Hypocalcemia development in patients operated for primary hyperparathyroidism: Can it be predicted preoperatively?

ABSTRACT Objective Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) is a common endocrine disease, and its most effective treatment is surgery. Postoperative hypocalcemia is a morbidity of parathyroid surgeries, and it may extend hospitalization durations. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive factors related to the development of hypocalcemia and hungry bone syndrome (HBS) in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHP. Materials and methods Laboratory data comprising parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphate, 25-OHD, albumin, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of the patients were recorded preoperatively, on the 1st and 4th days postoperatively, and in the 6th postoperative month, and their neck ultrasound (US) and bone densitometry data were also recorded. Results Hypocalcemia was seen in 63 patients (38.4%) on the 1st day after parathyroidectomy. Ten patients (6.1%) had permanent hypocalcemia in the 6th month after surgery. Out of the patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHP, 22 (13.4%) had HBS. The incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia was higher in patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHP, who had parathyroid hyperplasia, and who had osteoporosis. Preoperative PTH, ALP, and BUN values were higher in those patients who developed HBS. Furthermore, HBS was more common in patients who had osteoporosis, who had parathyroid hyperplasia, and who underwent thyroidectomy simultaneously with parathyroidectomy. Conclusions As a result, patients who have the risk factors for development of hypocalcemia and HBS should be monitored more attentively during the perioperative period.

Mean platelet volume in patients with prolactinoma

ABSTRACT Objective Prolactin is a multifunctional pituitary hormone. The effect of prolactin on platelet activation is not well understood. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary adenomas, and they are medically responsive to dopamine agonists. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet function and activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate MPV values before and 6 months of cabergoline treatment when normoprolactinemia was achieved. Subjects and methods A total of 101 newly diagnosed prolactinoma patients and 102 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Patients with hematological disorders that affect MPV and those on medications were excluded. Prolactin, platelet count and MPV levels were recorded before and 6 months after the initiation of cabergoline treatment (0.5 to 1 mg, two times a week). Results There was no significant difference in platelet count and MPV before and after 6 months of treatment with cabergoline in patients with prolactinoma compared with the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our results showed that MPV, a marker of platelet function, was unchanged in patients with prolactinoma.

Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer in Graves’ disease / Nódulos tiroidianos e câncer de tiroide na doença de Graves

Objective The frequency of thyroid nodules accompanying Graves’ disease and the risk of thyroid cancer in presence of accompanying nodules are controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of thyroid nodules and the risk of thyroid cancer in patients operated because of graves’ disease. Subjects and methods Five hundred and twenty-six patients in whom thyroidectomy was performed because of Graves’ disease between 2006 and 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients who had received radioactive iodine treatment and external irradiation treatment in the neck region and who had had thyroid surgery previously were not included in the study. Results While accompanying thyroid nodule was present in 177 (33.6%) of 526 Graves’ patients, thyroid nodule was absent in 349 (66.4%) patients. Forty-two (8%) patients had thyroid cancer. The rate of thyroid cancer was 5.4% (n = 19) in the Graves’ patients who had no nodule, whereas it was 13% (n = 23) in the patients who had nodule. The risk of thyroid cancer increased significantly in presence of nodule (p = 0.003). Three patients had recurrence. No patient had distant metastasis. No patient died during the follow-up period. Conclusions Especially Graves’ patients who have been decided to be followed up should be evaluated carefully during the follow-up in terms of thyroid cancer which may accompany. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):933-8 .

Objetivo A frequência da ocorrência de nódulos tiroidianos acompanhando a doença de Graves e o risco de câncer de tiroide na presença desses nódulos é controversa. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência de nódulos tiroidianos e o risco de câncer de tiroide em pacientes operados por doença de Graves. Sujeitos e métodos Quinhentos e vinte e seis pacientes anteriormente submetidos à tiroidectomia por doença de Graves entre 2006 e 2013 foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Os pacientes que receberam tratamento com iodo radioativo e irradiação externa da região do pescoço e que anteriormente passaram por cirurgia de tiroide não foram incluídos no estudo. Resultados Enquanto os nódulos de tiroide se apresentaram em 177 (33,6%) dos 526 pacientes com doença de Graves, eles estiveram ausentes em 349 (66,4%) pacientes. Um total de 42 (8%) dos pacientes teve câncer de tiroide. A ocorrência de câncer de tiroide foi 5,4% (n = 19) nos pacientes com doença de Graves que não apresentaram nódulos, e 13% (n = 23) nos pacientes com nódulos. O risco de câncer de tiroide aumentou significativamente na presença de nódulos (p = 0,003). Três pacientes apresentaram recidivas. Nenhum paciente apresentou metástase distante e nenhum paciente veio a óbito durante o período de acompanhamento. Conclusões Pacientes com doença de Graves devem ser avaliados cuidadosamente no acompanhamento para a possível ocorrência de câncer de tiroide. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):933-8 .