Alteraciones tiroideas en la infancia y en la adolescencia. Parte 1: hipertiroidismo / Thyroid disorders in childhood and adolescence. Part 1: Hyperthyroidism

El hipertiroidismo es el cuadro clínico resultante del exceso de hormonas tiroideas debido a hiperfunción glandular. Es una enfermedad rara en niños y adolescentes, pero con una alta morbilidad. La causa más frecuente es la enfermedad de Graves. El objetivo de esta publicación es realizar una revisión y actualización del hipertiroidismo infantojuvenil para guiar su detección y derivación temprana al endocrinólogo pediatra. Debe ser considerado cuando el niño o adolescente presente síntomas asociados a esta patología y bocio de grado variable. Se confirma con el perfil bioquímico característico.El tratamiento consiste, inicialmente, en bloquear los efectos del exceso de hormonas tiroideas con betabloqueantes y, además, disminuir su producción con drogas antitiroideas como primera elección. Ante efectos secundarios a su administración, recidivas o ausencia de remisión de la enfermedad, se optará por el tratamiento definitivo: yodo radioactivo o cirugía con el objetivo de lograr el hipotiroidismo o eutiroidismo

Hyperthyroidism is a serious and rare disorder in childhood characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Graves disease is the most common cause. The objective of this paper is to review and update hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents aiming to guide its early detection and referral to the pediatric endocrinologist. The disease should be suspected if typical symptoms and goiter are present and has to be confirmed with the characteristic biochemical profile. Initially, treatment to block the effect of the thyroid excess is needed. Antithyroid drugs are the recommended first-line treatment to diminish hormone production. Alternative treatments, such us radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy, are considered in cases of adverse effects to drugs, relapse or non-remission of the disease, in order to achieve hypothyroidism or euthyroidism.

Tirotoxicosis por enfermedad trofoblástica gestacional: revisión a partir de 3 casos / Thyrotoxicosis due to gestational trophoblastic disease: clinical cases

La enfermedad trofoblástica gestacional (ETG) es una complicación del embarazo poco común. Corresponde a un espectro de lesiones proliferativas del tejido trofoblástico: Mola Hidatiforme (MH) en sus formas parcial y completa, Coriocarcinoma, Tumor Trofoblástico y Tumor Trofoblástico Epiteloide. Los distintos tipos de ETG presentan en común la hipersecreción de gonadotrofina coriónica humana (hCG). La hCG es una hormona glicoproteica con una estructura muy similar a la TSH, por lo cual puede estimular la función tiroidea en condiciones fisiológicas y en algunas condiciones patológicas. La ETG puede cursar con hipertiroidismo, el cual puede variar en intensidad, desde una presentación asintomática con alteración leve de hormonas tiroideas a un cuadro de hipertiroidismo manifiesto. Se presentan 3 casos clínicos de pacientes con ETG, específicamente MH que evolucionaron con tirotoxicosis transitoria. Los casos presentaron un cuadro leve de hipertiroidismo con pocos síntomas asociados. La taquicardia fue el único síntoma en la mayoría de los casos. En todas las pacientes las hormonas tiroideas se normalizaron después del tratamiento de la ETG. Conclusión: Se debe tener presente la posibilidad de hipertiroidismo en toda paciente con ETG. Un alto nivel de sospecha permitirá identificar a aquellas pacientes que cursen con hipertiroidismo, permitiendo así un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno.

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a rare complication of pregnancy. GTD includes a group of proliferative lesions of trophoblastic tissue: partial and complete hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma, epithelioid trophoblastic tumor, and placental site trophoblastic tumor. The different types of GTD have in common the hypersecretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG is a glycoprotein hormone with a similar structure to TSH. In physiological and pathological conditions hCG can stimulate thyroid function. GTD can present with hyperthyroidism, which can vary in intensity, from an asymptomatic presentation with mild alteration of thyroid hormones to a manifest hyperthyroidism. We present 3 clinical cases of patients with GTD thyrotoxicosis. All cases presented mild hyperthyroidism. Tachycardia was the only symptom in most cases. In all patients thyroid hormones return to normal after treatment of GTD. Conclusion: In patients with GTD the possibility of hyperthyroidism should be kept in mind. A high level of suspicion will allow to identifying patients with hyperthyroidism.

