from a group of 300 patients with low-risk thyroid cancer followed for a routine follow-up; they were randomized to receive LT4+LT3 or LT4+placebo. Twenty-four patients were evaluated after 1 year of treatment. All clinical and laboratory parameters were compared with the results obtained from 50 healthy euthyroid volunteers without comorbidities, matched for gender, age, physical activity, and lifestyle. Participants and clinicians remained blinded to the treatment allocation. After 1 year of combination therapy, a significant improvement in the diastolic function, evidenced by a significant reduction in the E/e' ratio (p = 0.046) and its positive trend over time, was observed in the LT4+LT3 group versus the LT4+placebo group. In addition, the univariate analyses showed a significant relationship between free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels (in pg/mL) with Δ of variation of the E/e' ratio in the LT4+LT3 group (standardized β coefficient = 0.603 [confidence interval: 0.001-1.248], p = 0.050) after combination therapy. No adverse events including tachycardia, arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, or other important events occurred between the first administration and the end of the study. Conclusions: In this preliminary report, combination treatment with LT4+LT3 induced favorable changes in cardiovascular parameters of diastolic function without any adverse cardiovascular events. Trial Registration: EUDRACT number: 2017-001261-25.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Biondi
- Division of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Pucci
- Division of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Pontieri
- Division of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Esposito
- Division of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Biondi B, Celi FS, McAninch EA. Critical Approach to Hypothyroid Patients With Persistent Symptoms. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2708-2716. [PMID: 37071856 PMCID: PMC10686697 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a common condition, and numerous studies have been published over the last decade to assess the potential risks associated with this disorder when inappropriately treated. The standard of care for treatment of hypothyroidism remains levothyroxine (LT4) at doses to achieve biochemical and clinical euthyroidism. However, about 15% of hypothyroid patients experience residual hypothyroid symptoms. Some population-based studies and international population-based surveys have confirmed dissatisfaction with LT4 treatment in some hypothyroid patients. It is well established that hypothyroid patients treated with LT4 exhibit higher serum thyroxine:triiodothyronine ratios and can have a persistent increase in cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, variants in deiodinases and thyroid hormone transporter genes have been associated with subnormal T3 concentrations, persistent symptoms in LT4-treated patients, and improvement in response to the addition of liothyronine to LT4 therapy. The American (ATA) and European Thyroid Association (ETA) guidelines have recently evolved in their recognition of the potential limitations of LT4. This shift is reflected in prescribing patterns: Physicians' use of combination therapy is prevalent and possibly increasing. Randomized clinical trials have recently been published and, while they have found no improvement in treating hypothyroid patients, a number of important limitations did not allow generalizability. Meta-analyses have reported a preference rate for combination therapy in 46.2% hypothyroid patients treated with LT4. To promote discussions about an optimal study design, the ATA, ETA, and British Thyroid Association have recently published a consensus document. Our study provides a useful counterpoint on the controversial benefits of treating hypothyroid patients with combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Biondi
- Division of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco S Celi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030-8075, USA
| | - Elizabeth A McAninch
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Gerontology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Scerrino G, Salamone G, Corigliano A, Richiusa P, Proclamà MP, Radellini S, Cocorullo G, Orlando G, Melfa G, Paladino NC. Weight Gain and Asthenia Following Thyroidectomy: Current Knowledge from Literature Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185486. [PMID: 36143133 PMCID: PMC9500853 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroidectomy is a common procedure all over the world. Its complication rate is low, but some patients complain of weight gain and/or asthenia. The aim of this review is to investigate the correlation between thyroidectomy and weight change and asthenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven papers concerning weight gain and four concerning asthenia were found. RESULTS Weight gain would seem to be more related to the change in habits after surgery. Asthenia seems to be more linked to endocrine mechanisms not yet clarified although a deficiency of triiodothyronine and its metabolites could explain some of its aspects. CONCLUSION Patients who are candidates for thyroidectomy should be adequately informed of the onset of both possible implications of the surgical act in terms of weight gain and chronic asthenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Scerrino
- Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Salamone
- Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corigliano
- Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierina Richiusa
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), Section of Endocrinology, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Proclamà
- Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Radellini
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), Section of Endocrinology, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Cocorullo
- Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Orlando
- Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Melfa
- Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nunzia Cinzia Paladino
- Department of General Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Conception University Hospital, Aix-Marseille University, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-04-9143-5511
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Brancato D, Biondi B, Attardo TM, Fierro A, Nizzoli M, Vettor R, Monaco E, Romano R, Ariete V, Usai C, Zagarrì E, Campanini M. Management of Hypothyroidism in Internal Medicine: Patient Profile and Effects of an Educational Programme in the Cluster-Randomized FADOI TIAMO Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:839300. [PMID: 35769080 PMCID: PMC9235396 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.839300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is still limited knowledge regarding the clinical profile and appropriateness of treatment in patients with hypothyroidism hospitalized in Internal Medicine (IM) Departments in Italy. The aim of this study is to evaluate: 1) the characteristics of patients and possible deviations from national and international clinical practice recommendations (CPRs) in evidence-based guidelines (EBGs); 2) the improvement of patient management by means of a standardized educational programme (EP). METHODS A nationwide multicentre study, comprising two replications of a retrospective survey (phases 1 and 3) with an intervening EP (phase 2) in half of the centres and no EP in the other half, was conducted. The EP was based on outreach visits. Centres were assigned to the two arms of the study, labelled the training group (TG) and control group (CG) respectively, by cluster randomization. Four EBGs and 39 CPRs provided the basis on which 22 treatment management indicators were identified (7 referring to the time of hospital admission, 15 to post-admission). RESULTS The 21 participating centres recruited 587 hospitalized patients with hypothyroidism, 421 of which were females (71.7%, mean age 74.1 + 14.4 yrs): 318 in phase 1 and 269 in phase 3. The cause of hypothyroidism was unknown in 282 patients (48%). Evaluation at the time of admission identified satisfactory adherence to CPRs (>50%) for 63.6% of the indicators. In the phase 3, TG centres showed significant improvement vs CG in 4 of the 15 post-admission indicators, while 1 out of 15 was significantly worse. CONCLUSIONS The EP based on outreach visits significantly improved some indicators in the management of patients with hypothyroidism, with specific reference to appropriateness of TSH dosage and levothyroxine (LT4) treatment modality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05314790.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Brancato
