Barriers for progress in salt reduction in the general population. An international study

Salt reduction is important for reducing hypertension and the risk of cardiovascular events, nevertheless worldwide salt intakes are above recommendations. Consequently strategies to reduce intake are required, however these require an understanding of salt intake behaviours to be effective. As limited information is available on this, an international study was conducted to derive knowledge on salt intake and associated behaviours in the general population. An online cohort was recruited consisting of a representative sample from Germany, Austria, United States of America, Hungary, India, China, South Africa, and Brazil (n=6987; aged 18-65 years; age and gender stratified). Participants completed a comprehensive web-based questionnaire on salt intake and associated behaviours. While salt reduction was seen to be healthy and important, over one third of participants were not interested in salt reduction and the majority were unaware of recommendations. Salt intake was largely underestimated and people were unaware of the main dietary sources of salt. Participants saw themselves as mainly responsible for their salt intake, but also acknowledged the roles of others. Additionally, they wanted to learn more about why salt was bad for health and what the main sources in the diet were. As such, strategies to reduce salt intake must raise interest in engaging in salt reduction through improving understanding of intake levels and dietary sources of salt. Moreover, while some aspects of salt reduction can be globally implemented, local tailoring is required to match level of interest in salt reduction. These findings provide unique insights into issues surrounding salt reduction and should be used to develop effective salt reduction strategies and/or policies.

Effect of a Somatostatin Analogue on Trophic Hormone Levels in Acromegalic Patients with Elevated hGH after Adrenomectomy and Treatment with Bromocriptine

Five female acromegalic patients who had undergone surgical adenomectomy, but still had elevated hGH serum levels, were treated with bromocriptine, 5-15 mg daily, for at least 4 months without a satisfactory response. In an attempt to lower serum hGH levels, p-NH2-Phe4-D-Trp8-somatostatin was administered, 100 micrograms as an i.v. bolus, followed by infusion of 250 micrograms over a 4 hour period. The analogue decreased hGH levels by about 50% in 3 out of 5 patients, both during bromocriptine treatment and also in its absence. Of the remaining two patients, one showed a decrease in hGH levels in response to the analogue only during bromocriptine treatment and the other only without it. Saline infusion after bromocriptine administration did not induce a decrease in hGH levels in three of these patients. Somatostatin analogue caused a fall in serum insulin levels in all but one patient, who had diabetes mellitus and in whom serum insulin was undetectable. Both hGH and insulin levels showed a significant rebound after infusion of the analogue, but returned to basal levels within 24 hours. Prolactin did not change during the analogue infusion in 4 patients with normal PRL levels. However, in one patient in whom prolactin and hGH levels were elevated during bromocriptine treatment, the infusion of somatostatin analogue decreased both hormones. The analogue induced no changes in serum TSH, FSH and LH levels of any of the patients.

Reference intervals for serum thyrotropin: dependence on the population investigated

In order to elucidate possible differences of reference intervals in various populations, serum basal thyrotropin (TSH) was measured in euthyroid healthy volunteers (N = 170), in thyroid out-patients (N = 215), in geriatric (N = 354) and in seriously ill (N = 32) patients. The results, except in the healthy control subjects, were compared to the TSH responses (delta TSH) in the Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone test. Normal ranges calculated from the basal TSH of the euthyroid groups of different age were similar. There was a significant positive correlation of basal to delta TSH in all groups but the regression equations expressing the qualitative connection of basal and delta TSH were rather different. The basal TSH cut off point predicting a positive TRH-test (i.e. euthyroidism) with more than 95% probability was higher in the geriatric groups (greater than 0.7 mU/l versus greater than 0.4 mU/l in the other groups). In thyroid out-patients and geriatric patients a measurable (greater than 0.1 mU/l) basal TSH indicated measurable delta TSH (thus excluding clinical hyperthyroidism), while in seriously ill patients only a basal TSH greater than 0.2 mU/l was reliably predictive in this respect. Thus, various populations have different reference intervals for TSH. This fact must be considered when the sensitive TSH is used in different populations as the primary screening parameter for thyroid dysfunctions.

Stakeholder appraisal of policy options for responding to obesity in Hungary

Overweight and obesity increases risks for many diseases, while treating them is expensive. Trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the last two decades indicate the need for urgent interventions. Several different kinds of interventions could modify the obesogenic environment. The aim of this study was to map which policy options will be acceptable and effective in Hungary. Interviews were conducted with 21 stakeholders representing a wide range of viewpoints to evaluate seven core and 13 discretionary policy options under different criteria. The 21 Hungarian participants used 92 appraisal criteria covering a wide range of issues. Efficacy, practical feasibility, social acceptability and societal benefits were widely judged more important than the costs of measures. Significant additional social and health benefits were anticipated from changes in transport and planning policies, but the cost to the public sector was considered high and the implementation difficult. There was broad support for changes in patterns of food consumption and levels of physical activity. There was a consensus that without developing the attitudes of individuals to be more responsible for their health, environmental changes alone would not be enough to reverse the trend of the growing prevalence of obesity.

Is there a need to redefine the upper normal limit of TSH?

Mild forms of hypothyroidism--subclinical hypothyroidism--have recently been discussed as being a risk factor for the development of overt thyroid dysfunction and for a number of clinical disorders. The diagnosis critically depends on the definition of the upper normal limit of serum TSH as, by definition, free thyroxine serum concentrations are normal. Cut-off levels of 4-5 mU TSH/l have been conventionally used to diagnose an elevated TSH serum concentration. Recent data from large population studies have suggested a much lower TSH cut-off with an upper limit of 2-2.5 mU/l but application of strict criteria for inclusion of subjects from the general population studies aiming at assessing TSH reference intervals (no personal or family history of thyroid disease, no thyroid antibodies and a normal thyroid on ultrasonography) did not result in an unequivocal upper limit of normal TSH at 2.0-2.5 mU/l. When summarizing the available evidence for lowered upper TSH cut-off values and their potential therapeutic implications there is presently insufficient justification to lower the upper normal limit of TSH and, for practical purposes, it is still recommended to maintain the TSH reference interval of 0.4-4.0 mU/l. Classifying subjects with a TSH value between 2 and 4 mU/l as abnormal, as well as intervening with thyroxine treatment in such subjects, is probably doing more harm than good.

Angiography-proven liver metastases explain low efficacy of lymph node dissections in medullary thyroid cancer patients

AIM

To report the role of liver angiography in the staging of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty MTC patients with persistent or recurrent hypercalcitonemia (n=49), a characteristic general symptom (diarrhea, n=4) or a normal basal calcitonin level without general symptoms (n=7) were investigated by dynamic liver CT, MRI and angiography between 06/1998 and 06/2002.

RESULTS

Dual-phase CT and MRI investigations identified hepatic metastases with relatively low frequency (8/58 on MRI, and 7/60 on CT). Angiography indicated liver involvement in 54/60 cases. The hepatic metastases were typically multiple, hypervascular, small foci (only 13 foci measured >/=10 mm). With one exception significant disease progression was not observed over 5 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver angiography is a powerful tool to reveal hepatic metastases in MTC patients. Frequent, inoperable liver metastases in hypercalcitoninemic MTC patients demonstrate that secondary lymph node dissection is an inefficient technique for restoration of a normal calcitonin level.