Hipertiroidismo como clave diagnóstica de un coriocarcinoma avanzado: Una asociación inusual / Hyperthyroidism as a diagnostic key to advanced choriocarcinoma. An unusual association

El hipertiroidismo es una condición relativamente frecuente con múltiples etiologías. La más común es la enfermedad de Graves, seguida del bocio multinodular y el adenoma tóxico. La asociación entre hipertiroidismo y cáncer es infrecuente en la práctica clínica. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 42 años con síntomas de hipertiroidismo de dos meses de evolución. Al examen físico se constató una marcada hepatomegalia de consistencia duro pétrea. El examen de testículos se reveló normal. Se llevó a cabo el diagnóstico de hipertiroidismo a través del dosaje hormonal. Los estudios por imágenes mostraron la presencia de múltiples lesiones sólidas compatibles con metástasis hepáticas. Luego de descartar las causas habituales de hipertiroidismo y las neoplasias primarias de la glándula tiroides, se consideró la posibilidad de mimetismo molecular a través de la producción ectópica de gonadotrofina coriónica humana. Se obtuvieron valores críticamente elevados de esta hormona y en un segundo tiempo se confirmó el diagnóstico histológico de coriocarcinoma a través de una biopsia hepática. Consideramos que el reconocimiento de este mecanismo poco frecuente de hipertiroidismo, puede ser una clave diagnóstica para arribar rápidamente al diagnóstico correcto, particularmente en los tumores extragonadales.

Hyperthyroidism is a relatively frequent condition with multiple causes. The most common cause is Graves' disease; followed by hyperthyroid multinodular goiter and toxic adenoma. Association between hyperthyroidism and cancer is infrequent in daily practice. We present the case of a 42-year-old man who developed severe symptoms of hyperthyroidism within a period of two months. Physical examination revealed significant hepatomegaly. Testicular examination proved normal. Imaging studies showed the presence of multiple hepatic solid lesions consistent with metastases. After discarding the most common causes of hyperthyroidism and primary thyroid gland neoplasm, the possibility of molecular mimicry was considered through human chorionic gonadotrophin production. Critical high values of this hormone were found and choriocarcinoma histological diagnosis was confirmed through a liver biopsy. We consider that the recognition of this rare mechanism of hyperthyroidism may be a clue permitting a faster diagnosis, particularly when extragonadal tumors are present.

Factores predisponentes de la disfunción tiroidea / Predisposing factors to thyroid dysfynction

Se realizó un estudio de corte trasversal para caracterizar los factores predisponentes de disfunción tiroidea; la población de estudio fue de 100 pacientes adultos entre 18 y 80 años, portadores de patologías tiroideas que asistieron a la consulta externa de Medicina Interna del Hospital Central Universitario Dr. "Antonio María Pineda" de Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, en el período julio - octubre 2015, la compilación de los datos se hizo a través de la aplicación de una encuesta lo que permitió establecer datos de referencia regional en cuanto a la prevalencia de las enfermedades tiroideas, e identificar la influencia de la herencia, el ambiente, la nutrición y el uso de fármacos; sobre los mecanismo fisiológicos de la función tiroidea de la población en estudio. ; y así establecer bases para la posterior creación de programas sanitarios dirigidos a la prevención y tratamiento de las enfermedades de la glándula tiroides(AU)

A transversal study was done to characterize predisposing factors for thyroid dysfunction; the study population was 100 outpatients between 18 and 80 years, carriers of thyroid disease at the department of Internal Medicine Hospital Dr. "Antonio Maria Pineda", Barquisimeto,Venezuela between July and October 2015. A survey was applied allowing for regional reference data regarding the prevalence of thyroid diseases, to identify the influence of heredity, environment, nutrition, and medication use on the physiological mechanismof thyroid function of the study population; also to establish foundations for the subsequent creation of health programs for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the thyroid gland(AU)

