Hypothyroxinemia in sick term neonates and its risk factors in an extramural neonatal intensive care unit: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Objective: Thyroid functions in the sick newborns may be altered in the first week of life. Transient hypothyroxinemia has been reported in these babies, which could be due to the immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis or to acute illness. We conducted this study to estimate the incidence of hypothyroxinemia and determine its risk factors in sick term newborns. Materials and methods: We analyzed free T4 (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in sick term neonates (≤7 days of life) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. FT4 and TSH levels were estimated in the first week of life in all the enrolled neonates (N = 98) and then repeated at 14-21 days of life in 46 babies. Risk analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and numerical data was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test. Results: Hypothyroxinemia was seen in 10 (10.2%) of the admitted term babies. Male gender, vaginal delivery, presence of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and need for mechanical ventilation (>24 hours) were identified as risk factors. There was a significant negative linear correlation between FT4 level in the first week of life and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Hypothyroxinemia is common in sick term neonates.

Síndrome do T3 baixo como fator prognóstico em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva: estudo de coorte observacional / Low T3 syndrome as a prognostic factor in patients in the intensive care unit: an observational cohort study

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a síndrome do doente eutireóideo como fator prognóstico em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva, detectar fatores que possam influenciar a mortalidade e desenvolver uma equação para calcular a probabilidade de morte. Métodos: Este foi um estudo de coorte longitudinal, observacional e não concorrente realizado na unidade de terapia intensiva da Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará. Realizou-se coleta de 20mL de sangue em 100 adultos sem endocrinopatia previamente documentada para a dosagem do hormônio estimulante da tireoide, da tetraiodotironina livre, da tri-iodotironina livre e da tri-iodotironina reversa. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino, com idades entre 20 e 29 anos. A maioria dos pacientes que morreram era mais velha (idade mediana de 48 anos), e 97,5% deles possuíam a síndrome do doente eutireóideo. A síndrome do doente eutireóideo esteve relacionada à morte, às comorbidades, à idade e ao tempo de internação (mediana de 7,5 dias) na unidade de terapia intensiva. A baixa dosagem de hormônio estimulante da tireoide estava associada à morte. Os pacientes com dosagem da tri-iodotironina livre menor que 2,9pg/mL tinham maior probabilidade de morrer e, naqueles que morreram, a dosagem de tri-iodotironina reversa era maior que 0,2ng/mL. A tri-iodotironina livre apresentou maior sensibilidade e acurácia, e a tri-iodotironina reversa teve maior especificidade para prever a mortalidade. Com base nos resultados e pontos de corte, desenvolveu-se uma fórmula de regressão logística múltipla para calcular a probabilidade de morte. Conclusão: Sugere-se verificar oportunamente a dosagem da triiodotironina livre e reversa em pacientes graves e aplicar a equação proposta.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess euthyroid sick syndrome as a prognostic factor in patients in the intensive care unit; to detect factors that may affect mortality; and to develop an equation to calculate death probability. Methods: This was a longitudinal, observational, nonconcurrent cohort study developed in the intensive care unit of Fundação Santa Casa de Misericórdia do Pará. One hundred adults with no prior documented endocrinopathy were submitted to a 20mL blood sample collection for the measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone, free tetraiodothyronine, free triiodothyronine and reverse triiodothyronine. Results: Most patients were female, aged 20 to 29 years. Most patients who died were older (median age of 48 years), and euthyroid sick syndrome was present in 97.5% of them. Euthyroid sick syndrome was related to death, comorbidities, age and length of stay in the intensive care unit (median of 7.5 days). There was an association between lower thyroid stimulating hormone and death. Patients with free triiodothyronine levels below 2.9pg/mL were more likely to die; reverse triiodothyronine rates were above 0.2ng/mL in those who died. Free triiodothyronine had greater sensitivity and accuracy, and reverse triiodothyronine had greater specificity to predict mortality. Based on the results and cutoff points, a multiple logistic regression formula was developed to calculate the probability of death. Conclusion: The main limitation of this study is the fact that it was conducted in a reference hospital for maternal and child care; therefore, there was a greater number of female patients and, consequently, a sampling bias existed. However, opportune measurement of free and reverse triiodothyronine levels in critical patients and application of the proposed equation are suggested.