Comparative analytical evaluation of thyroid hormone levels in pregnancy and in women taking oral contraceptives: a study from an iodine deficient area

Increase of serum thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) resulting from estrogen action may lead to problems in thyroid diagnostics. The aim of the present study was to define the most diagnostically reliable thyroid parameters in women exposed to differentially elevated estrogens. Sera of three groups of healthy women were analyzed: women taking no medicine (controls), those taking oral contraceptives and pregnant women (in weeks 16 or 32 of gestation). All women involved in the study lived in a moderately iodine-deficient geographical area. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), TBG, total thyroxine (T4), total tri-iodothyronine (T3) and free T3 were determined and free T4 indices (total T4 x T3 uptake; total T4/thyroxine binding capacity (TBC); total T4/TBG) were calculated. Free T4 was measured simultaneously with a one-step T4-analog enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a labeled T4 antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA), and a two-step microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Estrogen-dependent differences were found in all investigated parameters; however, they remained in the reference interval for TSH, total T4 x T3 uptake, total T4/TBC,free T3 and free T4 MEIA. It was concluded that simultaneous estimations of free T4 and free T3 should follow a primary TSH measurement. The necessity of a distinct reference range has emerged for free thyroid hormones in midterm and late pregnancy as well as in the use of oral contraceptives, especially in iodine-deficient areas.

The effect of gender and age on growth hormone replacement in growth hormone-deficient patients

We analyzed the effect of growth hormone replacement therapy (36 months) analyzed at a dose adjusted to maintain serum insulin-like growth factor-I level between the median and the upper end of the age-related reference range on bone mineral density, body composition, and carbohydrate metabolism with respect to gender and age in 20 adult patients (9 women, 11 men, mean age: 43 years, range: 21-61 years). The lumbar and femoral T-score was increased after 12 and after 18 months of therapy respectively in men (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002), but did not changed significantly in women. The increase of femoral T-score was greater in young men (< or = 45 years, n = 6) than old men (> 45 years, n = 5, p < 0.001). Body fat was lower in men than in women after 6 months (p = 0.002). The waist/hip ratio only decreased in women (p = 0.044). The waist circumference decreased in both genders after 6 months of therapy (p < 0.001), but more markedly in females than in males (p < 0.05). The sum of skinfold thicknesses was reduced in males after 6 months of therapy (p < 0.001). Changes in body composition parameters measured were independent of age. The glycosylated hemoglobin increased without sex or age difference after 12 months of initiation of therapy (p < 0.001), but fasting glucose and insulin levels did not change during the therapy. Our results indicate that the effect of growth hormone replacement on bone mineral content in adults is age- and gender-dependent, gender dependent on body composition, but independent of age and gender on carbohydrate metabolism.

Effects of 24 months of growth hormone (GH) treatment on serum carboxylated and undercarboxylated osteocalcin levels in GH-deficient adults

We studied the effect of growth hormone (GH) replacement on bone mineral density (BMD) and some parameters of bone metabolism, including undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), an independent predictive marker of fracture risk, which has not been previously determined or compared during GH treatment. Measurements were performed at baseline and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of the initiation of the GH therapy in 21 adult patients with GH deficiency. Significant increases were observed in BMD after 1 year at the lumbar spine and after 1.5 years at the femoral neck. Serum total OC and carboxylated (c) OC increased and reached the maximum at 6 months, but the values remained over the baseline at both 12 and 18 months. The ucOC:total OC ratio changed contrarily: it decreased at 6 months, then increased again and reached the baseline level during the next 18 months. Serum calcium (Ca), phosphate (P) and total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels increased after 6 months, thereafter the Ca and P values decreased, while the total ALP remained elevated until 12 months. Serum parathormone decreased at 12 months and increased again thereafter. GH replacement therapy is associated with improvement of ucOC, a marker of fracture risk, which in addition to the increase of BMD, might contribute to the beneficial effect of GH replacement therapy on bone metabolism.

[Laparoscopic adrenalectomy with transperitoneal approach]

The feasibility, safety, and results of 52 laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomies were evaluated.

METHODS

A total of 52 patients were included in the study based on thorough endocrinological and imaging assessment. 15 patients with Conn syndrome, 3 with Cushing syndrome, 15 with nonfunctioning adenoma, 14 with pheochromocytoma, 2 with adrenocortical cyst, 2 with adrenocortical lipoma and 1 with metastasis were considered eligible for adrenalectomy. Lesion size ranged from 1 to 12 cm (mean 4.53 cm). Concurrent surgical procedures were performed in 6 patients (11%).

RESULTS

There was one conversion (during a left adrenalectomy), because of our learning curve. After we changed the technique, there was no more conversion. There were two (3.8%) postoperative complications: postoperative pancreatitis, one of the patients required re-operation (lavage and drainage). There was one wound infection. We had no postoperative mortality. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range, 2-27 days).

CONCLUSION

Patients with secreting and non-secreting adrenal lesions can be treated safely and effectively by laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Changes of serum calcium level following thyroid surgery--reasons and clinical implications

The reasons of transient hypocalcemia, frequently occurring after thyroid surgery, were investigated. Serum total calcium (seCa) and phosphorus (seP) levels were determined in 185 patients with benign nodular goiter before and after thyroid surgery. Beside these, in 27 additional patients, serum magnesium (seMg), total protein, albumin, calcitonin, parathormone (PTH) and 25-OH-D3 vitamin (25-OH-D3) levels were determined; corrected calcium (cCa) values, reflecting ionized calcium concentrations, were calculated. The daily changes of seCa and protein levels were measured in 20 patients. Another twenty patients, undergoing non-endocrinological surgery served as controls. Transient, mild but significant decrease of seCa was observed after surgery, while seP values were increased. Mild hypocalcemia (seCa<2.12 mmol/l) developed in 18.4%, severe hypo-calcemia (seCa<1.9 mmol/l) in 5.4% of the patients. The reduction of seCa levels was more pronounced in elderly, female patients. SeMg, total protein and albumin decreased, while cCa, PTH, calcitonin and 25-OH-D3 values did not change. Positive correlation was demonstrated between the change of seCa and albumin levels. Similar results were obtained in the general surgery group. In the thyroid operated group, in case of severe hypocalcemia, PTH levels decreased significantly into the pathological range. It may be concluded that transient, mild postoperative hypocalcemia is not a thyroid surgery-dependent phenomenon; it can also be observed after other operations accompanied by similar blood loss; in its development hypoalbuminemia plays a role. The causal role of PTH, calcitonin and 25-OH-D3 could not be proved in this study. Hypoparathyroidism can be responsible for the development of severe, prolonged hypocalcemia occurring at rare occasions.

Follow up of thyroid hormone parameters in chronically ill geriatric patients: screening for thyroid disorders at hospital admission justified

The objective of this study was to investigate if screening of chronically ill geriatric patients for thyroid dysfunction is justified just upon hospital admission. TSH was measured in 124 patients at hospital admission and 11-86 (Median 37) days afterwards. FT4 was measured in cases with subnormal, suppressed or elevated TSH (43 cases). Out of 81 patients with normal (0.5-3.6 mU/l) TSH, the control value was subnormal (0.1-<0.5 mU/l) in 6 and elevated (>3.6 mU/l) in one case, but in none of the patients became suppressed (<0.1 mU/l). In 13/30 patients with subnormal TSH the control value was normal but in none of the patients suppressed or elevated. On the contrary, all cases with suppressed (N=9) or elevated (N=4) TSH remained in the same ranges at follow up. Low (<13 pmol/l, N=3) or elevated (>27 pmol/l, N=5) initial FT4 levels did not change in the follow up as well. Out of 35 patients with normal FT4, one became low and another elevated. Improvement or worsening of the clinical state in the follow up did not correlate to changes of TSH. The prevalence of unsuspected thyroid dysfunctions were 11.3% (hyperthyroidism clinical: 4, subclinical: 5, hypothyroidism clinical: 3, subclinical: 2 cases). All cases except one with subclinical hypothyroidism were detected by the initial screening. Only one patient with clinical hyperthyroidism was initial misinterpreted as having subclinical disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In chronically ill geriatric patients investigated at hospital admission, a measurable TSH practically excludes hyperthyroidism in the follow up. Suppressed TSH levels remain suppressed but subnormal levels should be controlled because their normalization frequently occur in the follow up. Screening upon hospital admission is sensitive enough to detect cases of thyroid dysfunction and justified by their high prevalence.