Radioiodine therapy in elderly patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism due to non-voluminous nodular goiter and its effect on bone metabolism / Terapia com radioiodo em pacientes idosos com hipertireoidismo subclínico por bócio nodular não volumoso e efeito sobre o metabolismo ósseo

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 131I therapy in elderly patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH) due to nodular disease and who did not receive antithyroid drugs (ATDs), and the effect of the treatment on bone metabolism. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with TSH ≤ 0.1 mIU/L and non-voluminous goiter (< 60 cm³) were studied. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed in 17 women with osteopenia. RESULTS: Mean 24-h 131I uptake was 17.5%. Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis were reported by two (5.5%) patients in the first week after therapy. One year after radioiodine treatment, SCH was resolved in 30 (83.3%) patients, and hypothyroidism was detected in one (2.7%). In the patients in whom TSH returned to normal, femoral and lumbar spine BMD increased by 1.9% and 1.6%, respectively, in average. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients with SCH and non-voluminous goiter, radioiodine not preceded by ATDs is a safe and effective therapeutic alternative. Resolution of SCH has beneficial effects on BMD in postmenopausal women with osteopenia.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a terapia com 131I em idosos com hipertireoidismo subclínico (HSC) por doença nodular que não receberam drogas antitireoidianas (DATs) e o efeito no metabolismo ósseo. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis pacientes com TSH ≤ 0,1 mUI/L e bócio não volumoso (< 60 cm³) foram estudados. Dezessete mulheres com osteopenia foram submetidas à avaliação da densidade mineral óssea (DMO). RESULTADOS: Captação média de 131I em 24 h foi 17,5%. Sintomas de tireotoxicose foram reportados por dois pacientes (5,5%) na primeira semana após a terapia. Um ano após o radioiodo, HSC foi resolvido em 30 pacientes (83,3%) e hipotireoidismo ocorreu em 1 (2,7%). Nas pacientes que normalizaram o TSH, DMO em fêmur e coluna lombar incrementou em média 1,9% e 1,6%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Em idosos com HSC e bócio não volumoso, radioiodo, não precedido de DATs, é uma alternativa terapêutica segura e eficaz. Resolução do HSC tem benefício na DMO em mulheres menopausadas com osteopenia.

Hipertireoidismo: abordagem das principais causas e conduta diagnóstica / Hyperthyroidism: approach the main causes and conduct diagnostic

A tireotoxicose é um estado hipermetabólico decorrente dos efeitos de níveis teciduais elevados de hormônios tireoideanos (HTs). O hipertireoidismo é a causa mais comum, e decorre do excesso de hormônios produzidos pela tireoide. Outras causas de tireotoxicose ocorrem por produção extratireoideana ou administração exógena de hormônios tireoideanos. A principal causa de tireotoxicose, o bócio difuso tóxico (BDT) de causa autoimune, responsável por até 80% dos casos, é aqui abordado, assim como as demais causas. O tratamento é realizado com drogas antitireoideanas, iodo radioativo ou cirurgia e exige acompanhamento de longo prazo, tanto pela possibilidade de recidivas como do desenvolvimento de hipotireoidismo.

Thyrotoxicosis is a hypermetabolic state due to the effects of high tissue levels of thyroid hormones (TH). Hyperthyroidism is the most common cause and results from excess hormones produced by the thyroid. Other causes of thyrotoxicosis occur extra thyroid production or exogenous administration of thyroid hormones. The main cause of thyrotoxicosis, the diffuse toxic goiter (DTG) of autoimmune cause, accounting for up to 80% of cases, is discussed here, as well as other causes. The treatment is performed with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine or surgery and requires long-term follow-up, due to both the possibility of recurrence and the development of hypothyroidism.