Relationship between serum thyroid hormone level and prognosis in critically ill children with euthyroid sick syndrome / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To investigate the association between serum thyroid level and prognosis of critically ill children with euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS).Methods:The clinical data and serum thyroid hormone levels of 176 children with ESS who were admitted to the Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2015 to April 2021 were retrospectively collected.According to the prognosis, the children were divided into improved group and invalid group, as well as basic disease group and non basic disease group, and the differences of thyroid hormone between two groups were compared.The pediatric risk of mortality Ⅲ(PRISMⅢ) scores within 24 hours of admission were assessed, and the correlation between thyroid hormone level and PRISMⅢ score was analyzed.Results:Among 176 critically ill children with ESS, the most common diseases were sepsis(31.8%), severe pneumonia (23.8%) and heart failure(10.7%), respectively.The levels of free T3(FT3), T3, free T4(FT4) and T4 in invalid group were significantly lower than those in improved group ( P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference in thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) level between two groups( P>0.05). The levels of FT3, T3, FT4 and T4 were negatively correlated with PRISMⅢ score( r=-0.419, -0.459, -0.341, -0.383, respectively, P<0.05), and there was no correlation between TSH level and PRISMⅢ score ( P>0.05). The common underlying diseases of severe children with ESS were malnutrition(31/98), heart disease(30/98), hematologic neoplasms(15/98), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia(10/98). The median age of children in basic disease group was younger than that in non-basic disease group(0.7 years old vs. 2.0 years old, P<0.05); The proportion of children with underlying diseases in invalid group was 24.5%, which was significantly higher than that of children without underlying diseases (6.4%), and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05); There were no significant differences in the levels of FT3, T3, FT4, T4 and TSH between two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:In critically ill children, a variety of diseases can lead to ESS, and sepsis is the most common disease.Young children with underlying diseases should be more alert to ESS.The more severe the disease, the greater the decline of FT3, T3, FT4 and T4 levels.When low T3, T4 and TSH occur simultaneously, the prognosis of the children may be worse.Thyroid hormone level could be used as an indicator to evaluate the prognosis of critically ill children, which is needed further studies to explore.

Advances in cardiopulmonary bypass and euthyroid sick syndrome in children with congenital heart disease / 国际儿科学杂志

Thyroid hormones(TH), one of the human′s essential hormones, play a crucial role in the cardiovascular system.Studies have shown that hypothermia, blood dilution, vascular endothelial injury, ischemia-reperfusion, and inflammatory factor release during cardiopulmonary bypass may cause thyroid dysfunction, leading to the euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS). There is a close correlation between ESS and postoperative low cardiac output and elevated systemic vascular resistance, which seriously affects the prognosis of pediatric patients.Studies have shown that perioperative supplementation of thyroid hormones can reduce ESS levels, especially among pediatric patients and those children with complex congenital heart disease have apparent clinical advantages.However, the results from different clinical studies varied, and currently, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is under debate.This review examines the available literature on the clinical effects of thyroid hormone on the cardiovascular system and the relationship between ESS and cardiopulmonary bypass.The clinical evidence of the treatment of ESS is gathered and discussed with an intent to find a gap for further research.

Effects of Cardiopulmonary Bypass on Thyroid Function and Need of Prophylactic Low-Dose Thyroxine for Post-operative

Introduction: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with well-described changes in thyroid hormone levels, consistentwith what is described as the euthyroid sick syndrome.Aim: This study aims to evaluate thyroid hormone changes and their association with post-operative care in low-risk patientsundergoing cardiac surgery with CPB.Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with euthyroid were included; no one received drugs with a known influence on thyroidstatus at the time of the operation. Eighteen of the patients had coronary artery bypass surgery, 29 had a single valve replaced,and 3 had both valve replacement. Blood samples were collected 6 h after surgery and on the 3rd postoperative days (POD).Results: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were raised in 10 patients and free T3 level reduced in 14 patients in theearly post-operative period and TSH raised in 4 patients and free T3 reduced in 6 patients during the 3rd POD. Number of thecases with normal TSH is 36, free thyroxine [T4] remained within the normal range in all patients throughout the study.Conclusion: There is an advantage of prophylactic administration low dose of thyroxine to all cardiac patients, especially femalepatient who undergoes surgery to improve the general condition of the post-cardiac surgery patients.