[Effects of growth hormone replacement therapy in adults with severe growth hormone deficiency]

The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of GH replacement therapy (1 year duration) on body composition, carbohydrate metabolism, thyroid hormone metabolism and bone mineral density in 8 adults with growth hormone deficiency (5 women, 3 men; mean age 40 years). Mean maintenance dose of GH was 1.5 IU/day-1.76 IU/day for women and 1.07 IU/day for men, respectively--determined according to individual patient requirements. Serum insulin-like growth factor-I standard deviation score increased from -5.4 to 0.0 (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-I standard deviation score at the start of therapy and the increase in this score (r = -0.85; p < 0.05). The waist:hip ratio decreased after 12 months by 0.039 (p < 0.05). The glycosylated hemoglobin increased (4.43 +/- 0.56% vs. 5.86 +/- 0.27; p < 0.05), and a negative correlation of the baseline glycosylated hemoglobin to the glycosylated hemoglobin increase was found (r = -0.88; p < 0.01). Both the free triiodothyronine and free triiodothyronine:free thyroxine ratio increased (3.09 +/- 0.22 vs. 4.17 +/- 0.40; p < 0.05, and 0.234 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.324 +/- 0.04; p < 0.01), and a positive relationship was observed between this ratio at the start of therapy and the increase in the ratio (r = 0.76, p < 0.05). The bone mineral density of lumbar spine and femoral neck expressed as z-score increased (-1.18 +/- 0.56 vs. -0.75 +/- 0.48; p < 0.01 and -0.06 +/- 0.60 vs. 0.43 +/- 0.43; p < 0.05), while the bone mineral density of forearm was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Growth hormone replacement leads to a decrease in visceral fat, modulates the thyroid hormone levels by increasing peripheral conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine and probably is a physiological regulator of peripheral thyroxine metabolism, slightly deteriorates the carbohydrate metabolism, and results in an increase of bone mineral density of lumbar spine and femoral neck.

[Aspergillosis of the sphenoid sinus: presentation as a pituitary mass]

A rare manifestation of aspergillosis in the central nervous system is its invasion through the sphenoidal wall into the sella turcica representing itself as a pituitary mass. The symptoms may be headache, visual defect caused by compression of the chiasma, hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus. In the majority of cases only the postoperative histology leads to the correct diagnosis. A case of invasive aspergillosis was reported here with the clinical picture of a pituitary tumor and without underlying immunodeficiency.

[Current diagnostic method, prognosis estimation and therapy of papillary thyroid cancer: recommendations of the medical universities and the National Oncologic Institute of Budapest]

Physical examination, cervical ultrasonography (US) and aspiration cytology are the mainstays of the preoperative diagnostics of papillary thyroid carcinoma. For the staging of suspected malignant cases, cervical and mediastinal CT (MRI for inconclusive results) is indicated before any surgery. The end-result of primary treatment is assessed by total-body iodine scintigraphy and the serum human thyroglobulin (hTG) level. For long-term follow-up, physical examination and the serum hTG level are the most reliable tools (6-monthly), supplemented by cervical US and chest X-ray (yearly), and total-body iodine scintigraphy (2-yearly). If these furnish positive results, further examinations may be indicated. In suspected relapses of hTG non-producing and iodine non-accumulating papillary carcinomas, 201thallium chloride or 99mTc-sesta-MIBI (methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile) scintigraphy, and positron emission tomography with 18fluoro-deoxyglucose or 11C-methionine may be of help. For estimation of the prognosis (cause-specific survival) of the patients, the MACIS score system of the Mayo Clinic is widely accepted, the patients being divided into low-risk and intermediate/high-risk categories. The recommended standard surgical intervention is near-total thyroidectomy (2-4 g residual glandular tissue left at the upper pole of the less-involved lobe), with a central cervical lymph node dissection for diagnostic purposes. In cases of lymph node dissemination, dissection (radical, modified radical, selective or microdissection) of any of the involved compartments (central, right or left cervical, or upper mediastinal) is indicated for therapeutic reasons, the method of which is depending on the extent of the metastatic involvement. Following adequate surgical intervention, no adjuvant radioiodine therapy is indicated for low-risk cases with a tumour of less than 1 cm diameter. For other low-risk or intermediate/high-risk patients, radioiodine ablation (R0N0M0) or a therapeutic radioiodine dosage (R2N1M1) is indicated. In cases at high-risk of local/regional relapse and in radioiodine non-accumulating tumorous cases, external radiotherapy may be applied. Thyroid hormone medication in a TSH suppressive dose is indicated during the first 5 postsurgical years: the goal is to achieve a TSH level below 0.1 (determined by a 3rd generation assay). If no relapse occurs or the case is a low-risk one, following the 5 years, it is enough to maintain the TSH level in a subnormal range (0.1-0.3).

The blood spot thyrotropin method is not adequate to screen for hypothyroidism in the elderly living in abundant-iodine intake areas: comparison to sensitive thyrotropin measurements

We investigated whether the blood spot thyrotropin (TSH) method was adequate for screening elderly subjects with abundant iodine intake (median excretion 330 microg/g creatinine) for hypothyroidism. In 97 healthy adults (group A), 210 nursing home residents (group B) and 265 elderly subjects living at home (group C) serum (sensitivity < 0.02 mU/L, cost 1.2 U.S. dollars [USD]) and blood spot TSH (sensitivity < 1.0 mU/L, cost 0.4 USD) were measured, and the sensitivity and specificity of different blood spot TSH cutoff points to detect cases with elevated serum TSH were calculated. Elevated (> 3.5 mU/L) serum TSH levels (group A, 6.2%; group B, 16.2%; group C, 22.3%; B > A, p = 0.025; C > A, p < 0.001) were detected with the required sensitivity of greater than 0.9 only if the cutoff point of the blood spot TSH was set as low as 2.5 mU/L, but this led to a considerable loss of specificity. At cutoff point 2.5 mU/L, the rate of positivity was 39.3% and the cost of blood spot screening/person increased to 0.88 USD, considering that positive cases have to be rechecked by serum TSH to exclude false positivity. Cases with significantly elevated (> 10.0 mU/L) serum TSH (group A, 1.03%; group B, 2.85%; group C, 2.20%) were detected at blood spot cutoff points 10.0-4.0 mU/L with a sensitivity of 1.0 and without considerable loss of specificity. We conclude that while screening for hypothyroidism in the elderly population with abundant iodine intake is justified by the high prevalence of elevated ultrasensitive serum TSH values, the sensitivity of the blood spot method is insufficient to detect the subclinical hypothyroidism accurately and would, therefore, fail to detect most affected subjects.

[The role of insulin-like-growth-factor-binding protein 3 in the evaluation of disease activity in acromegaly]

Studied the diagnostic value of measurements of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 compared to insulin-like growth factor-1 as a parameter of disease activity in patients with active (n = 12, 8 females, 4 males, 29-69 years old) and inactive (n = 14, 11 females, 3 males, 28-58 years old) acromegaly. Patients were assigned to the active group if they had GH levels > or = 2 ng/ml, to the inactive group if they had growth hormone levels < 2 ng/ml after 75 g glucose challenge. The absolute serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration (526 +/- 66 ng/ml vs. 272 +/- 61 ng/ml, p = 0.015; mean +/- SE) and the insulin-like growth factor-1 standard deviation score (3.23 +/- 0.33 vs. 0.67 +/- 0.58, p = 0.0013) was higher in the active than in the inactive group, but no significant difference was seen between the corresponding insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 values (7270 +/- 1500 vs. 5340 +/- 1050 ng/ml). Positive significant correlation was found between insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 both in the active (n = 12, r = 0.55, p < 0.05) and in the inactive (n = 14, r = 0.61, p < 0.05) group. A significant negative correlation existed between insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and age in the inactive (r = 0.58, n = 14; p < 0.05), but not in the active (r = 0.35, n = 12) group. The diagnostic value of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 is less than that of the insulin-like growth factor-1. Conclude that the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 has smaller suitability to determine the activity of acromegaly than the insulin like-growth factor-1 measurement.

