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Ahluwalia R, Baldeweg SE, Boelaert K, Chatterjee K, Dayan C, Okosieme O, Priestley J, Taylor P, Vaidya B, Zammitt N, Pearce SH. Use of liothyronine (T3) in hypothyroidism: Joint British Thyroid Association/Society for endocrinology consensus statement. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 99:206-216. [PMID: 37272400 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Persistent symptoms in patients treated for hypothyroidism are common. Despite more than 20 years of debate, the use of liothyronine for this indication remains controversial, as numerous randomised trials have failed to show a benefit of treatment regimens that combine liothyronine (T3) with levothyroxine over levothyroxine monotherapy. This consensus statement attempts to provide practical guidance to clinicians faced with patients who have persistent symptoms during thyroid hormone replacement therapy. It applies to non-pregnant adults and is focussed on care delivered within the UK National Health Service, although it may be relevant in other healthcare environments. The statement emphasises several key clinical practice points for patients dissatisfied with treatment for hypothyroidism. Firstly, it is important to establish a diagnosis of overt hypothyroidism; patients with persistent symptoms during thyroid hormone replacement but with no clear biochemical evidence of overt hypothyroidism should first have a trial without thyroid hormone replacement. In those with established overt hypothyroidism, levothyroxine doses should be optimised aiming for a TSH in the 0.3-2.0 mU/L range for 3 to 6 months before a therapeutic response can be assessed. In some patients, it may be acceptable to have serum TSH below reference range (e.g. 0.1-0.3 mU/L), but not fully suppressed in the long term. We suggest that for some patients with confirmed overt hypothyroidism and persistent symptoms who have had adequate treatment with levothyroxine and in whom other comorbidities have been excluded, a trial of liothyronine/levothyroxine combined therapy may be warranted. The decision to start treatment with liothyronine should be a shared decision between patient and clinician. However, individual clinicians should not feel obliged to start liothyronine or to continue liothyronine medication provided by other health care practitioners or accessed without medical advice, if they judge this not to be in the patient's best interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Ahluwalia
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Stephanie E Baldeweg
- Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Obesity & Metabolism, Department of Experimental & Translational Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- The RCP Joint Specialties Committee and The Clinical Committee, Society for Endocrinology, Bristol, UK
| | - Kristien Boelaert
- Institute for Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Krishna Chatterjee
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Colin Dayan
- Thyroid Research Group, Heath Park, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Peter Taylor
- Thyroid Research Group, Heath Park, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Bijay Vaidya
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Devon University Hospital |University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Nicola Zammitt
- Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon H Pearce
- BioMedicine West, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Cheetham TD, Cole M, Abinun M, Allahabadia A, Barratt T, Davies JH, Dimitri P, Drake A, Mohamed Z, Murray RD, Steele CA, Zammitt N, Carnell S, Prichard J, Watson G, Hambleton S, Matthews JNS, Pearce SHS. Adjuvant Rituximab-Exploratory Trial in Young People With Graves Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:743-754. [PMID: 34687316 PMCID: PMC8851941 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Remission rates in young people with Graves hyperthyroidism are less than 25% after 2 years of thionamide antithyroid drug (ATD). OBJECTIVE We explored whether rituximab (RTX), a B-lymphocyte-depleting agent, would increase remission rates when administered with a short course of ATD. METHODS This was an open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial in young people (ages, 12-20 years) with Graves hyperthyroidism. An A'Hern design was used to distinguish an encouraging remission rate (40%) from an unacceptable rate (20%). Participants presenting with Graves hyperthyroidism received 500 mg RTX and 12 months of ATD titrated according to thyroid function. ATDs were stopped after 12 months and primary outcome assessed at 24 months. Participants had relapsed at 24 months if thyrotropin was suppressed and free 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine was raised; they had received ATD between months 12 and 24; or they had thyroid surgery/radioiodine. RESULTS A total of 27 participants were recruited and completed the trial with no serious side effects linked to treatment. Daily carbimazole dose at 12 months was less than 5 mg in 21 of 27 participants. Thirteen of 27 participants were in remission at 24 months (48%, 90% one-sided CI, 35%-100%); this exceeded the critical value (9) for the A'Hern design and provided evidence of a promising remission rate. B-lymphocyte count at 28 weeks, expressed as a percentage of baseline, was related to likelihood of remission. CONCLUSION Adjuvant RTX, administered with a 12-month course of ATD, may increase the likelihood of remission in young people with Graves hyperthyroidism. A randomized trial of adjuvant RTX in young people with Graves hyperthyroidism is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim D Cheetham
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NE1 4LP, UK
- Correspondence: Tim D. Cheetham, MD, Newcastle University, c/o Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Office Block 1, Level 3, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
| | - Michael Cole
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Mario Abinun
- Immunity & Inflammation Theme, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Department of Paediatric Immunology, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Amit Allahabadia
- Academic Directorate of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK
| | - Tim Barratt
- University of Birmingham, Diabetes Unit, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, B4 6NH, UK
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, B46NH, UK
| | - Justin H Davies
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Paul Dimitri
- The Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Sheffield Children’s NHS Trust, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TH, UK
| | - Amanda Drake
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | | | - Robert D Murray
- Leeds Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, LS97TF, UK
| | - Caroline A Steele
- Children and Adolescent services, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK
| | - Nicola Zammitt
- Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology & Diabetes, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Sonya Carnell
- Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AE, UK
| | - Jonathan Prichard
- Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AE, UK
| | - Gillian Watson
- Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AE, UK
| | - Sophie Hambleton
- Immunity & Inflammation Theme, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Department of Paediatric Immunology, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - John N S Matthews