Thyroid status among critically ill patients admitted in the intensive care unit of the government tertiary care hospital in Mandya: a retrospective study

Background: The nonthyroidal illness syndrome, also known as the low T3 syndrome or euthyroid sick syndrome. Any acute severe illness can cause abnormalities of circulating Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) or Thyroid Hormone (TH) levels in the absence of underlying thyroid disease. The laboratory parameters of this syndrome include low serum levels of T3 and high levels of reverse T3, with normal or low levels of thyroxine (T4) and normal or low levels of TSH. This condition may affect 60-70% of critically ill patients. The severity of illness correlates well with the reduction in total serum T3 level. Objectives of the study was to assess the thyroid status of critically ill patients admitted in intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study done at Department of General Medicine, MIMS, Mandya among patients admitted with critical illness to ICU. 100 patients admitted with critical illness to ICU are included in this study. Thyroid function reports obtained from case sheets, data entered into MS Excel sheet and analysed.Results: Out of 100 patients studied 34 patients had sepsis, 26 patients had respiratory failure, 20 patients had Congestive cardiac failure, 12 patients had acute renal failure and 8 patients had Diabetic ketoacidosis. Among 100 patients 63% had abnormal thyroid function test, 56% had low T3, 12% had low T4, 2% had high T4 and 3% had low TSH.Conclusions: Thyroid function abnormality suggesting Non thyroid illness or euthyroid sick syndrome is common among critically ill patients.

Falla multiorgánica y desenlaces clínicos en pacientes sépticos con síndrome eutiroideo enfermo / Multiorgan failure and clinical outcomes in septic patients with euthyroid sick syndrome / Insuficiência de múltiplos órgãos e resultados clínicos em pacientes sépticos com síndrome do doente eutireoidiano

Resumen: Introducción: La prevalencia del síndrome eutiroideo enfermo en pacientes con sepsis es aproximadamente de 60%; existe poca información sobre su correlación con falla multiorgánica. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia del síndrome eutiroideo enfermo (SEE) y correlacionar con la presencia de fallas orgánicas específicas y puntajes de gravedad y desenlaces clínicos. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de sepsis en una unidad de cuidados críticos durante el periodo comprendido de marzo de 2014 a febrero de 2016; se tomaron variables clínicas y estudios de laboratorio que incluían perfil tiroideo en todos los pacientes. Análisis estadístico: Estadística descriptiva con medidas de frecuencia, tendencia central y dispersión. Se realizaron análisis de supervivencia con modelos de regresión de Cox y curvas de Kaplan-Meier para mortalidad; razones de riesgo e intervalos de confianza de 95%. Un error alfa ajustado menor de 5% a dos colas fue considerado significativo. Se usó la paquetería estadística STATA SE versión 11.1. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 90 pacientes, 51.1% de sexo femenino, con edad de 71 ± 14.15 años, IMC al ingreso a la UCI de 24.94 ± 5.07 kg/m2. La prevalencia global de SEE es de 61.1%. Los pacientes con SEE presentaron en mayor proporción falla hemodinámica, renal y hematológica, sin alcanzar significancia estadística. En la fases combinadas 2 y 3 de SEE, sí se observó mayor proporción de falla renal: 88 versus 63.3%, RR = 1.8 (IC 95% 1.1-2.6, p = 0.037), así como altas dosis de vasopresores (norepinefrina > 0.1 µg/kg/min) RR = 2.3 (IC 95% 1.063-5.18, p = 0.024) y menor supervivencia, con una mediana en días de 28 (RIQ 19-39) versus 26 (RIQ 13-36), p = 0.7; PCT igual o mayor a 6 en un 65.5 versus 40%, RR = 1.87 (IC 95% 1.1-3.1, p = 0.18), mayor puntaje de SOFA con mediana de 12 (RIQ 8-4) versus 9 (RIQ 7-13) puntos, p = 0.09. Además, peores desenlaces durante la estancia hospitalaria, evaluados por un índice compuesto que incluye mortalidad, necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI), SOFA ≥ 9 con un RR = 1.713 (IC 95% 1.036-2.83, p = 0.05). El análisis de curva ROC detectó el mejor punto de corte de SOFA como predictor de SEE ≥ 11 con sensibilidad 60.0, especificidad 62 LR + 1.6, LR - 0.63, AUC = 0.6. RR = 1.7 (IC 95% 1.024-3.05, p = 0.034). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con SEE presentan mayor elevación de marcadores de inflamación, requerimiento de vasopresores y soporte ventilatorio, compromiso multiorgánico y mortalidad.