Avaliação do peso corporal em pacientes com doença de Graves durante o tratamento com metimazol / Evaluation of body weight in patients with Graves' disease during the treatment with methimazole

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a alteração de peso durante o tratamento do hipertiroidismo e correlacioná-la com IL-6 e TNF-alfa. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Quarenta e dois pacientes foram incluídos. Peso corporal (PC), índice de massa corpórea (IMC), características clínicas e laboratoriais foram registrados. IL-6 e TNF-alfa foram determinados antes do tratamento com metimazol (MMI) e no estado de eutiroidismo. RESULTADOS: O PC foi de 59,62 ± 11,5 kg no estado de hipertiroidismo e de 69,91 ± 14,4 kg no estado de eutiroidismo (p < 0,001). O IMC aumentou de 23,1 ± 3,8 kg/m² para 27 ± 4,7 kg/m² durante o tratamento (p < 0,0001). Antes da terapia, 66,6% tinham IMC < 25 kg/m² e 33,3%, IMC > 25 kg/m². No estado de eutiroidismo, 38% dos pacientes apresentavam IMC < 25 kg/m² e 62%, IMC > 25 kg/m² (p = 0,01). No estado de eutiroidismo, encontrou-se significativa diminuição nos valores de IL-6 e TNF-alfa, mas nenhuma correlação entre IL-6 e TNF-alfa com PC ou IMC. CONCLUSÃO: Um importante aumento no PC e IMC foi observado durante o tratamento do hipertiroidismo e alterações de IL-6 e TNF-alfa relacionam-se somente com o retorno ao eutiroidismo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate weight change during hyperthyroidism treatment, and to correlate it with IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty two patients were included. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded. IL-6 and TNF-alpha were determined before treatment with methimazole (MMI) and in euthyroidism. RESULTS: BW was 59.62 ± 11.5 kg in hyperthyroidism, and 69.91 ± 14.4 kg in euthyroidism (p < 0.001). BMI increased from 23.1 ± 3.8 kg/m² to 27 kg/m² ± 4.7 during treatment (p < 0.0001). Before treatment, 66.6% subjects had BMI < 25 kg/m² and 33.3%, BMI > 25 kg/m². In euthyroidism, 38% of patients had BMI < 25 kg/m² and 62%, BMI > 25 kg/m² (p = 0.01). In euthyroidism, we found a significant reduction in IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations, but no correlation between IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and BW or BMI. CONCLUSION: An important increase in BW and BMI was observed during hyperthyroidism treatment, and IL-6 and TNF-alpha alterations were only related with return to euthyroidism.

Management of subclinical hyperthyroidism

The ideal approach for adequate management of subclinical hyperthyroidism [low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] and normal thyroid hormone level] is a matter of intense debate among endocrinologists. The prevalence of low serum TSH levels ranges between 0.5% in children and 15% in the elderly population. Mild subclinical hyperthyroidism is more common than severe subclinical hyperthyroidism. Transient suppression of TSH secretion may occur because of several reasons; thus, corroboration of results from different assessments is essential in such cases. During differential diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, pituitary or hypothalamic disease, euthyroid sick syndrome, and drug-mediated suppression of TSH must be ruled out. A low plasma TSH value is also typically seen in the first trimester of gestation. Factitial or iatrogenic TSH inhibition caused by excessive intake of levothyroxine should be excluded by checking the patient's medication history. If these nonthyroidal causes are ruled out during differential diagnosis, either transient or long-term endogenous thyroid hormone excess, usually caused by Graves' disease or nodular goiter, should be considered as the cause of low circulating TSH levels. We recommend the following 6-step process for the assessment and treatment of this common hormonal disorder: [1] confirmation, [2] evaluation of severity, [3] investigation of the cause, [4] assessment of potential complications, [5] evaluation of the necessity of treatment, and [6] if necessary, selection of the most appropriate treatment. In conclusion, management of subclinical hyperthyroidism merits careful monitoring through regular assessment of thyroid function. Treatment is mandatory in older patients [> 65 years] or in presence of comorbidities [such as osteoporosis and atrial fibrillation]