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, UK
- School of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Simon H S Pearce
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3BZ, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
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Zammitt N, O'Hare A, Mason J, Elliott G. Use of Low Vision Aids by Children Attending a Centralized Multidisciplinary Visual Impairment Service. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x9909300603] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This article discusses the prescription and effective use of low vision aids in a population of children in Scotland. The use of low vision aids was low among these children, especially in school, despite the integrated clinical and educational practice. A number of improvements in the management of low vision aids for this population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Zammitt
- Edinburgh Sick Children's NHS Trust, 10 Chalmers Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 1TS, Scotland
| | | | - Jeff Mason
- Low Vision Aid Clinic, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, 45 Chalmers Street, Edinburgh EH3 9HA, Scotland
| | - Geraldine Elliott
- Visually impaired, Graysmill School, 1 Redhall House Drive, Edinburgh EH14 1JE, Scotland
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Cole M, Hynes AM, Howel D, Hall L, Abinun M, Allahabadia A, Barrett T, Boelaert K, Drake AJ, Dimitri P, Kirk J, Zammitt N, Pearce S, Cheetham T. Adjuvant rituximab, a potential treatment for the young patient with Graves' hyperthyroidism (RiGD): study protocol for a single-arm, single-stage, phase II trial. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024705. [PMID: 30670519 PMCID: PMC6347892 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Graves' disease (Graves' hyperthyroidism) is a challenging condition for the young person and their family. The excess thyroid hormone generated by autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor on the thyroid gland can have a profound impact on well-being. Managing the young person with Graves' hyperthyroidism is more difficult than in older people because the side effects of conventional treatment are more significant in this age group and because the disease tends not to resolve spontaneously in the short to medium term. New immunomodulatory agents are available and the anti-B cell monoclonal antibody rituximab is of particular interest because it targets cells that manufacture the antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland in Graves'. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The trial aims to establish whether the combination of a single dose of rituximab (500 mg) and a 12-month course of antithyroid drug (usually carbimazole) can result in a meaningful increase in the proportion of patients in remission at 2 years, the primary endpoint. A single-stage, phase II A'Hern design is used. 27 patients aged 12-20 years with newly presenting Graves' hyperthyroidism will be recruited. Markers of immune function, including lymphocyte numbers and antibody levels (total and specific), will be collected regularly throughout the trial. DISCUSSION The trial will determine whether the immunomodulatory medication, rituximab, will facilitate remission above and beyond that observed with antithyroid drug alone. A meaningful increase in the expected proportion of young patients entering remission when managed according to the trial protocol will justify consideration of a phase III trial.Ethics and dissemination The trial has received a favourable ethical opinion (North East - Tyne and Wear South Research Ethics Committee, reference 16/NE/0253, EudraCT number 2016-000209-35). The results of this trial will be distributed at international endocrine meetings, in the peer-reviewed literature and via patient support groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN20381716.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cole
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ann Marie Hynes
- Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Denise Howel
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lesley Hall
- Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mario Abinun
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Amit Allahabadia
- Academic Directorate of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Timothy Barrett
- C/O Diabetes Unit, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kristien Boelaert
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Amanda J Drake
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul Dimitri
- The Academic Unit of Child Health, Sheffield Children’s NHS Trust Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jeremy Kirk
- Department of Endocrine, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicola Zammitt
- Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Simon Pearce
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tim Cheetham
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Mitchell AL, Hickey J, Vaidya B, Mason R, Ajjan R, Zammitt N, Perros P, Dayan C. Raising awareness of Graves' orbitopathy with early warning cards. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2017; 87:853-859. [PMID: 28755510 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13438] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically significant Graves' orbitopathy (GO) develops in about 25% of those with Graves' disease (GD); most cases of GD in the UK are managed by endocrinologists. Despite this, patients report significant delays before a diagnosis of GO is made. Measures to increase awareness of the early signs of GO and establishing a fast-track referral pathway to specialist care should overcome these delays and potentially improve outcomes. AIMS We aimed to determine whether issuing a "GO early warning card" to all GD patients raises awareness of GO and facilitates early diagnosis, what percentage of cards result in a telephone contact, the number of "false reports" from card carriers and patient perceptions of the cards. METHODS We designed cards, detailing common GO symptoms and a telephone number for patients developing symptoms. Cards were distributed to 160 GD patients, without known GO, attending four endocrine clinics in the UK (December 2015-March 2016). We recorded telephone contacts over twelve months from when the last card was distributed and gathered patient feedback. RESULTS The early warning cards were well received by patients in general. Over twelve months, ten telephone contacts from nine patients, all related to ocular symptoms, were received (6% of cards issued). Nine calls resulted in an additional clinic review (for eight patients), and four diagnoses of GO were made. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study demonstrates that it is feasible to distribute GO early warning cards in clinic, and that they can be used to facilitate an early diagnosis of GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Mitchell
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Bijay Vaidya
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Devon and Exeter Trust NHS Foundation, Exeter, UK
| | - Rhianne Mason
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Devon and Exeter Trust NHS Foundation, Exeter, UK
| | - Ramzi Ajjan
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, The University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicola Zammitt
- Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Colin Dayan
- Thyroid Research Group, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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