Abstract: Introduction: The prevalence of euthyroid sick syndrome in patients with sepsis is approximately 60%; there is little information on its correlation with multiorgan failure. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) and correlate it with the presence of specific organ failures, severity scores and clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients with diagnosis of sepsis in a critical care unit during the period from March 2014 to February 2016; we registered the clinical variables and laboratory studies, including thyroid function, in all patients. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics with frequency measures of central tendency and dispersion. Mortality-survival analysis with Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier were made, as well as risk ratios and confidence intervals of 95%. A two-tailed adjusted alpha error of less than 5% was considered significant. The statistical package STATA SE version 11.1 was used. Results: Ninety patients were included, 51.1% female, aged 71 ± 14.15 years; the BMI at admission to the ICU was 24.94 ± 5.07 kg/m2. The overall prevalence of ESS was 61.1%. ESS patients presented in greater proportion with hemodynamic, renal and hematologic failure, without reaching statistical significance. In the combined phases 2 and 3 of SEE, a higher proportion of renal failure was observed: 88 vs. 63.3 %, RR = 1.8 (95% CI 1.1-2.6, p = 0.037). High doses of vasopressors (norepinephrine > 0.1 µg/kg/min) RR = 2.3 (95% CI 1.063-5.18, p = 0.024). Lower survival with a median of 28 days (IQR 19-39) versus 26 (IQR 13-36), p = 0.7. PCT greater than or equal to 6 in 65.5 versus 40%, RR = 1.87 (95% CI 1.1-3.1, p = 0.18); higher SOFA score with a median of 12 (IQR 8-4) versus 9 (IQR 7-13) points, p = 0.09. In addition to worse outcomes during hospital stay evaluated by a composite index that included mortality, need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), SOFA ≥ 9 with a RR = 1.713 (95% CI 1.036-2.83, p = 0.05). ROC curve analysis detected the best cut of SOFA as a predictor of ESS ≥11, sensitivity 60.0, specificity 62 LR + 1.6, LR-0.63, AUC = 0.6. RR = 1.7 (95% CI 1.024-3.05, p = 0.034). Conclusions: Patients with ESS have higher markers of inflammation, increased requirement for vasopressors and ventilatory support, as well as elevated multiorgan failure and mortality.

Resumo: Introdução: A prevalência da síndrome do doente eutireoidiano em pacientes com sepse é de aproximadamente 60%, além disso há pouca informação sobre sua correlação com a insuficiência de múltiplos órgãos. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência da síndrome do doente eutireoidiano (ESS) e correlacionar com a presença de insuficiência orgânica específica, pontuações de gravidade e desenlaces clínicos. Foram incluídos pacientes diagnosticados com sepse em uma unidade de terapia intensiva durante o período de março de 2014 a fevereiro de 2016, se tomaram variáveis clínicas e estudos laboratoriais que incluiam perfil tireoidiano em todos os pacientes. Análise estatística: Estatística descritiva com medidas de frequência, tendência central e dispersão. Realizaram-se análises de sobrevivência com modelos de regressão de Cox e curvas de Kaplan-Meier para mortalidade. Taxas de risco e intervalos de confiança de 95%. O erro alfa ajustado menor a 5% bicaudal, serão considerados significativos. O programa estatístico STATA versão 11.1. Resultados: Incluiram-se um total de 90 pacientes, 51.1% do sexo feminino, com idades entre 71 ± 14.15 anos, IMC na admissão na UTI foi de 24.94 ± 5.07 kg/m2. A prevalência global de ESS foi de 61.1%. Os pacientes com ESS apresentaram maior proporção de alteração hemodinâmica, renal e hematológica sem alcançar significância estatística. Nas fases 2 e 3 combinadas de ESS se observou maior proporção de insuficiência renal 88 versus 63.3%, RR = 1.8 (IC 95%1.1-2.6, p = 0.037). Altas doses de vasopressores (norepinefrina > 0.1 µg/kg/min) RR = 2.3 (IC 95% 1.063-5.18, p = 0.024). Menor sobrevida com uma média em dias de 28 (IQR 19-39) vs 26 (RIQ 13-36), p = 0.7. PCT igual ou maior a 6 em um 65.5 vs 40%, RR = 1.87 (IC de 95% 1.1-3.1, p = 0.18) maior pontuação SOFA com uma média de 12 (RIQ 8-4) vs 9 (RIQ 7-13) pontos, p = 0.09. Ademais com piores desenlaces durante a estadia hospitalar avaliada por um índice de composto que inclui a mortalidade, a necessidade de VMI, SOFA ≥ 9 com um RR = 1.713 (IC 95% 1.036-2.83, p = 0.05). A análise da curva ROC detectou o melhor ponto de corte de SOFA como um preditor de ESS ≥ 11 sensibilidade 60.0, especificidade 62 LR + 1.6, LR-0.63, AUC = 0.6. RR = 1.7 (IC de 95% 1.024-3.05, p = 0.034). Conclusões: Os pacientes com ESS apresentam maior elevação dos marcadores inflamatórios, maior necessidade de vasopressores, suporte ventilatório, compromisso múltiplo de órgãos e mortalidade.