- Internal Medicine Department, Ospedale Civile di Partinico, Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: D. Brancato,
| | - B. Biondi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - T. M. Attardo
- Internal Medicine Department, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy
| | - A. Fierro
- Formerly at Internal Medicine Department, Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - M. Nizzoli
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Morgagni - Pierantoni Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | - R. Vettor
- Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi, Padova, Italy
| | - E. Monaco
- Internal Medicine Department, San Paolo Hospital, Savona, Italy
| | - R. Romano
- Geriatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione “Garibaldi”, Catania, Italy
| | - V. Ariete
- Internal Medicine Department, Gubbio - Gualdo Tadino Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - C. Usai
- Internal Medicine Department, S.S. Annunziata Hospital, Sassari, Italy
| | - E. Zagarrì
- Department of Clinical Research, FADOI Study Center, Milano, Italy
| | - M. Campanini
- Internal Medicine Department, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Novara, Italy
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Scerrino G, Melfa G, Lo Brutto D, Mazzola S, Corigliano A, Vitale I, Tutino R, Rotolo G, Orlando G, Cocorullo G. Chronic asthenia in patients who have undergone endocrine neck surgery. Endocrine 2022; 75:159-168. [PMID: 34365588 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02838-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The impact of chronic asthenia after thyroidectomy has been evaluated in two previous studies comparing total thyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy. We compared its impact on patients undergoing thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism, and cholecystectomy. METHODS Patients recruited for surgery (233 consecutive total thyroidectomies for non-toxic multinodular goiter, Group I, 43 consecutive parathyroidectomies for primary hyperparathyroidism, group II and a sample of 43 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, group III) were compared at three times: pre-operative, 6 months after surgery, 1 year after surgery. A brief fatigue inventory (BFI) was administered to assess asthenia. We excluded intermediate or high-risk thyroid carcinomas, Grave's disease, obese patients, secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, and acute cholecystitis. In the postoperative period, patients who had undergone complications of each surgical procedure were also excluded. Demographics, smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic diseases (renal, cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and diabetes mellitus), anxiety and depression were noted. RESULTS In Group I the significant increase of asthenia during the three periods of detection (p < 0.001) was confirmed. Renal failure further increased the risk of asthenia. In Group II, asthenia after 6 months and 1 year after surgery decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In Group III, the variations in BFI during the three periods were not significant. CONCLUSIONS Asthenia is a frequent sequela of total thyroidectomy, also in comparison with other types of surgery. Patients undergoing thyroidectomy must be informed of the possible implications of surgery, which should be calibrated on the strict application of guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Scerrino
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Melfa
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Daniela Lo Brutto
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Mazzola
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and Tumor Registry, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Policlinico "P. Giaccone", University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corigliano
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Vitale
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Tutino
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Rotolo
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Orlando
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Cocorullo
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, Unit of General and Emergency Surgery, University of Palermo, Via L. Giuffré, 5, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Mele C, Tagliaferri MA, Pagano L, Soranna D, Scacchi M, Aimaretti G, Biondi B, Marzullo P. Levothyroxine Replacement in Obese Adults: The Role of Metabolic Variables and Aging on Thyroid Testing Abnormalities. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:6265-6274. [PMID: 31265068 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT General rates of over- and underreplacement in levothyroxine (LT4) users with primary hypothyroidism are variably high. No information on LT4 adequacy exists in obesity. OBJECTIVE We explored rates and factors relating to LT4 adequacy in obese patients with primary hypothyroidism. SETTING Tertiary care center. DESIGN Among 4954 consecutive obese patients admitted between 2011 and 2014, 691 hypothyroid patients receiving LT4 therapy and 691 body mass index (BMI)-, age-, and sex-matched euthyroid controls underwent analysis of thyroid function, glucolipid profile, body composition, and indirect calorimetry. LT4 users were classified into low TSH (<0.27 mU/L), euthyroid (0.27 to 4.2 mU/L), and high TSH (>4.2 mU/L). RESULTS LT4 users constituted 13.9% of the incident population. TSH was low in 7.5%, high in 17.2%, and normal in 75.2% of LT4 users. Overtreatment decreased with aging and more LT4 users ≥65 years of age had normal TSH than those <65 years of age (P < 0.05). Compared with the euthyroid obese group, LT4 users showed higher adiposity, similar insulin resistance, but a healthier lipid profile. In multivariable analyses, LT4 dose was predicted by fat-free mass, hypothyroidism cause, and sex (P < 0.0001 to < 0.05). Risk of LT4 overreplacement increased with younger age (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99), higher LT4 dose (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.44 to 6.14), and lower BMI (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.88 to 0.99). Male sex increased the likelihood of LT4 underreplacement (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.10 to 5.11). CONCLUSIONS Obesity is associated with milder rates of inadequate LT4 treatment compared with nonobese populations. LT4 adequacy increases with aging. Age, body composition, and sex are main determinants of LT4 requirements in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mele
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - Maria Antonella Tagliaferri
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
| | - Loredana Pagano
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- Statistics Unit, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Scacchi
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aimaretti
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Bernadette Biondi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzullo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, S. Giuseppe Hospital, Piancavallo, Verbania, Italy
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10
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Abstract
The purpose of this article will be to review the basics of thyroid hormone therapy, including various thyroid hormone formulations, the institution and monitoring of thyroid hormone therapy, adverse effects of overtreatment, the management of patients with persistent symptoms despite normal thyroid function tests, and potential new innovations in thyroid hormone therapy. The conclusions support the necessity to personalize thyroid hormone replacement therapy in hypothyroid patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Biondi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - David S Cooper
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Abstract