The efficacy of long term thyrostatic treatment in elderly patients with toxic nodular goitre compared to radioiodine therapy with different doses

The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of long term thyrostatic versus radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism in old age. Our study is a retrospective analysis of the therapeutical outcome in 66 patients over 60 years of age with toxic nodular goitre. The patients were divided in two groups: Group A: 28 patients on methimazole treatment: starting dose 5-30, median (M) 10 mg, maintenance dose 2.5-15 (M = 5) mg, follow up 6 to 240 months (M = 23.5 months). Group B: 38 patients treated by either 100-300 MBq (N = 14, subgroup B1) or 325-1000 MBq (N = 24, subgroup B2) 131I, follow up: 18 to 156 months (M = 48 months). The efficacy of the different therapeutical approaches were compared by calculating the occurrence rate of persisting and relapsing thyroid dysfunctions and associated side effects. The 28 patients on methimazole treatment became euthyroid after 1-16 (M = 5) months but numerous relapses occurred in the follow up: hyperthyroidism, clinical: 5, subclinical 13, (relapse duration: M = 8 months; associated symptoms: hypertension in 4, cardiac arrhythmia in 3, cerebral embolism in 1, angina pectoris in 2, weight loss in 2 cases). Poor patient's compliance (9/28) or dose reduction by the physician (5/28) were the main causes of the relapses. Transient clinical (3 cases) or subclinical (6 cases) hypothyroidism also occurred (duration: 1-3 M = 2 months, no clinical symptoms). In 7 out of 14 (50%) patients receiving 100-300 MBq 131I (Group B1) hyperthyroidism persisted (versus 4/24 -16.7%- in Group B2 following 325-1000 MBq 131I; chi2(1) = 4.78 P = 0.028), methimazole treatment had to be continued in 9/14 patients (64.3%) (versus 5/24 -20.8%)- in Group B2., chi2(1) = 7.18 P = 0.0074) and in 5/14 (35.7%) the radiotherapy had to be repeated (versus 5/24 -020.8%- in Group B2, not sign.). Our conclusions are: 1) long term thyrostatic treatment is not safe in elderly patients with toxic nodular hyperthyroidism, mainly because of poor compliance or dose reduction by the physician; 2) radioiodine treatment as the first choice should be recommended for these patients and higher doses should be preferred.

[Ganglioneuroma of the adrenal gland]

149 patients with adrenal incidentalomas were examined. Sixty-eight cases were histologically confirmed, five of them had ganglioneuromas. On the basis of these patients history current knowledge of this benign tumour was summarized. Histological and pathological characteristics of one tumour suggest that ganglioneuromas may develop by maturing of malignant neuroblastic tumours. The clinical symptoms (abdominal pain, meteorism) were local. In 2 of 5 cases mildly elevated levels of urinary vanillylmandelic acid and catecholamine could be measured. One patient had persisting hypertension after surgery. In an other patient previous diarrhoea stopped after the removal of tumour. On the basis of ultrasound and computertomographic features, the size and origin of a tumour and its relation to the surrounding organs can be well characterized. One patient was inoperable because of an infiltratively spreading tumour, but during five years of follow-up no tumour progression could be observed with computertomography. After surgery we could follow only 2 of 4 patients. Until now no recurrence of tumour were detected.

[Multiple endocrine adenomatosis IIB]

The first Hungarian MEN IIB (multiplex endocrine neoplasia) syndrome is reported with the short summary of the literature about the pathogenesis and diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma, presenting 80% in sporadic, 20% in hereditary form. The appearance of the patients alone (marfanoid stature, bulky lips, and ganglioneuromatosis of the tongue) may be almost enough for the presumption for the diagnosis of MEN IIB: For screening and preventing the clinical manifestation of the very aggressive medullary carcinoma in the relatives of the patient, the genetic screening is indispensable. The costs of the genetic screening and early treatment of the patients are much lower than the expenses of the traditional annual biochemical screening and the--delayed, often only supportive--treatment of the clinically manifested illness.

In old age the majority of thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies are directed to a single TPO domain irrespective of thyroid function and iodine intake

OBJECTIVE

We have examined (1) which epitopes on thyroid peroxidase (TPO) are recognized by TPO autoantibodies (TPO-Aab) in old age and to what extent? (2) Does the TPO-Aab pattern differ in euthyroid and hypothyroid elderly subjects or does it depend on their iodine intake?

DESIGN

TPO-Aab positive sera obtained from a screening study of nursing-home residents living in areas of varying iodine intake were tested by competition studies with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) recognizing different epitopes on TPO.

SUBJECTS

The nursing-home residents with TPO-Aab positivity were from (A) an iodine abundant area (Eastern Hungary, median iodine excretion -MIE-: 0.462 mumol/mmol creatinine, N = 13); (B) an area of obligatory iodinated salt prophylaxis since the 1950s (Slovakia, MIE: 0.090 mumol/mmol creatinine, N = 11); (C) a moderately iodine-deficient area (Northern Hungary, MIE: 0.065 mumol/mmol creatinine, N = 13).

MEASUREMENTS

Thirteen murine TPO antibodies generated against several epitopes of the four (A, B, C, D) antigenic domains on the TPO were co-incubated with the TPO-Aab positive sera on TPO coated microtitre plates. The amount of mAb bound was estimated after further incubation with goat anti-mouse antibodies, conjugated with horseradish peroxidase and tetramethylbenzidine as chromogen. The TPO-Aab positive sera were characterized by the pattern of percentage of inhibition of mAb binding caused by the TPO-Aabs.

RESULTS

TPO-Aabs inhibited only the binding of mAbs raised against the antigenic domains A (mAb9, mAb2, mAb60) and B (mAb64, mAb59, mAb18, mAb15). The extent of inhibition depended upon the TPO-Aab titre but in all cases the binding of mAb9 was inhibited to the highest degree. The percentage inhibition of mAb9 was (a) 34 +/- 17% (M +/- SD) caused by sera (N = 8) with TPO-Aab titre 1/100-1/200 (higher than that of all mAbs recognizing domain B, P < 0.01-P < 0.001), (b) 76 +/- 18% caused by sera (N = 14) with TPO-Aab titre 1/1000 (higher than that of all other mAbs -P < 0.01-P < 0.001, except mAb64), (c) 99 +/- 4% caused by sera (N = 15) with TPO-Aab titre 1/4000-1/16,000 (higher than that of all other mAbs, P < 0.01-P < 0.001). Thus, only mAb9 was inhibited completely by high titres of TPO-Aabs. The qualitative and quantitative distribution pattern of mAb inhibition was similar in the subgroups of elderly hypothyroid and euthyroid subjects with comparable TPO-Aab levels, as well as in the subgroups with varying iodine intake.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) In old age, there is a polyclonal TPO autoantibody response but the majority of the autoantibodies are directed to the TPO region mapped by or close to mAb9 (domain A); (2) the autoantibody response does not differ in elderly subjects with or without the clinical manifestations of autoimmune thyroid disease and does not depend on the iodine supply of the elderly subjects.