Retrospective evaluation of circulating thyroid hormones in critically ill dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

Critical illness can be associated with transient alterations in circulating thyroid hormone concentrations, indicating the presence of non-thyroidal illness (NTI). NTI is well described in humans, but there are few reports on its occurrence and prognostic significance in dogs. This retrospective study assessed the occurrence of NTI in a population of dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and investigated its association with disease severity (APPLE(fast) scores). A total of 41 SIRS dogs were included and were divided by SIRS origin (non-septic SIRS, n = 10; septic SIRS, n = 41) and final outcome (survivors, n = 37; non-survivors, n = 4). Healthy, age-matched dogs (n = 15) were included as controls. Serum thyroid hormone levels including total T3, free T3, total T4, and reverse T3 were measured upon admission. Compared to controls, there were significant changes in serum thyroid hormone concentrations in SIRS dogs, suggesting the presence of NTI. Septic SIRS dogs had higher APPLE(fast) scores and lower serum thyroid hormones concentrations than those in non-septic SIRS and control dogs. In conclusion, NTI was frequent in dogs with SIRS and may be associated with the presence of sepsis or high illness severity.

Thyroid Disorders in Premature and Sick Newborns

Thyroid hormone is important in brain development. Thus, thyroid hormone deficiency during the critical period of brain development results in severe cognitive and motor dysfunctions. Along with the development of intensive care for premature infants, the survival rates of premature babies and the long-term complications associated with neurodevelopment and motor function have increased. Premature infants differ from full-term infants in terms of the change in thyroid hormone level after birth because of the immaturity of their hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. Therefore, the diagnostic and therapeutic criteria for hypothyroidism in premature infants still remain unclear. In addition, as the thyroid function of premature infants can be affected by various diseases or drugs, periodic thyroid function tests are required. Although transient hypothyroxinemia is known to spontaneously recover in most infants, some studies have shown further complications associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Accordingly, although thyroid hormone therapy in preterm infants has been introduced, its efficacy is yet controversial. In order to understand the thyroid abnormalities observed in premature infants or patients in neonatal intensive care units, this article intends to present a comprehensive review of the physiology of the thyroid gland, transient hypothyroxinemia/delayed thyroidstimulating hormone elevation, and euthyroid sick syndrome that affects thyroid function.

The predictive values of thyroid hormone and inflammatory mediators on prognosis in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To explore the predictive values of the levels of procalcitonin (PCT) and thyroid hormone on the prognosis in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) complicated with euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) and their values on differential diagnosis of ESS. Methods A total of 238 patients with SIRS hospitalized in the Emergency Department, Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Jiangsu Branch of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from July 2012 to December 2014 were divided into two groups: death group (31 cases) and survival group (207 cases), 182 patients being complicated with ESS and 56 patients without ESS. The differences in the levels of PCT, free triiodothyronine (FT3) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE Ⅱ) score in patients with different clinical outcomes were analyzed. The effects of the inflammatory mediators including levels of PCT, interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and thyroid function such as free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on clinical outcomes and their predictive values on death of emergency patients with SIRS were also studied. Furthermore, the correlations between APACHEⅡscore and PCT, IL-6, CRP, thyroid hormone were analyzed. Results The level of PCT and APACHE Ⅱ score in death group were significantly higher than those in survival group [PCT (ng/L): 8.38 (13.88) vs. 1.04 (3.57), APACHEⅡscore:27.42±6.88 vs. 16.35±6.72, both P0.05). The mortality was increased markedly in patients with higher PTC level and lower FT3 level compared with normal PCT level and normal FT3 level [18.8% (30/160) vs. 1.3% (1/78), 17.1%(31/181) vs. 0 (0/57), both P0.05). PCT was positively correlated with APACHEⅡscore (r>0.33, P<0.001), while FT3 was negatively correlated with APACHEⅡscore (r<-0.33, P<0.001). There were no correlations between IL-6 (r = 0.319, P < 0.001), CRP (r = 0.161, P < 0.05), FT4 (r = -0.170, P < 0.01), TSH (r = -0.057, P = 0.385), and APACHEⅡscore. The levels of PCT, IL-6 and CRP and APACHEⅡscore in patients with ESS were significantly higher than those in patients without ESS [PCT (ng/L):2.54 (5.90) vs. 0.20 (0.43), IL-6 (ng/L):98.62 (351.20) vs. 16.85 (33.60), CRP (mg/L):88.00 (110.50) vs. 25.50 (48.00), APACHEⅡscore:17.62±8.17 vs. 10.98±4.97, all P<0.01]. The cut-off values for predicting patient's death of these indexes showed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis were as follows: PCT: cut-off value ≥ 1.755 ng/L, sensitivity: 87.1%, specificity: 58.0%, area under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.802; FT3: cut-off value ≤ 2.92 pmol/L, sensitivity: 93.5%, specificity: 54.1%, AUC: 0.785;APACHE Ⅱ score: cut-off value ≥ 21.5, sensitivity: 83.9%, specificity: 88.4%, AUC: 0.920. Conclusions The levels of serum PCT, FT3 and APACHEⅡscore are prognostic factors in patients with SIRS. Meanwhile, the levels of serum PCT, IL-6, CRP and APACHE Ⅱ score should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis of ESS in patients with SIRS.