Hypothyroidism affects up to 5% of the general population, with a further estimated 5% being undiagnosed. Over 99% of affected patients suffer from primary hypothyroidism. Worldwide, environmental iodine deficiency is the most common cause of all thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, but in areas of iodine sufficiency, Hashimoto’s disease (chronic autoimmune thyroiditis) is the most common cause of thyroid failure. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed biochemically, being overt primary hypothyroidism defined as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations above and thyroxine concentrations below the normal reference range. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are non-specific and include mild to moderate weight gain, fatigue, poor concentration, depression, and menstrual irregularities, while the consequences of untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism include cardiovascular disease and increased mortality. Levothyroxine has long been the main tool for treating hypothyroidism and is one of the world’s most widely prescribed medicines. In adults with overt hypothyroidism, levothyroxine is usually prescribed at a starting dose of 1.6 µg/kg/day, which is then titrated to achieve optimal TSH levels (0.4–4.0 mIU/L), according to the therapeutic target. We here summarise the history of levothyroxine and discuss future issues regarding the optimal treatment of hypothyroidism. Because nearly one-third of patients with treated hypothyroidism still exhibit symptoms, it is important that levothyroxine is used more appropriately to achieve maximum benefit for patients. In order to ensure this, further research should include more accurate assessments of the true prevalence of hypothyroidism in the community, optimisation of the levothyroxine substitution dose, proper duration of treatment, and identification of patients who may benefit from combination therapy with levothyroxine plus levotriiodothyronine. Funding: Merck. Plain Language Summary: Plain language summary available for this article. Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases worldwide, and levothyroxine is the usual medication prescribed to manage it. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, located in the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormone for the body’s requirements. This can result in heart disease, infertility, and poor brain development in children. People with hypothyroidism may have changes in body weight, and feel tired, weak or unhappy, all of which can reduce their quality of life. In underdeveloped parts of the world, the main reason why people develop hypothyroidism is that they not getting enough iodine from food. Thus, many countries try to increase iodine intake by adding iodine to salt. In areas of the world where people ingest enough iodine, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease. This is an autoimmune disease in which the person’s immune system produces cells and antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. Most people with hypothyroidism will need to take levothyroxine for a long time, perhaps even for the rest of their lives. Levothyroxine replaces the person’s levels of thyroid hormone and makes them feel better, but the dose often needs to be adjusted for the best effect. In addition, many people with hypothyroidism do not know they have it. Research is ongoing to ensure that more people with hypothyroidism are diagnosed and are given effective treatment, and to work out the best way to use levothyroxine so that patients get the best results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Chiovato
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology and Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Flavia Magri
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Unit of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology and Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Allan Carlé
- Department of Endocrinology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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12
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is an increasing prevalence of hypothyroidism and there is a growing body of meta-analyses (MAs) on the association between hypothyroidism and other diseases. However, the methodological quality of the MAs significantly varies. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate and summarise data on the methodological quality of MAs on the associations between hypothyroidism and other diseases using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) scale, providing suggestions for clinical decision-making processes. DESIGN To assess the methodological quality of MAs using the AMSTAR scale. DATA SOURCES A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, web of science and Chinese Biomedicine Literature Database. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included MAs that had assessed the association between hypothyroidism and other diseases in humans and that had full texts regardless of the publication status. No restriction applied on language or date. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of all searched literature to acquire potentially eligible publications. The full texts of possible eligible publications were downloaded and assessed. Inconsistent comments were resolved through discussions with a third reviewer. RESULTS 52 studies were included. The average AMSTAR score of the included articles was 8.6 (range: 5-10), and those of English and Chinese MAs were 8.8 and 7.0, respectively. A total of 52 MAs were evaluated, and 19 (36.5%) and 33 (63.5%) of these MAs were of moderate and high quality, respectively. None of the MAs were of low quality. Only two MAs had an a priori design. Items 3, 5 and 9 had the highest compliance (50/52, 96.2%), and aside from item 1, items 7 and 8 had the lowest compliance (33/52,63.5%). According to the results of these MAs, hypothyroidism was significantly associated with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders, breast cancer and pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSIONS The methodological quality of the included MAs on the association between hypothyroidism and other diseases was moderate to high. MAs with high qualities confirmed that hypothyroidism was significantly associated with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, preterm birth and neonatal outcomes. Consideration of scientific quality when formulating conclusions should be made explicit and more attention should be paid to improving the methodological quality of MAs, and increasing their applicability for clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Tian
- School of Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology (cadre ward 3), Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feifei Shao
- Department of Endocrinology (cadre ward 3), Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yahong Qin
- Department of Endocrinology (cadre ward 3), Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qian Guo
- Department of Endocrinology (cadre ward 3), Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Cuixia Gao
- Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Ultrasonic Diagnosis, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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13
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Ceresini G, Marina M, Lauretani F, Maggio M, Serra MF, Meschi T, Bandinelli S, Ceda GP, Ferrucci L. Physical performance across the thyroid function values within the normal range in adult and older persons. Aging Clin Exp Res 2019; 31:385-91. [PMID: 29845558 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-018-0975-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid hormone variation may be correlated with adverse health outcomes, even within the normal reference range in euthyroid individuals. AIMS To determine the association between plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels and physical performance score in middle age and older adults who had levels of all three hormones in the normal range. METHODS In this community-based, cross-sectional study, euthyroid participants of the Invecchiare in Chianti study, aged 23-102 years (N = 1060), were considered. Physical performance was evaluated by the Summary Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score. Plasma TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels were predictors, and SPPB score was the outcome. RESULTS At the univariate analyses, TSH, FT4, and FT3 were not significantly associated with SPPB score in young individuals, whereas, in older participants, SBBP score was positively (P < 0.001) associated with FT3, and negatively associated with both TSH (P < 0.02) and FT4 (P < 0.001). After adjusting for multiple confounders, FT3 remained significantly associated with SPPB (beta ± SE, 0.35 ± 0.17, P = 0.04), but FT4 and TSH were not. Results did not change when all the three hormones FT3, FT4, and TSH were simultaneously considered in the fully adjusted model (beta ± SE for FT3, 0.37 ± 0.18, P = 0.04). DISCUSSION The results of this study demonstrate that SPPB score is positively associated with circulating FT3 but not with FT4 or with TSH, in older euthyroid individuals. CONCLUSIONS In euthyroid older adults, circulating FT3 may play an important role in the thyroid effects on physical function.