The effect of surgical treatment on secondary hyperaldosteronism and relative hyperinsulinemia in primary hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the renin-aldosterone system and insulin secretion in hyperparathyroidism and their effects on blood pressure regulation.

DESIGN

Studies were carried out on patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) prior to and following removal of the parathyroid tumor.

METHODS

Sixteen normotensive and euglycemic patients with PHPT were studied. The following parameters were measured: basal and stimulated plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone (ALD) secretion: parathormone (PTH) and serum electrolytes. Insulin and glucose levels were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS

Systolic but not diastolic blood pressure showed a decrease following surgery, from 123.3+/-13.0/80+/-8.6 to 116.7+/-13.5/77.3+/-8.8 mmHg. The decrease in the systolic pressure was not clinically significant. After surgery, both the basal and stimulated PRA and ALD values decreased, and the preoperative pathological values returned to normal: PRA basal: 1.79 --> 0.70 ng/ml/h, P=0.0049; PRA stimulated: 7.76 --> 1.90 ng/ml/h, P=0.0031; ALD basal: 111.5 --> 73.0 pg/ml, P=0.0258; ALD stimulated: 392.5 --> 236.0 pg/ml, P=0.0157. The postoperative decrease in the PRA correlated with the changes in PTH levels (r=0.5442, P < 0.05, n=16) but did not correlate with the changes in serum calcium concentrations. Both the fasting and stimulated insulin levels decreased after surgery but remained within the normal range: insulin fasting: 10.2 --> 5.0 mIU/l, P=0.0218; insulin area under the curve: 5555 --> 3296 mIU/l*min, P=0.0218. There was no correlation between the changes in insulin levels and PTH or ion levels. Sodium, potassium and blood glucose levels remained unaffected by parathyroid surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population of normotensive hyperparathyroid patients an increased activity of the renin-aldosterone system related to PTH was found and surgery resulted in a small and insignificant decrease in blood pressure. This change was accompanied by a significant decrease in the activity of the renin-aldosterone system indicating the role of the renin-aldosterone system in the regulation of blood pressure in PHPT. Both fasting and stimulated insulin values decreased following removal of the parathyroid tumor, but with no individual correlation with PTH and calcium levels.

[Glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit secretion in non-functioning pituitary adenomas]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of elevated free glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit in different pituitary adenomas, to establish the diagnostic value of the basal and stimulated free alpha-subunit secretion in non-functioning adenomas. Serum basal levels of alpha-subunit were increased in 1 of 22 untreated, in 1 of 16 operated patients with non-functioning adenoma, in 6 of 28 untreated, in 1 of 7 operated patients with acromegaly, in 0 of 5 untreated prolactinomas and in 0 of 1 untreated gonadotrop adenoma. Overall free alpha-subunit levels were increased in 9 of 79 cases (11.4%). In 6 of 9 patients with untreated non-functioning adenoma thyrotrop hormone releasing hormone caused an abnormal--paradox--elevation of serum alpha-subunit. These data indicate that measurement of basal and stimulated alpha-subunit is of relatively poor value in the diagnosis of non-functioning pituitary adenomas. The transsphenoidal surgery did not resulted in a change of alpha-subunit secretion neither in patients with non-functioning adenoma nor with acromegaly. The present data confirm the view that non-functioning pituitary adenomas are not homogeneous since this subset of tumors includes adenomas that either do not secrete measurable amounts of free alpha-subunit or produce normal or supranormal amounts of subunits as consequence of still undefined biosynthetic abnormalities.

Comparative screening for thyroid disorders in old age in areas of iodine deficiency, long-term iodine prophylaxis and abundant iodine intake

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of varying amounts of iodine intake on the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, autoimmunity and goitre in old age.

DESIGN

The first screening study where elderly subjects with varying amounts of iodine supply but from the same geographical and ethnographical region (Carpathian basin) were compared, and all hormone measurements and ultrasonography were performed by the same laboratory or person.

PATIENTS

Nursing home residents were screened for thyroid disorders from: (A) an iodine-deficient area, Northern Hungary (n = 119; median age 81 years; median iodine excretion (MIE) 0.065 mumol/mmol creatinine (equivalent to 72 micrograms/g creatinine); (B) an area of obligatory iodinated salt prophylaxis since the 1950s, Slovakia (n = 135; median age 81 years, MIE 0.090 mumol/mmol creatinine (equivalent to 100 micrograms/g creatinine)) and (C) an abundant iodine intake area, Eastern Hungary (n = 92; median age 78 years; MIE 0.462 mumol/mmol creatinine (equivalent to 513 micrograms/g creatinine)).

MEASUREMENTS

TSH, T4, free T4, T3, thyroglobulin (Tg), antibodies to Tg (AbTg) and to thyroid peroxidase (AbTPO), iodine excretion, ultrasonography of the thyroid gland.

RESULTS

In regions A, B, and C, the prevalence of unsuspected clinical hypothyroidism was 0.8%, 1.5% and 7.6% (P = 0.006), with all cases except one being antibody positive (Ab+). The occurrence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 4.2% in region A, 10.4% in region B and 23.9% in region C (P < 0.001), but only 3 of 22 cases with subclinical hypothyroidism from region C were Ab+. The overall prevalence of Ab positivity (either antiTg+ or antiTPO+) was similar in the three regions (A, 19.3%; B, 24.4%; C, 22.8%). The occurrence of hyperthyroidism (clinical plus subclinical) was 3.4% in region A, 3.0% in region B and 0% in region C (not significant). The rate of elevated Tg levels was similar in the three regions. The prevalence of goitre was 39.4%, 16.4% and 12.2% (P < 0.001), respectively in regions A, B and C. In euthyroid subjects the mean ultrasonographically determined thyroid volume was 21.9 ml in region A, 13.6 ml in region B and 15.1 ml in region C (ANOVA F = 5.76; P = 0.0038). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of cases with hypoechogenic echotexture of the thyroid gland.

CONCLUSIONS

The screening for hypothyroidism in nursing home residents living in iodine-rich regions is justified by the high prevalence of unsuspected clinical hypothyroidism. The high prevalence of antibody positivity in old age is independent of the iodine supply, but iodine supply has a determining role in the development of autoimmune hypothyroidism in the aged. Most cases of subclinical hypothyroidism in iodine-rich regions are not of autoimmune origin. In old age, hypoechogenic texture of the thyroid gland is not predictive of thyroid dysfunction.

Diagnosis from thyroid aspirates. Is the cytopathologist handicapped if not fully informed about the patient?

OBJECTIVE

When fine needle aspiration cytology (FNA) of the thyroid is performed as a first-line test, the cytopathologist cannot be fully informed about the patient's data. The authors investigated whether this decreases the accuracy of FNA and results in consequences for the patient.

STUDY DESIGN

FNA smears of 202 patients, 190 with benign and 12 with malignant thyroid disease, were reevaluated, supplying the cytopathologist first with only information from the case history known already at the initial admission, and subsequently with full data.

RESULTS

The FNA diagnoses were corrected in 13 cases; in 8/13 they showed a more serious finding. The therapeutic modality was changed in only one case. No corrections were made in the ultimately malignant cases.

CONCLUSION

In several cases the cytopathologist may be handicapped by receiving only partial information about the patient, but in our patients this had no demonstrable adverse consequences. Thus, FNA can be performed upon patient's admission.