Correlação entre volume tireoidiano determinado pelo método de ultrassonografia versus cintilografia e sua implicação em cálculos dosimétricos na terapia com radioiodo na doença de Graves / Correlation between thyroid volume determined either by ultrasound or by scintigraphy and its implications in dosimetric radioiodine calculations in Graves disease treatment

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença de Graves (DG) é a causa mais comum de hipertireoidismo e, entre as abordagens terapêuticas mais utilizadas para o tratamento do hipertireoidismo por doença de Graves, encontram-se a cirurgia, o uso de drogas antitireoidianas e a radioiodoterapia. No cálculo dosimétrico para determinação da dose de radioiodo a ser utilizada, é possível empregar a ultrassonografia e a cintilografia para avaliar o volume tireoidiano. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo visa correlacionar essas metodologias com ênfase no volume obtido e nas implicações dosimétricas. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo 103 pacientes com diagnóstico de DG encaminhados para radioiodoterapia. Esses foram submetidos à ultrassonografia da tireoide e à cintilografia tireoidiana, com cálculo de volume pela cintilografia baseado na fórmula de Allen. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se boa correlação entre os dois métodos, porém com massa estimada pela cintilografia sistematicamente maior que a estimada pela ultrassonografia, o que pode acarretar em menor estimativa de dose absorvida quando utilizado o método cintilográfico.

INTRODUCTION: Graves disease (GD) is the most common cause of hiperthyroidism, and the most common treatment options are surgery, antithyroid drugs and radioiodine therapy. In radiodosimetric calculations to determine radioiodine dosage it is possible to use thyroid volume estimatives based on ultrasound or scintigraphy. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to correlate these methodologies emphasizing volume estimatives and dosimetric implications. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Were included 103 patients with GD diagnosis and indication of radioiodine treatment. They were submitted to thyroid ultrasound and thyroid scintigraphy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Good correlation between both methods was observed, although scintigraphy systematically obtained greater volumes than ultrasound implying in lower estimatives of absorbed dose when scintigraphy is used.

Alterações tireoidianas associadas à radiação externa em crianças e adolescentes / Thyroid disorders associated with external radiation in children and adolescents

O efeito da radiação ionizante sobre a tireoide vem sendo estudado há várias décadas, e os acidentes nucleares têm sido a maior fonte de informação. Existe associação de hipotireoidismo, hipertireoidismo, nódulos e câncer de tireoide com a radiação, mas os limiares de dose, mecanismos de lesão e alguns fatores de risco ainda não estão bem estabelecidos. Crianças são mais suscetíveis à lesão tireoidiana por radiação e necessitam de seguimento prolongado após a exposição. Esse tema adquire maior relevância atualmente, pois um grande número de pessoas tratadas com radioterapia para câncer na infância sobrevive e poderá apresentar sequelas. Exames radiodiagnósticos também representam fonte de exposição à radiação na população pediátrica. Nesta revisão, analisamos as diferentes alterações clínico-patológicas e os mecanismos de lesões tireoidianas provocadas por tratamento radioterápico e tomografia computadorizada em crianças e adolescentes. É importante conhecer esses dados para prevenção, detecção precoce e tratamento da disfunção tireoidiana.

The effects of ionizing radiation on the thyroid have been studied for several decades, and nuclear accidents are the major source of information about the subject. There is an association of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and cancer with radiation, but the threshold dose, mechanism of injury, and some risk factors have not been fully established. Children are more susceptible to thyroid injury caused by radiation and require prolonged follow-up after exposure. This issue is especially relevant nowadays, since a large number of people treated with radiation for childhood cancer survive and may have sequelae. Diagnostic radiology tests also represent a source of exposure to radiation in the pediatric population. In this review, we analyze different clinical and pathological changes, and the mechanisms of thyroid lesions caused by radiotherapy and computed tomography in children and adolescents. It is important to understand these data for prevention, early detection, and treatment of thyroid dysfunction.