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Biondi B. Persistent Dyslipidemia in Patients With Hypothyroidism: A Good Marker for Personalized Replacement Therapy? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:624-627. [PMID: 30418587 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Biondi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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15
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Physician characteristics and perceptions and their effect on choice of therapies for patients with thyroid cancer have been well studied. Some data also exist about physician characteristics and prescribing treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism. The effect of physician characteristics on prescribing thyroid preparations for treating overt hypothyroidism is less studied. METHODS Members of the American Thyroid Association were surveyed in 2017. Physicians were presented with 13 different theoretical patients with hypothyroidism and asked to choose among six therapeutic options, including levothyroxine, synthetic combination therapy, thyroid extract, and liothyronine monotherapy. The 13 patient scenarios incorporated parameters that potentially provide reasons for considering combination therapy (presence of symptoms, low serum triiodothyronine concentration, and documentation of deiodinase polymorphisms). Repeated-measures logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the prescribing of the various therapies. Data regarding the responding physicians were also collected. These data included number of years in practice, country of practice, and specialty. Multivariate repeated-measures logistic regression analysis of prescribing patterns was also conducted controlling for all patient and physician characteristics. RESULTS Of the 389 survey respondents, 93% prescribed therapy for hypothyroidism. Fifty-three percent of respondents had been in practice for >20 years, and 23% had been in practice for 11-20 years. Sixty-four percent practiced in North America, and 18% practiced in Europe. Eight-six percent were endocrinologists, and 5% were surgeons. In multivariate analysis, physicians from North America were both more likely to prescribe any triiodothyronine-containing therapies (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8 [confidence interval (CI) 1.3-2.4]) and more likely to add liothyronine to levothyroxine therapy (OR = 1.9 [CI 1.2-2.9]). In addition, they were more likely to prescribe desiccated thyroid extract or liothyronine monotherapy (OR = 1.7 [CI 1.0-2.9]). CONCLUSIONS A previous analysis of this survey showed that patient characteristics profoundly affect physician prescribing patterns. The current multivariate analysis shows that physician characteristics affect prescribing patterns. Whether this is due to impact upon physicians of patient-related experiences, media exposure, influence from pharmaceutical companies, educational activities, or other concerns cannot be determined. However, these results have potential importance for understanding physician-patient interactions at a time when the benefits and risks of triiodothyronine-containing therapies have not been fully documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Jonklaas
- Division of Endocrinology Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Address correspondence to: Jacqueline Jonklaas, MD, PhD, Department of Endocrinology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007
| | - Eshetu Tefera
- Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Nawar Shara
- Division of Endocrinology Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC
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16
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Jonklaas J, Tefera E, Shara N. Short-Term Time Trends in Prescribing Therapy for Hypothyroidism: Results of a Survey of American Thyroid Association Members. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:31. [PMID: 30761091 PMCID: PMC6363658 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Hypothyroid patients frequently request specific therapies from their physicians. Combination therapy is vigorously discussed at professional meetings. We wished to determine if physician prescribing patterns for hypothyroidism changed during 2017 after specific educational events. Methods: A survey addressing treatment of hypothyroidism was emailed to American Thyroid Association (ATA) members on three occasions in 2017. The Spring emails were sent prior to a satellite symposium addressing hypothyroidism, and prior to the annual Endocrine Society and ATA meetings; the December emails were sent after these events. Physicians were presented with thirteen theoretical patients and chose from 6 therapeutic options, including levothyroxine, synthetic combination therapy, thyroid extract, and liothyronine monotherapy. The patient scenarios successively incorporated factors potentially providing reasons for considering combination therapy. Multivariate repeated measures logistic regression analyses first examined effects of physician characteristics on prescribing the various therapies. Then, analyses also incorporated timing, by comparing prescribing patterns in February, March, and December. Results: In analyses of prescribing levothyroxine monotherapy vs. any T3 therapy, there was a trend of borderline significance (p = 0.053) for T3 therapy to be prescribed more in December compared with February-March combined. When multivariate analyses were performed controlling for time and physician characteristics, choice of therapy was only significantly affected by country of practice (OR 1.7, CI 1.3-2.2). Physician choice of therapies was also examined for the options of continuing (1) levothyroxine, vs. (2) increasing levothyroxine, (3) adding liothyronine either with or without levothyroxine reduction, or (4) replacing levothyroxine with desiccated thyroid extract or liothyronine. When multivariate analyses incorporating time and physician characteristics were performed, respondents in December (OR 1.5, CI 1.0-2.3) and those practicing in North America (OR 1.8, CI 1.2-2.6) were more likely to prescribe liothyronine. Conclusions: This survey shows that although current North American guidelines do not recommend combination therapy, such therapy is being prescribed more over time and is also more commonly prescribed in North America. It is possible our guidelines are failing to incorporate evidence that physicians are considering when prescribing combination therapy. Such evidence could include data about patient preferences, and this needs to be a focus of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Jonklaas
- Division of Endocrinology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- *Correspondence: Jacqueline Jonklaas
| | - Eshetu Tefera
- Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics, Medstar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, MD, United States
| | - Nawar Shara
- Division of Endocrinology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics, Medstar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, MD, United States