Apoplexy of a pituitary macroadenoma as a severe complication of preoperative thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) testing

The case history of a 54-year-old male suffering from pituitary macroadenoma with suprasellar extension is reported. A TRH-test with 200 micrograms i.v. was followed by severe headache and vomiting after 60', and by development of ophthalmoplegia on the following day. Hyperdens patches on the CT scan showed haemorrhage into the tumor. A chromophobic adenoma with macroscopic and histological signs of haemorrhage was removed via the transsphenoidal route. In the postoperative period the ophthalmoplegia gradually disappeared but central hypoadrenia and hypothyroidism occurred. This is the second case in the literature showing that TRH alone and in a low dose may cause pituitary tumor apoplexy. It is concluded that TRH-testing is a risk for the patient with pituitary apoplexy. If, due to the size of the tumor the patients have to be operated on in any case, and the test is not of essential diagnostic value, the TRH-test should be done only in selected cases. Its use in the postoperative evaluation however is without risk for the patients.

Low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) level is not a good predictor of hormonal activity in nonselected patients with incidentally detected adrenal tumors

To assess its differential diagnostic value, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) was measured in a nonselected cohort of 84 patients with incidentally detected adrenal tumors (incidentaloma). Of the 38 histologically confirmed cases, 6 of 12 patients with primary or metastatic malignant tumor of the adrenals and 7 of 14 patients with benign cortical adenoma had low DHEA-S levels. Thus, the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a low DHEA-S level to indicate a benign adrenal tumor were 0.35, 0.50, and 0.60, and the values to indicate a cortical adenoma were 0.50, 0.67, and 0.47, respectively. Of the 14 cases of histologically confirmed benign cortical adenoma, 10 had signs of hormonal activity, but DHEA-S was suppressed in only 7 cases. Thus, the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a low DHEA-S level to indicate clinically significant hormonal activity of a benign cortical adenoma were 0.60, 0.75, and 0.86, respectively. For comparison, 5 of 5 males and 2 of 5 females with metastatic carcinomatosis, but without involvement of the adrenals, also had low DHEA-S levels. The data clearly show that in nonselected cases of incidentaloma a suppressed DHEA-S level is not a good predictor of hormonal activity and that DHEA-S measurement may be valuable only after having ascertained the cortical origin and benign feature of the tumor.

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in different geriatric subpopulations from a moderately iodine-deficient Hungarian region. Comparative clinical and hormonal screening

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in different geriatric subpopulations from a moderately iodine-deficient Hungarian region and to compare the efficacy of clinical versus hormonal screening. A screening study was done on 279 chronically ill geriatric patients (Group I) and 256 consecutive hospital admissions over 60 years of age (Group II). The method of clinical screening was different from those used so far: the object was not to search for symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism but to find any sign justifying a further thyrotrophin-based biochemical evaluation, i.e. history of thyroid disease or goitre or any clinical sign of hormonal dysfunction. The rates of overt hypothyroidism, overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism discovered by the hormonal screening were 2.9, 1.1, 3.6 and 5.7% in Group I and 3.5, 2.3, 3.9 and 2.0% in Group II. The sensitivities of the clinical screening to suspect overt or overt+subclinical dysfunctions were, respectively, 0.82 and 0.64 in Group I and 1.0 and 0.7 in Group II (or 0.67 and 0.4 if the clinical investigation was done not by an endocrinologist but by the medical attendants). A primarily clinical investigation-based screening would have spared 171/279 thyrotrophin estimation in Group I and 161/256 in Group II, but would have missed 2/11 overt and 11/26 subclinical dysfunctions in Group I. In Group II, no overt but 9/15 subclinical dysfunctions would have been lost in this way. Our approach of a clinical investigation-based screening was rather efficient in suspicion of overt thyroid dysfunction but failed to detect many cases with subclinical dysfunction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Growth hormone therapy in adults]

GH deficiency in adults is associated with decreased lean body mass and increased adiposity. Since body composition changes in the elderly are similar to those of GH deficiency and can be partially reversed by hGH replacement, it has been postulated that the diminished GH secretion in the later years of life may contribute to the geriatric changes in body composition. GH treatment of GH-deficient adults or old men increases nitrogen retention, lean body mass, decreases percent of body fat. Clinical trials have shown beneficial effects of hGH in several disorders associated with protein catabolism. The short-term adverse effects of GH therapy have been minimized by using low-dose regimens. GH treatment is justified to certain elderly patients, such as those suffering mainly from catabolic illnesses, malnourishment, burns, cachexia, and can be considered in GH-deficient adults.

Thyroid autoantibodies in hospitalized chronic geriatric patients: prevalence, effects of age, nonthyroidal clinical state, and thyroid function

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of age, clinical condition, and thyroid function on the prevalence of thyroid autoantibody positivity in hospitalized chronic geriatric patients.

DESIGN

A screening study of hospitalized chronic geriatric patients.

PARTICIPANTS

249 non-selected, hospitalized, chronic geriatric patients more than 60 years of age and 81 20 to 40-year-old healthy persons.

MEASUREMENTS

Thyrotropin (TSH); thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine (FT4); and triiodothyronine (T3), thyroglobulin (Tg), antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (AbTPO) and antibodies against thyroglobulin (AbTg) estimation in a screening study.

RESULTS

AbTPO positivity (AbTPO+) was found more often than AbTg positivity (AbTg+) (15.3% vs 9.2%, P = .04), one being positive (Ab+) in 19.3%. The occurrence was higher in females than males (Ab+:27.1% vs 7.1%, P < .001; AbTPO+:21.9% vs 5.1%, P < .001; AbTg+:13.2% vs 3.1%, P = .0052). Among the Ab+ patients, AbTPO was more often positive than AbTg (40/48 vs 21/48, P < .001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of Ab positivity to detect a thyroid disorder were 0.35, 0.85 and 0.38, respectively. Within the population of euthyroid geriatric patients, the occurrence of AbTg+ (chi 2(2) = 8.65, P = .013) and Ab+ (chi 2(2) = 8.02, P = .018) correlated positively with the age of the patients, and there was also a female predominance (AbTPO+ 18% vs 3.7% in the males; AbTg+ 13% vs 2.4%; Ab+ 25.8% vs 6.1%). When compared with 20 to 40-year-old subjects, only the euthyroid > or = 80-year-old patients showed a significantly higher occurrence of Ab+ (26.2% vs 9.9% chi 2(1) = 5.64, P = .017). In the euthyroid > or = 80-year-old females, AbTPO+ was 25%, AbTg:22.2%, and Ab+: 36.1%!. The nonthyroidal clinical state of the euthyroid patients did not correlate with the antibody prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

In hospitalized chronic geriatric patients, AbTg and especially AbTPO positivity is frequent, even in euthyroid patients without goiter. This aspecific Ab positivity in the euthyroid state correlates to the age, but not to the severity of the nonthyroidal clinical condition of the patients and explains why the Ab positivity is not predictive enough for thyroid dysfunction in this subpopulation. Thus, in hospitalized chronic geriatric patients the AbTg and AbTPO titers should be examined only in cases where thyroid screening (TSH) reveals abnormal results.

Incidentally detected adrenal tumours (incidentalomas): histological heterogeneity and differentiated therapeutic approach

OBJECTIVES

To find a differentiated therapeutical approach to incidentalomas.

DESIGN

Prospective study of incidentalomas: their histology, hormonal activity, and growth if primarily non-operated.

SETTING

Admissions to an academic tertiary care centre because of incidentaloma.

PATIENTS

Thirty-eight female, 25 male, 27-85 years old.

INTERVENTIONS

Ultrasound, computed tomography and adrenal scintigraphy when appropriate; investigations to exclude malignancy giving metastasis into the adrenal gland; ACTH, cortisol, aldosterone, renin activity, androgene, catecholamine measurements; surgery or follow-up.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rate of malignancy; linkage of tumour size to probability of malignancy; prevalence of tumours with subtle hormone excess.