Risk factors for short term thyroid dysfunction after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children / 소아과

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate short-term thyroid dysfunction and related risk factors in pediatric patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) during childhood. METHODS: We studied 166 patients (100 boys and 66 girls) who underwent HSCT at the Catholic HSCT Center from January 2004 through December 2009. The mean age at HSCT was 10.0+/-4.8 years. Thyroid function of the patients was tested before and during 3 months of HSCT. RESULTS: Out of 166 patients, 165 (99.4%) underwent allotransplantation. Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD, grades II to IV) developed in 76 patients. Conditioning regimens before HSCT include total body irradiation (n=57), busulfan (n=80), and reduced intensity (n=29). Forty-five (27.1%) had thyroid dysfunction during 3 months after HSCT (29 euthyroid sick syndrome [ESS], 6 subclinical hyperthyroidism, 4 subclinical hypothyroidism, 3 hypothyroxinemia, 2 overt hyperthyroidism, and 1 high T4 syndrome). In a univariate logistic regression analysis, age at HSCT (P=0.002) and acute GVHD (P=0.009) had statistically significant relationships with thyroid dysfunction during 3 months after HSCT. Also, in a univariate logistic regression analysis, ESS (P=0.014) showed a strong statistically significant association with mortality. CONCLUSION: In our study 27.1% patients experienced thyroid dysfunction during 3 months after HSCT. Increase in age and acute GVHD may be risk factors for thyroid dysfunction during 3 months after HSCT. There was a significant association between ESS and mortality.

Clinical significance of low triiodothyronine syndrome in critical patients and triiodothyronine impact on evaluation of prognosis / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To identify the clinical significance of low triiodothyronine syndrome and the potential impact of triiodothyronine (T3) on prognosis in critical patients.Methods A total of 150 critically ill patients enrolled from October 2012 to April 2013 were divided into two groups,namely low thyroidhormone group (n =38,group A) and normal T3 group (n =112,group B).APACHE Ⅱ scores of patients were recorded at admission and thyroid hormone levels were measured on the first and the third day after admission.Then the survival state of 28-day in each group was observed and then the relationship between prognosis and T3 levels was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results About 25.3％ of 150 critical patients were suffered from low thyroidhormone syndrome and the mortality rate in this group was 42.1％,which was much higher than 29.5％ in normal T3 group.There was no difference in prediction of death rate analyzed by ROC curve between the T3 level and APACHE Ⅱ scores.The area under curve of T3 level was 0.768 (95％ CI:0.701-0.835) and APACHE Ⅱ was 0.783 (95％CI:0.719-0.846).Best cut-off value of T3 level was 0.41 ng/mL resulting in 76.6％ sensitivity and 78.4％ specificity.Conclusions Critically ill patients complicated with low thyroidhormone syndrome has poor prognosis and T3 may be a predictive marker in evaluating the prognosis of critically ill patients.