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Akirov A, Fazelzad R, Ezzat S, Thabane L, Sawka AM. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient Preferences for Combination Thyroid Hormone Treatment for Hypothyroidism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:477. [PMID: 31396154 PMCID: PMC6667836 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The standard of care in management of hypothyroidism is treatment with levothyroxine (L-T4). Sometimes patients are dissatisfied with L-T4 and the combination of levo-triiodothyronine (L-T3) with L-T4 is considered. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of blinded randomized controlled trials (RCTs), reporting how often hypothyroid patients prefer combination L-T3/L-T4 treatment to L-T4 alone. We also explored for explanatory factors for combination therapy preference in sensitivity analyses examining trial, patient, and disease characteristics. Potential dose-response relationships were explored using meta-regression analyses. We searched 9 electronic databases (from inception until February, 2019), supplemented with a hand-search. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and citations and reviewed full-text papers, with consensus achieved on the included studies. Two reviewers independently critically appraised the quality of included studies and abstracted the data. Random effects meta-analyses were reported for the percentage of patients preferring combination L-T3/T-T4 therapy over L-T4 alone. A binomial distribution of choices (i.e., preference of combination therapy or no preference for combination therapy) was assumed. Results: We included 7 blinded RCTs including 348 hypothyroid individuals in the primary meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rate for preference of combination therapy over L-T4 was 46.2% (95% confidence interval 40.2%, 52.4%) (p = 0.231 for the difference from chance). There was no significant statistical heterogeneity among study results (Q = 7.32, degrees of freedom = 6, p = 0.293, I 2 = 18.0%). In sensitivity analyses, combination treatment preference was explained in part by treatment effects on TSH concentration, mood and symptoms, but not quality of life nor body weight. In a secondary dose-response meta-regression analyses, a statistically significant association of treatment preference was identified for total daily L-T3 dose, but not L-T3:L-T4 dose ratio. Conclusions: In conclusion, in RCTs in which patients and investigators were blinded to treatment allocation, approximately half of participants reported preferring combination L-T3 and L-T4 therapy compared to L-T4 alone; this finding was not distinguishable from chance. An observed potential positive L-T3 dose effect on treatment preference deserves further study, with careful consideration of thyroid biochemical indices and patient reported outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Akirov
- Department of Endocrine Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Endocrinology, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rouhi Fazelzad
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network Library and Information Services, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shereen Ezzat
- Department of Endocrine Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anna M. Sawka
- Division of Endocrinology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Anna M. Sawka
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18
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Abstract
Guidelines from the American Thyroid Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists suggest monitoring thyroid-stimulating hormone and serum-free thyroxine to make clinical decisions for starting and monitoring therapy with their mainstay treatment of levothyroxine monotherapy. Although this monotherapy provides adequate control of symptoms for the majority of the population, a strong subset of the population continues to complain of hypothyroidism despite normal thyroid-stimulating hormone and serum-free thyroxine levels. Combination levothyroxine and liothyronine therapy to improve symptoms of hypothyroidism has been a topic of interest for several decades, but the data have been mixed. This study provides insight into the effects of combination therapy because there is no reported retrospective or prospective study in the literature. Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objectives Hypothyroidism results in decreased mood and neurocognition, weight gain, fatigue, and many other undesirable symptoms. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Thyroid Association (ATA), and The Endocrine Society recommend levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy as the treatment for hypothyroidism; however, after years of monotherapy, some patients continue to experience impaired quality of life. Combination LT4 and synthetic liothyronine (LT3) therapy or the use of desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), has not been suggested for this indication based on short-duration studies with no significant benefits. Our first observational study examined the role of combination therapy for 6 years in improving quality of life in a subset of a hypothyroid population without adverse effects and cardiac mortality. Methods An observational retrospective study examining patients prescribed thyroid replacements with serum triiodothyronine (FT3), LT4 with LT3 (synthetic therapy) or DTE (natural therapy), compared with LT4 alone in the United States from 2010 to 2016. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), serum thyroxine (FT4), and FT3 levels were documented for each patient in addition to any admissions of myxedema coma, thyrotoxicosis, or cardiovascular complications, such as arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and mortality. At the conclusion of the study, a cross-sectional interview assessed quality of life for each combination therapy through the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-20 questionnaire. Results Compared with patients taking only LT4, 89.47% using synthetic therapy had therapeutic TSH (P < 0.05). Similarly, 96.49% using natural therapy had therapeutic TSH (P < 0.05). Less than 5% of patients had supratherapeutic FT3. None of the patients who had abnormally low TSH or elevated FT3 or FT4 levels had hospitalizations for arrhythmias or thyrotoxicosis. On the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-20 questionnaire, >92% answered feeling “excellent, very good, or good” when questioned about their health while undergoing thyroid replacement compared with levothyroxine alone. Conclusions This is the only retrospective study reported to use long-term (mean 27 months) thyroid replacements with combination therapy and to compare between the two forms of therapy: synthetic and natural. For patients undergoing either therapy, we did not identify additional risks of atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disease, or mortality in patients of all ages with hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anam Tariq
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine, Research and Biostatistical Analysis, and Endocrinology, UPMC Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Yijin Wert