RESULTS

Cortical adenomas occurred in 13/31, metastases in 7/31 of the histologically confirmed cases. In 10/31 cases, the computed tomography indicated a size that was smaller than the pathological size (mean = 20 mm). 20.6% of all incidentalomas and 61.5% of the 13 operated corticol adenomas showed subtle hormonal activity. Twenty-seven incidentalomas < 30 mm were followed-up (3-41 months; mean 18 months) and showed growth in only one case. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value (PV) of a tumour > or = 30 mm to indicate malignancy were: 1.0, 0.56 and 0.27, respectively. The PV of a < 30 mm tumour to exclude malignancy was 1.0.

CONCLUSIONS

Oncological screening tests are necessary in all incidentalomas. Tumours > or = 30 mm should be operated but smaller ones can be followed-up, because they are usually benign and rarely show progressive growth. Cortical adenomas with subtle hormonal overproduction and hypertension, diabetes or osteoporosis should be operated, irrespective of their size, but in the absence of relevant clinical symptoms they can be followed-up.

[Anterior pituitary responsiveness in central Cushing disease and in Cushing syndrome caused by adrenal cortex tumors, as well as in simple obesity]

To evaluate whether the PRL, TSH and gonadotropin secretion is altered in conditions with elevated body mass index, 7 patients with central Cushing's disease before and after transsphenoidal surgery, 7 untreated patients with Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenal adenoma, 17 simplex obese (obese) women and 9 non-obese controls (all females, aged 18-45 years) were tested with TRH (200 micrograms i.v. bolus) and GnRH (100 micrograms i.v. bolus) and the hormone responses were measured. There were no differences in the basal pituitary hormone secretion among the groups. In obese subjects the PRL response was reduced as compared to untreated patients with corticotrop pituitary adenoma. No significant differences of TSH release could be observed among the groups, whereas serum total T4 levels were higher in obesity than in patients with hypercorticism either caused by pituitary or adrenal Cushing's syndrome. No differences were found in the LH response, but the stimulated FSH release was lower in obesity, in patients with central Cushing's disease after transsphenoidal surgery and in patients with primary Cushing's syndrome as compared to the normal controls.

Serum thyroglobulin in hospitalized chronic geriatric patients: its relationship to age, non-thyroidal illness, goitre and thyroid dysfunction in a follow-up study

The objectives were to determine whether the serum thyroglobulin (TG) level is influenced by age or by non-thyroidal illness (NTI) of the aged, to investigate the constancy of the TG level after 1- and 2-month intervals and to investigate if the TG level could help to differentiate whether a subnormal thyrotrophin (TSH) level in a geriatric patient is caused by autonomous thyroid function, by age or by NTI. Two-hundred and twenty-six non-selected, chronic hospitalized patients over 60 years old and 82 healthy adults (20-40 years) participated in the study, and TSH, thyroxine, free thyroxine, triiodothyronine and TG were estimated. In 122 euthyroid geriatric patients with normal TSH the mean TG was normal (12.18 micrograms/l), but elevated (> 45 micrograms/l) TG values occurred more often than in healthy control persons (15/122 vs 3/82; chi 2(1) = 4.54, p = 0.03). The severity of the clinical state of the euthyroid patients had no influence on the TG values. If TG was measured after 1 and/or 2 months, in only 3/123 non-selected geriatric patients was there a fluctuation between the normal and abnormal range (versus fluctuation of the corresponding TSH values in 19/123 cases; chi 2(1) = 12.78, p = 0.0012). In 28 patients with subnormal TSH, a normal TG value had a predictive value of 0.6 to exclude autonomous thyroid function. Age and NTI of the geriatric patients have no significant influence on their mean TG level but high TG levels occur more often, even in euthyroid patients. The predictive value of TG is not sufficiently high to allow a clear differentiation of whether a subnormal TSH is caused by autonomous thyroid function or by the age process or by NTI. Nevertheless, the advantage of TG estimation to be more constant than TSH could be of benefit in screening studies.

Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland in hospitalized, chronically ill geriatric patients: thyroid volume, its relationship to age and disease, and the prevalence of diffuse and nodular goiter

Ultrasongraphy of the thyroid gland was performed in a screening study of 177 chronically ill, hospitalized geriatric patients older than 60 years of age, from an area with only moderate iodine deficiency. The normal reference ranges of thyroid volume for males (1.7 mL to 22.2 mL) and for females 2.4 mL to 20.9 mL) were similar. The thyroid volume decreased with age in the euthyroid group and was also smaller in euthyroid females in bad health. The prevalence of goiter and thyroid nodules were 7.9% and 11.3%, respectively. Thus, the decrease of the thyroid volume in this geriatric population is probably related to both old age and diseases of the aged.

[The place of insulin-like growth factor I in the diagnosis of acromegaly]

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and basal growth hormone (GH) (average of GH values measured at -20 an 0 minutes) levels were measured in 32 (29 treated, 3 untreated) patients with acromegaly. In 15 patients IGF-I and basal GH values were normal. In 12 patients both GH and IGF-I were elevated. In 5 cases normal basal GH and elevated IGF-I levels were found. We assume that elevated serum level of IGF-I is a reliable sign of acromegalic activity. Compared to this, the basal GH level proved to be a much less reliable indicator to predict or exclude active acromegaly (sensitivity: 0.7, specificity: 1, positive predictive value: 1, negative predictive value: 0.75).

[Sonographic volumetry of the thyroid]

The utility of ultrasound volumetry of the thyroid is discussed on the basis of 414 different examinations. Analysis of the possible errors in calculations and the importance of the experience as well as practice are emphasized. According to the results of the cadaver studies, the difference between the in situ size and the size of the removed thyroid is explained by the changes of the blood, lymph and colloid flows after stasis. The preliminary data on the thyroid volume values in a randomized population pattern may serve as a model for a wide-ranging study aimed at the determination of the normal value in Hungary. Different volume values in the two phases of the menstruation period draw the attention to the effect of the female sex hormones on the thyroid volume, a factor that has to be considered in follow-up studies of female thyroid patients. Ultrasound volumetry is an indispensable method for the correct estimation of the thyroid volume changes in the course of suppressive treatment.

Factors affecting the serum free thyroxine levels in hospitalized chronic geriatric patients

OBJECTIVE

Determination of whether nonthyroidal factors affect the diagnostic value of free thyroxine estimation in geriatric patients.

DESIGN

Survey.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 381 non-selected, chronic, hospitalized geriatric patients over 60 years of age (I = relatively good health; II = relatively poor health; III = bad health; subgroups "sine therapia," ie, patients receiving no drugs that affect FT4) and 180 20-40 year old healthy persons.

MEASUREMENTS

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone test; thyrotropin (TSH); free thyroxine (FT4, measured in part by two parallel methods) estimation in a screening study; and thyroxine-binding globulin and thyroxine-binding-inhibitor activity measurements.

RESULTS

The normal FT4 ranges of the euthyroid geriatric (n = 210) and healthy young groups were similar. In the "sine therapia" euthyroid patients, FT4 decreased with age but increase with the severity of illness. High FT4 levels with non-suppressed TSH were more frequent in patients in poor and bad health. (I = 6/112; II = 14/140; III = 13/74; P < 0.01). The serum thyroxine-binding-inhibitor activity of euthyroid geriatric patients correlated with the severity of their clinical state (I = 6.22 +/- 5.65 (13); II = 7.40 +/- 4.33 (23); III = 10.04 +/- 5.50 (16) micrograms merthiolate equivalent/microL; ANOVA with log-transformed values: F(2.51) = 3.50, P < 0.05). The mean FT4 was higher in 36 heparin-treated patients (22.81 +/- 4.67 pmol/L) than in the 193 "sine therapia" patients (19.03 +/- 4.23 pmol/L; -P < 0.001). In a convenience subsample of 240 patients, a weak inverse correlation was found between FT4 and the thyroxine-binding globulin (r = -0.14, P < 0.02). Only 5/11 patients with low free thyroxine had hypothyroidism, while 11/46 patients with elevated free thyroxine had hyperthyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no need to modify the normal free thyroxine range for hospitalized geriatric patients. Clinical condition, drug treatment, and, to a lesser extent, age are factors that significantly affect the diagnostic value of FT4 in hospitalized chronic geriatric patients, decreasing the specificity of the test in diagnosing clinical hyper- and hypothyroidism.