Clinical study of levothyroxine sodium in the treatment of patients with heart failure and euthyroid sick syndrome / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate effect on patients with chronic heart failure complicated with euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS) who had given small dose of levothyroxine sodium that based on the routine anti heart failure therapy.Methods 70 patients with chronic cardiac insufficiency and ESS were randomly divided into control group and treatment group,the control group patients were given routine anti heart failure treatment,while the treatment group plus levothyroxine sodium tablets for 1year.Observe and compare the relevant examination and laboratory indexes of 2 groups before and after treatment,follow up the number of vascular events about 2 groups within 1year.Results The 6 minutes walk test [ Respectively:(383.0 ± 48.7 ) m,(339.3 ± 37.8 ) m ],NYHA heart function classification[ Respectively:(2.7 ± 0.4)grade,(3.2 ±0.5) grade],LVEF[ Respectively:(40.87 ± 8.18)％,(35.38 ± 7.35 ) ％ ],BNP [ Respectively:( 197.74 ± 20.58 ) ng/L,( 302.01 ± 10.15 ) ng/L ] water of the treatment group [Respectively:(317.0 ± 36.6)m,(323.4 ± 44.8)m,(3.5 ± 0.5) grade,(3.5 ± 0.3) grade,(33.18 ± 7.29)％,(34.74 ± 9.81 ) ％,( 369.75 ± 21.15 ) ng/L,(345.56 ± 18.65 ) ng/L] and the control group were better than before treatment.The treatment group was more significant,the two groups after treatment had a significant difference ( t=2.974,3.698,9.136,7.476,all P ＜ 0.05 ),the number of cardiovascular events of the treatment group was decreased within 1 year,compared with the control group the difference was statistically significant (x2 = 4.96,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion In the treatment of conventional heart failure therapy combined with a small dose of levothyroxine sodium therapy on chronic heart failure patients can improve the patients' quality of life,reduce medical costs.

Levothyroxine sodium in treatment of severe pulmonary tuberculosis with euthyroid sick syndrome / 中华临床感染病杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of low-dose levothyroxine sodium in treatment of severe pulmonary tuberculosis with euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS). Methods One hundred and twenty inpatients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis and ESS were randomly divided into treatment group and control group by gender, age, disease duration and severity. Both groups were given anti- tuberculosis, antiinfection treatment and nutritional support for 2 weeks; patients in treatment group were given low-dose levothyroxine sodium additionally. Thyroid function, clinical improvements, increase of albumin, reduction of acid-fast bacilli, improvements on images and the mortality rates were compared between the groups.Results After 2 weeks of treatment, symptoms including fever, cough and night sweats were improved in both groups. Marked improvements were observed in 19 patients(31.7%)of treatment group and 8 patients (13.3%)of control group(χ2 = 5. 73, P ＜ 0.05). Clearance rate of acid-fast bacilli in treatment group was 25.0%(15/60), but that in the control was only 6.7%(4/60)(χ2 = 7. 50, P ＜ 0.01). Serum albumin in the treatment group was increased to(34.2 ±0.4)g/L after the treatment, and that in the control group was(29.1 ±0.6)g/L(t =2.42, P＜0.05). T3 and FT3 were significantly increased in both groups, but more significant difference was observed in the treatment group(t = 59. 42 and 50. 66, P ＜ 0. 01). No empty closed after treatment in both groups, but the effective rate in treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group(93.3% vs. 76.7%, χ2 =6. 54, P＜0.05). Two patients in control group died(2/60, 3. 3%), while no death was reported in treatment group. Conclusions Low-dose levothyroxine sodium treatment is effective for ESS in patients with severe pulmonary tuberculosis.Improvement on low T3 syndrome may be an important indicator for the overall improvement or recovery.

Serum thyroid hormone profile in critically Ill children.

Objective. To study thyroid hormone profile in critically ill children and its correlation to disease severity and clinical outcome. Methods. Total serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and TSH were estimated at admission and discharge from PICU/ just before death. Results. Mean T3 levels in cases were significantly lower than controls and lower in patients who expired, both at admission and just prior to death. Mean T4 levels were lower in cases, and just prior to death. Mean TSH levels were not different in cases and controls; or in survived and expired cases. When both T3 and T4 are low, mortality risk increases 30 times. Serum T3, T4 and TSH values improved in patients who survived unlike in those who expired. Age, sex, duration of hospital stay, ventilation, inotropic support, and PICU stay did not show any correlation with patient outcome or thyroid hormone profile. PRISM score at 24 hours and T4 levels in the second sample were significant predictors of survival. Conclusion. T3 levels reflect the patient’s clinical status, T4 levels can predict survival.