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine, Research and Biostatistical Analysis, and Endocrinology, UPMC Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Pramil Cheriyath
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine, Research and Biostatistical Analysis, and Endocrinology, UPMC Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Renu Joshi
- From the Departments of Internal Medicine, Research and Biostatistical Analysis, and Endocrinology, UPMC Pinnacle Health, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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19
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Most endocrinologists encounter patients who are dissatisfied with their current hypothyroidism therapy and request combination therapy with either liothyronine (LT3) or thyroid extract. METHODS A survey of American Thyroid Association members was conducted in 2017. Respondents were presented with 13 scenarios describing patients with hypothyroidism and were asked to choose among six therapeutic options. The index patient was satisfied taking levothyroxine (LT4) therapy. Twelve variations introduced parameters that potentially provide reasons for considering combination therapy (presence of symptoms, low serum triiodothyronine concentration, documentation of deiodinase polymorphisms). Therapeutic options included (i) continuing LT4, (ii) increasing LT4, (iii) adding LT3 to a reduced LT4 dose, (iv) adding LT3 to the current LT4 dose, (v) replacing LT4 with thyroid extract, and (vi) replacing LT4 with LT3. Repeated-measures logistic regression analysis was performed to examine both the prescribing of LT4 (options i and ii) versus all other therapies and the choice of continuing LT4 (option i) versus either increasing LT4 (option ii), adding LT3 (options iii and iv), or replacing LT4 with thyroid extract or LT3 (options v and vi). RESULTS Of the 389 survey respondents, 363 physicians prescribed therapy for hypothyroidism. For the index patient, 98% of physicians continued current LT4 therapy. However, as the patient scenario incorporated other patient characteristics, physicians opted to increase LT4 dose or prescribe other therapies. The tendency to prescribe alternative therapies was powerfully increased by patient symptoms (odds ratio = 25.6 [confidence interval 9-73], p < 0.0001). Older age and the presence of a comorbidity reduced the likelihood that an alternative therapy was prescribed (p = 0.0002 and <0.0001, respectively). All other characteristics, except athyreotic status, patient sex, and body mass index, significantly increased the likelihood that alternative therapies would be prescribed in multivariate analyses (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Even with the acknowledged limitations of survey methodology, this analysis appears to show a marked increase in the willingness of physicians to prescribe combination therapy in specific circumstances. If current prescribing patterns do incorporate the use of therapies other than LT4, there is a critical need for more research into the benefits and risks of these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Jonklaas
- Division of Endocrinology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
- Address correspondence to: Jacqueline Jonklaas, MD, PhD, Department of Endocrinology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007
| | - Eshetu Tefera
- Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Nawar Shara
- Department of Biostatistics and Biomedical Informatics, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC
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Pirola I, Gandossi E, Brancato D, Marini F, Cristiano A, Delbarba A, Agosti B, Castellano M, Cappelli C. TSH evaluation in hypothyroid patients assuming liquid levothyroxine at breakfast or 30 min before breakfast. J Endocrinol Invest 2018; 41:1301-1306. [PMID: 29582344 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0867-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare TSH levels of hypothyroid patients treated with liquid LT4 at breakfast or 30 min before breakfast. PATIENTS AND METHODS Subjects, aged 18-75 years old, were eligible if they presented hypothyroidism, due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis or after thyroidectomy for proven benign goiter. Seven hundred ninety-eight patients were recruited and enrolled in the study. Thirty-seven subjects withdrew from the trial. A total of 761 patients (mean age 46.2 ± 10.8 years) completed the study. The starting dose of LT4 was determined through clinical judgment, taking into account TSH levels, estimated residual thyroid function, age, body weight and comorbidities. All patients underwent TSH, fT4, and fT3 evaluation to verify achievement of euthyroidism with their initial fasting state assumption of LT4 after 8 weeks of therapy. If euthyroidism was not achieved, an appropriately adjusted LT4 dose was administered for 8 weeks, after which thyroid function parameters were checked again. If euthyroidism was achieved, the patients were asked to take LT4 at breakfast and hormone levels were checked again after 6 months. RESULTS At the end of the study period, no significant differences in serum TSH level were observed whether LT4 was ingested at breakfast or 30 min prior in a fasting state: 2.61 ± 1.79 vs. 2.54 ± 1.86 mIU/L, respectively (p = 0.455). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms in a large set of patients that a liquid LT4 formulation can be taken directly at breakfast and potentially improve therapeutic compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Pirola
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, c/o 2° Medicina Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili n°1, 25100, Brescia, Italy
| | - E Gandossi
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, c/o 2° Medicina Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili n°1, 25100, Brescia, Italy
| | - D Brancato
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Reference Center for Diabetology, Hospital of Partinico, Palermo, Italy
| | - F Marini
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, c/o 2° Medicina Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili n°1, 25100, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Cristiano
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, c/o 2° Medicina Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili n°1, 25100, Brescia, Italy
| | - A Delbarba
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, c/o 2° Medicina Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili n°1, 25100, Brescia, Italy
| | - B Agosti
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, c/o 2° Medicina Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili n°1, 25100, Brescia, Italy
| | - M Castellano
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, c/o 2° Medicina Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili n°1, 25100, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Cappelli
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, c/o 2° Medicina Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili n°1, 25100, Brescia, Italy.