Effects of triiodothyronine, triiodothyroacetic acid, iopanoic acid and iodide on the thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced thyrotropin release from superfused rat pituitary fragments

The effects of triiodothyronine, triiodothyroacetic acid, iopanoic acid and potassium iodide were investigated on basal and stimulated thyrotropin release in an in vitro experimental model. Rat pituitary fragments were superfused by Medium-199 with or without T3 (10(-7) mol/l), triiodothyroacetic acid (10(-8)-10(-6) mol/l), iopanoic acid (10(-7)-10(-5) mol/l) or potassium iodide (10(-7)-10(-4) mol/l). This was followed by a 6-min pulse of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (10(-8) mol/l). TSH was measured in 3-min fractions. The TRH-induced TSH release from the pituitary fragments was inhibited by T3 (10(-7) mol/l), by triiodothyroacetic acid (10(-7)-10(-6) mol/l), and by high concentrations of iodide (10(-4) or 10(-5) mol/l). Iopanoic acid had no significant effect at the concentrations tested. It is assumed that in vitro, and at similar concentrations, the inhibitory effect of triiodothyroacetic acid on the TRH-induced TSH secretion is comparable to that of T3, whereas iopanoic acid may have no direct detectable effect. In contrast, a direct inhibitory effect of inorganic iodide, at least in pharmacological concentrations in vivo, cannot be excluded.

Diabetes mellitus associated with late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia: coincidence or causality?

Diabetes mellitus and late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency were observed in two female siblings aged 51 and 60 years. Not only coincidence but also causality (hyperinsulinism, glucose intolerance due to hyperandrogenism) should be considered when explaining the association of diabetes mellitus with late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Age-related decreases in the thyrotropin (TSH) responsiveness to thyrotropin-releasing-hormone (TRH) stimulation and to the inhibitory effect of triiodothyronine (T3); in vitro study on superfused rat pituitaries

The effect of age on the thyrotropic function was investigated in vitro by superfusing pituitary fragments obtained from 2-3-month- and 24-month-old male Wistar rats with medium 199 (GIBCO) and by measuring basal TSH secretion and TSH response to a 6-min pulse of TRH (10 nM): a/ in the absence and b/ in the presence of T3 (100 nM). TSH was measured by RIA in 3-min fractions with rat TSH materials from the NIADDK. The TRH-induced TSH release elicited by pituitary fragments from the old rats was decreased in comparison to that found in young animals. Addition of T3 to the superfusion medium did not alter basal TSH release but significantly decreased the TSH secretory response to TRH in the young rats. This response was not modified in the old animals. Our results suggest that aging induces not only a TSH hyporesponsiveness to TRH stimulation but also a decrease of this responsiveness to the inhibitory effect of T3 which could be related to a decreased TSH synthesis and to an age-related impairment of T3 action on the thyrotrophs.

[The combined occurrence of pubertal gynecomastia and varicocele]

Examinations of 39 men between 14 and 18 years of age revealed that half of the cases of pubertal gynaecomastia are false gynaecomasties. In reality, the patients are suffering from fibrous mastosis. It is shown that gynaecomastia is mostly accompanied by left-sided varicocele, whereas in varicocele complaints there are only few cases of gynaecomastia. It is concluded that in pubertal gynaecomastia it is necessary to determine whether the disease is merely a temporary fibrosis that will heal by itself, or whether it is a sign of some other, graver disease. On the other hand, the state of the testicles and the scrotum should be considered in every case. Surgery of pubertal gynaecomastia is considered unnecessary; however, invasive treatment of the varicocele is very important. The importance of psychological care of the patients is stressed.

Screening of geriatric patients for thyroid dysfunction with thyrotropin-releasing-hormone test, sensitive thyrotropin and free thyroxine estimation

Hospitalized geriatric patients (N = 354) from an iodine-deficient area were screened with sensitive thyrotropin (TSH), free and total thyroxine (FT4, T4) and total triiodothyronine (T3) to determine the occurrence rate of clinical and subclinical thyroid dysfunction. The diagnostic value of the tests was compared to each other and to that of the thyrotropin-releasing-hormone test (TRH-test) in order to find the optimal first line screening test in geriatric patients. Clinical hyperthyroidism was found in 13, subclinical hyperthyroidism in 10, overt hypothyroidism in 6 and subclinical hypothyroidism in 8 cases. 20.6% of the patients were euthyroid but had subnormal TSH response to TRH, as a sign of possible thyroid autonomy. The low occurrence rate of clinical thyroid disorders (4.8%) does not justify the screening of geriatric patients in general, but the high probability of thyroid autonomy makes reasonable the investigation of every geriatric patient before iodine administration. Suppressed basal TSH and high FT4 were found to be both sensitive and specific in diagnosing clinical hyperthyroidism, but the predictive value was insufficient; elevated T4 and T3 are specific, but not sensitive. Basal TSH is sensitive, specific and has a good predictive value in diagnosing euthyroidism, whereas normal T4, FT4 or T3 are not specific enough for euthyroidism. Basal TSH is better as a first line test of thyroid function than FT4. A normal basal TSH confirms euthyroidism by itself. Other tests (TRH test, T4, FT4, T3) are necessary to elucidate the clinical importance of a subnormal or suppressed basal TSH.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone in geriatric patients: intravenous versus intranasal application

The effect of intravenous versus intranasal TRH stimulation was compared in geriatric patients. In patients receiving both iv and nasal tests (N = 35) there was a good correlation between the TSH responses, but in 3 cases the suspicion of inadequate nasal TRH effect arose. The coefficient of correlation of basal to delta TSH was better in iv tested patients (116 patients in each group, one half having a positive the other half a negative TRH test). In the majority of patients with suspicious incongruity of basal and delta TSH the nasal test was done. The specificity and sensitivity of various basal TSH 'cut-off' points to predict a positive TRH test were better in patients with iv TRH tests (in each group 96 consecutively admitted patients). Insufficiency of the nasal test in geriatric patients is mainly explained by the inability of the old people to aspirate the nasal spray effectively. Besides the advantages of iv TRH application in geriatric patients, the frequency of adverse reactions (14% versus 0%) must be considered. Thus, in a hospitalized geriatric patient, the TRH test should be performed iv in the recumbent position; however, for examination of geriatric outpatients the nasal test is recommended.

Pituitary thyrotroph hypofunction in aged euthyroid subjects as assayed by the administration of iopanoic acid

Iopanoic acid, an iodine containing contrast medium was administered orally to healthy subjects aged 20-40 years (n = 9) and 70-90 years (n = 10) and also to sick aged persons (aged 70-90 years, n = 10). Thyroid hormones: T4, T3, rT3, T3-uptake and thyrotropin (TSH) serum levels were estimated before and three and seven days after iopanoic acid. No significant TSH increase could be seen in the old-age groups: the T4 increases were similar in all three groups as well as the slight T3 decreases; the serum rT3 increase was significantly greater in the aged healthy and the sick subjects. The data suggests that in aged humans serum T4 elevation after iopanoic acid is a result of delayed thyroxine metabolism and not secondary to TSH release. Iopanoic acid administration is, aside from the TRH test, another model to demonstrate in geriatric patients thyrotroph hypofunction via the altered effect of inhibition of T4 deiodination on TSH release.