Low T3 syndrome in Kawasaki disease: Relation to serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and NT-proBNP / 소아과

PURPOSE: We investigated the relationship between thyroid hormone and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL-6) and N-terminal fragment of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with Kawasaki disease (KD). METHODS: Serum levels of thyroid hormone, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and NT-proBNP were measured in 52 KD patients in the acute and subacute phase and 10 patients with acute febrile illness (control group). TNF-alpha and IL-6 were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Echocardiography was performed to detect coronary artery lesions (CAL) in KD patients. RESULTS: Low T3 syndrome occurred in 63.5% of KD patients. T3 in the acute phase of KD was lower than that in the control. In KD patients, T3 was lowered in the acute phase and elevated in the subacute phase, whereas TNF-alpha, IL-6 and NT-proBNP were elevated in the acute phase and decreased in the subacute phase. NT-proBNP, and IL-6 were higher in patients with low T3 than in those with normal T3. In addition, T3 inversely correlated with IL-6 and NT-proBNP. Of the 4 patients with CAL, 3 had very low T3. Compared with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)-responsive patients, IVIG-resistant patients had lower T3 and higher IL-6 and NT-proBNP. CONCLUSION: T3 decreases in the acute phase of KD and normalizes in the subacute phase without thyroid hormone replacement. Low T3 may be partially induced by IL-6 rather than TNF-alpha, and is strongly associated with high NT-proBNP. T3 in KD may be used for the differential diagnosis, monitoring the activity of the disease, and predicting the severity of inflammation.

Short-term follow up of thyroid function after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 소아과

PURPOSE: In this study, we analyzed the short term changes of thyroid function, incidence and risk factors of thyroid dysfunction soon after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children. METHODS: We enrolled 80 pediatric patients following allogeneic HSCT, at the Catholic HSCT center between January, 2004 and February, 2006. Serum TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), total serum thyroxine and total serum triiodothyronine levels were systematically measured in 80 patients before the HSCT, and at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after HSCT. RESULTS: Thyroid function statistically decreased at 1 month after HSCT(P or = II) were risk factors for ETS (P=0.04, 0.01 respectively). In multivariate analysis, we could not detect an independent risk factor for ETS (P=0.19, 0.06 respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the incidence of thyroid dysfunction is high after allogeneic HSCT. Therefore, regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels after HSCT is required.

The Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome: Prognostic Value and Circulating Cytokines after Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation / 대한내분비학회지

BACKGROUND: Alteration of thyroid hormone parameters are frequently observed in sick patients and commonly known as nonthyroidal illness syndrome(NTIS) or euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS). NTIS is seen in starvation, surgery, severe illness, and also bone marrow transplantation(BMT). The degree of reduction in thyroid hormone parameters correlated with the severity of NTIS and might predict the prognosis of underlying illness. Recently, particular attention is focused on the role of cytokines in developing the NTIS. This prospective study was designed to assess the relationship of serum thyroid hormone parameters and serum cytokine levels before and in the short-term follow-up after allogeneic BMT in order to predict patients outcome. METHODS: Included 80 patients that were mainly leukemia and severe aplastic anemia. Serum thyroid hormone parameters and serum cytokine levels were measured before and 7, 14, 21, 28 days and 3, and 6 months after BMT. RESULTS: Near-all patients experienced significant decrease of thyroid hormone levels and also significant increase of cytokine levels after BMT. After post-BMT 3 weeks, the serum cytokine levels were negatively correlated with the serum T3 and T4 levels, but not with the serum TSH levels. The patients treated with high-dose steroid or total-body irradiation tended to show lower levels of TSH and more delayed recovery compared to non-treated patients. The patients died after BMT represented generally lower levels of all thyroid hormone parameters than survival patients during entire follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Development of NTIS is associated with higher probability of fatal outcome after BMT and has prognostic relationship in this group of patients. Increased levels of cytokines, especially IL-6 and TNF-alpha, are often found in post-BMT NTIS patients and correlated with the changes in the levels of thyroid hormone parameters.

Euthyroid Sick Syndrome in Spinal Cord Injury: A report of 3 cases

Significant illnesses or a major trauma including spinal cord injury can induce the changes of thyroid hormone metabolism, leading to the findings of "Euthyroid Sick Syndrome(ESS)". The physicians should be aware of these changes in order to interpret thyroid function test correctly after the spinal cord injury. We report three cases of ESS after the spinal cord injury. On a routine evaluation, they showed a low serum T3 level, and the T3 level returned to the normal range on a follow up study without any specific treatment.

Effect of thyroid hormone on serum NO concentration and iNOS activity of intestinal mucosa in septic rats / 中国普通外科杂志

Objective This study was to investigate the effect of exogenous thyroid hormone on serum NO and iNOS activity of intestinal mucosa in septic rats. Methods Septic model was established by cecal ligation puncture(CLP) in male SD rats. Triiodothyronine(T 3) was administered intraperitoneally to correct the low T 3 syndrome of septic rats. Blood was collected to examine serum NO and thyroid hormone concentration. Intestinal mucosa iNOS activity was assayed using immunochemical stain. Results Mortality rate in the prevention group was significantly lower than the septic group(Log rank=3.85, P