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21
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Firouzi A, Norozian M, Amini A, Abdollahifar MA, Abbaszadeh HA, Fadaei Fathabadi F. Combined Effect of Low-Level Laser Treatment and Levothyroxine on Wound Healing in Rats With Hypothyroidism. J Lasers Med Sci 2018; 9:268-273. [PMID: 31119022 DOI: 10.15171/jlms.2018.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Hypothyroidism delays wound healing by reducing the synthesis of keratinocytes, fibroblast cells, and collagen. Methods for enhancement of wound healing include laser therapy and hormone therapy. The current study evaluated the combined effect of laser and levothyroxine therapy to cure wounds in male rats with hypothyroidism. Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: (1) healthy controls; (2) controls with hypothyroidism; (3) hypothyroidism + laser treatment; (4) hypothyroidism + levothyroxine treatment; (5) hypothyroidism + laser + levothyroxine treatment. Hypothyroidism was induced by dissolving 4 mg of methimazole in 100 mL of drinking water daily for 28 days. After hypothyroidism had been confirmed, a longitudinal incisional wound was created on the dorsal rib cages of the rats. The wounds that received laser treatment were divided into 12 sections and treated at 810 nm wavelength and 0.2 J/cm2 of energy density for 200 seconds. Levothyroxine was administrated in doses of 20 µg/kg/d i.p. All groups were divided into 3 subgroups for testing on days 4, 7 and 14. Samples were collected in all the subgroups. Results: The results showed that hypothyroidism reduced fibrous tissue volume, fibroblasts, and basal cell numbers. The combined effect of laser and levothyroxine improved all parameters. Conclusion: Combined laser and levothyroxine treatment showed the best effect on wound healing and accelerated the closure of the wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Firouzi
- Medical School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Norozian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Amini
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Fadaei Fathabadi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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22
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Fang Y, Yao L, Sun J, Zhang J, Li Y, Yang R, Yang K, Tian L. Appraisal of clinical practice guidelines on the management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. Endocrine 2018; 60:4-14. [PMID: 29445919 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1535-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to systematically evaluate the quality of guidelines for the management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy. METHOD Systematic searches were conducted to identify hypothyroidism in pregnancy guidelines published in electronic databases and developers' websites. Four reviewers independently evaluated eligible guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. Agreement among reviewers was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The number of recommendations, strength of recommendations, and levels of evidence were determined. The software used for analysis was SPSS version 12.0. RESULTS Nine guidelines met the inclusion criteria and were appraised. The scope and purpose (65%) and clarity of presentation (70%) domains achieved relatively high scores, whereas the stakeholder involvement (41%), rigor of development (33%), applicability (36%), and editorial independence (31%) domains yielded low scores. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) guideline ranked the highest, whereas the 2012 Chinese Society of Endocrinology (CSE) guideline ranked the lowest among all the guidelines. The British Thyroid Association (BTA) and ATA guidelines were strongly recommended as dependable and helpful references to aid clinical decisions for medical providers, whereas the CSE guideline was not recommended. Most recommendations of the guidelines were relatively consistent. However, the nine guidelines varied with respect to their recommendations on thyroid scanning, dose of levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment, and target thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) level of L-T4 therapy. CONCLUSIONS The quality of the guidelines on the management of hypothyroidism in pregnancy is highly variable. Additionally, these guidelines need significant improvement, especially in the rigor of development and applicability domains. Some improvements should be made to promote the development and implementation of guidelines, for example, conducting a comprehensive search strategy to include more potential evidence and establishing a standard grading system to evaluate the quality of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Dong gang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Yao
- Clinical Evidence based medicine center, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Dong gang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxia Li
- Department of Ultrasonography, Hebei Province Veterans Hospital, Lianchi South Street, Baoding, 071000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifei Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Dong gang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Limin Tian
- Department of Endocrinology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Dong gang West Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Hennessey JV, Espaillat R. Current evidence for the treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine/levotriiodothyronine combination therapy versus levothyroxine monotherapy. Int J Clin Pract 2018; 72:e13062. [PMID: 29381251 PMCID: PMC5873391 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypothyroidism is relatively common, occurring in approximately 5% of the general US population aged ≥12 years. Levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy is the standard of care. Approximately, 5%-10% of patients who normalise thyroid-stimulating hormone levels with LT4 monotherapy may have persistent symptoms that patients and clinicians may attribute to hypothyroidism. A long-standing debate in the literature is whether addition of levotriiodothyronine (LT3) to LT4 will ameliorate lingering symptoms. Here, we explore the evidence for and against LT4/LT3 combination therapy as the optimal approach to treat euthyroid patients with persistent complaints. METHODS Recent literature indexed on PubMed was searched in March 2017 using the terms "hypothyroid" or "hypothyroidism" and "triiodothyronine combination" or "T3 combination." Relevant non-review articles published in English during the past 10 years were included and supplemented with articles already known to the authors. FINDINGS Current clinical evidence is not sufficiently strong to support LT4/LT3 combination therapy in patients with hypothyroidism. Polymorphisms in deiodinase genes that encode the enzymes that convert T4 to T3 in the periphery may provide potential mechanisms underlying unsatisfactory treatment results with LT4 monotherapy. However, results of studies on the effect of LT4/LT3 therapy on clinical symptoms and thyroid-responsive genes have thus far not been conclusive. CONCLUSIONS Persistent symptoms in patients who are biochemically euthyroid with LT4 monotherapy may be caused by several other conditions unrelated to thyroid function, and their cause should be aggressively investigated by the clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V. Hennessey
- Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of MedicineBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMAUSA
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24
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Wiersinga WM. THERAPY OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: T4 + T3 combination therapy: is there a true effect? Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 177:R287-R296. [PMID: 28855267 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
About 5%-10% of hypothyroid patients on T4 replacement therapy have persistent symptoms, despite normal TSH levels. It was hoped that T4 + T3 combination therapy might provide better outcomes, but that was not observed according to a meta-analysis of 11 randomized clinical trials comparing T4 monotherapy with T4 + T3 combination therapy. However, the issue is still subject of much research because normal thyroid function tests in serum may not necessarily indicate an euthyroid state in all peripheral tissues. This review evaluates recent developments in the field of T4 + T3 combination therapy. T4 monotherapy is associated with higher serum FT4 levels than in healthy subjects, and subnormal serum FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratios are observed in about 15% and 30% respectively. T4 + T3 combination therapy may mimic more closely thyroid function tests of healthy subjects, but it has not been demonstrated that relatively low serum FT3 or FT3/FT4 ratios are linked to persistent symptoms. One study reports polymorphism Thr92Ala in DIO2 is related to lower serum FT3 levels after thyroidectomy, and that the D2-Ala mutant reduces T4 to T3 conversion in cell cultures. Peripheral tissue function tests such as serum cholesterol reflect thyroid hormone action in target tissues. Using such biochemical markers, patients who had a normal serum TSH during postoperative T4 monotherapy, were mildly hypothyroid, whereas those with a TSH 0.03-≤0.3 mU/L were closest to euthyroidism. Peripheral tissue function tests suggest euthyroidism more often in patients randomized to T4 + T3 rather than that to T4. Preference for T4 + T3 combination over T4 monotherapy was dose-dependently related to the presence of two polymorphisms in MCT10 and DIO2 in one small study. It is not known if persistent symptoms during T4 monotherapy disappear by switching to T4 + T3 combination therapy. The number of patients on T4 + T3 therapy has multiplied in the last decade, likely induced by indiscriminate statements on the internet. Patients are sometimes not just asking but rather demanding this treatment modality. It creates tensions between patients and physicians. Only continued research will answer the question whether or not T4 + T3 combination therapy has true benefits in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilmar M Wiersinga
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Abstract
There is a frequently encountered subset of hypothyroid patients who are refractory to standard thyroid hormone replacement treatment and require unexpectedly high doses of levothyroxine. In addition to clinical situations where hypothyroid patients are non-compliant, or where there is the possibility of excipient-induced disease exacerbation (gluten/celiac disease), therapeutic failure may be due to impaired absorption of the administered drug. The common approach to managing patients with unusual thyroxine needs is to escalate the dose of levothyroxine until targeted TSH levels are achieved. This approach can increase the risk for prolonged exposure to supratherapeutic doses of levothyroxine, which increase the chances of adverse outcomes. Repeated adjustments of levothyroxine can also escalate the costs of treatment, as frequent office visits and laboratory tests are required to determine and maintain the desired dose. Clinicians should take a systematic approach to managing patients whom they suspect of having treatment-refractory hypothyroidism. This may include searching for, and adjusting, occult medical conditions and/or other factors that may affect the absorption of levothyroxine, before up-titrating the dose of traditional levothyroxine therapy. Depending on the underlying pathology, another approach that may be considered is to try alternative formulations of levothyroxine that are less susceptible to intolerance issues related to excipients, or, in some cases, to malabsorption. The early discovery of these factors via a thoughtful patient work-up may avoid unnecessary thyroid medication adjustments and their consequences for both patients and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Centanni
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medico-surgical Services and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - S. Benvenga
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Interdepartmental Program of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Women’s Endocrine Health, A.O.U. Policlinico G Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - I. Sachmechi
- Division of Endocrinology, Queens Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine, Jamaica, NY USA
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26
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Ruggeri RM, Trimarchi F, Biondi B. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: l-Thyroxine replacement therapy in the frail elderly: a challenge in clinical practice. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 177:R199-R217. [PMID: 28566447 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The number of elderly people, mostly aged over 85 years (the 'oldest old'), is increasing worldwide. As a consequence, accompanying morbidity and disability have been increasing, and frailty, defined as an age-related condition of decline of physiological reserves and vulnerability, represents an emerging problem. Caring for older frail people may represent a challenge, since the elderly differ significantly from younger adults in terms of comorbidity, polypharmacy, pharmacokinetics and greater vulnerability to adverse drug reactions. Specific criteria of therapeutic appropriateness and modified goals of care are needed in such patients, also in endocrine care settings. Indeed, thyroid dysfunctions are among the most common conditions in older, multimorbid populations. The prevalence of overt and subclinical hypothyroidism is as high as 20% and thyroid hormone prescription is common in the elderly, with a trend toward levothyroxine treatment of more marginal degrees of hypothyroidism. In addition, older patients have the highest rate of overtreatment during replacement therapy and are more susceptible to developing adverse effects from thyroid hormone excess. Recently, results of a multicentric randomized controlled trial, the TRUST-IEMO collaboration trial, added further insights to the debated question of whether and when levothyroxine treatment is required and if it is beneficial in the elderly. With this in mind, we revised the relevant literature on the impact of thyroid dysfunction and replacement therapy among older people, with the aim to better define indications, benefits and risks of l-T4 replacement therapy in the frail elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Ruggeri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, UOC Endocrinology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - F Trimarchi
- Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - B Biondi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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