Hyperfunctioning thyroid cancer: a five-year follow-up / Carcinoma de tireoide hiperfuncionante: seguimento de cinco anos

Differentiated thyroid cancer rarely occurs in association with hyperfunctioning nodules. We describe a case of a 47-year-old woman who developed symptoms of hyperthyroidism associated with a palpable thyroid nodule. Thyroid scintigraphy showed an autonomous nodule, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy was suggestive of papillary carcinoma. Laboratorial findings were consistent with the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. The patient underwent thyroidectomy and a papillary carcinoma of 3.0 x 3.0 x 2.0 cm, follicular variant, was described by histological examination. The surrounding thyroid tissue was normal. Postoperatively, the patient received 100 mCi of 131I, and whole body scans detected only residual uptake. No evidence of metastasis was detected during five years of follow-up. Hot thyroid nodules rarely harbor malignancies, and this case illustrated that, when a carcinoma occurs the prognosis seems to be very good with no evidence of metastatic dissemination during a long-term follow-up.

O câncer diferenciado de tireoide raramente ocorre em associação a nódulos hiperfuncionantes. Foi descrito aqui o caso de uma paciente de 47 anos de idade que desenvolveu sintomas de hipertireoidismo associados a um nódulo tireoidiano palpável. A cintilografia da tireoide mostrou tratar-se de um nódulo autônomo, e a biópsia por punção aspirativa por agulha fina foi sugestiva de carcinoma papilar. Os achados laboratoriais foram consistentes com o diagnóstico de hipertireoidismo. A paciente foi submetida à tireoidectomia e um carcinoma papilar de 3,0 x 3,0 x 2,0 cm, variante folicular, foi descrito por exame histopatológico. O tecido tireoidiano circunjacente era normal. No pós-operatório a paciente recebeu 100 mCi de 131I, e a cintilografia de corpo inteiro mostrou apenas captação residual. Nenhuma metástase foi identificada ao longo de cinco anos de acompanhamento. Nódulos quentes raramente albergam doença maligna, e este caso demonstrou que, quando ocorre carcinoma, o prognóstico parece ser muito bom, sem evidência de disseminação metastática em longo prazo.

Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Initially Presented with Abdominal Cutaneous Mass and Hyperthyroidism

A 63-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with a tender abdominal wall mass about 15 cm in diameter, which she had for 1 month. About 1 week earlier, the patient had also perceived a mass in the neck area. Computed tomography revealed huge thyroid and periumbilical masses. The thyroid hormone levels were consistent with a hyperthyroid state. Pathological examination of the thyroid mass was compatible with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) and the abdominal cutaneous mass was shown to be metastatic ATC. Despite palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the patient died of respiratory failure on her 63rd day of hospitalization. This case demonstrates that abdominal cutaneous metastasis and hyperthyroidism can occur as initial manifestations of ATC. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case.

Hipertiroidismo en niños y adolescentes / Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents

Background: Hyperthyroidism (HT) prevalence is 0.1/100,000 children and 1/100,000 adolescents and Graves Disease is the most frequent etiology. Objective: To evaluate the clinical presentation, etiology and treatment in hyperthyroid children. Method: Retrospective review of clinical charts of children under 15 years-old, between June 2004 and August 2005. Hyperthyroidism diagnosis was performed with suppressed TSH and increased thyroid hormones levels. Etiological study was done by TRAb, ATPO, ATG, thyroid echotomography and I131 capture. Results: 26 patients were evaluated; 84.6 percent females and age at diagnosis was 9.8 +/- 3,5 years-old (range: 3,8 - 14,5). Goiter was the most frequent clinical sign (96,2 percent), tachicardy and swelling. Etiology: Graves Disease (73 percent),Hashitoxicosis (15,3 percent) and unknown etiology (11,5 percent). Treatment: 88,4 percent began with anti-thyroid drugs (DAT): 78 percent PTU and 22 percent Tiamazol. 62.5 percent became euthyroid after 6 months and 79.1 percent after 12 months. 31.5 percent of GD presented hypothyroidism at 6.3 +/- 4 months of DAT, requiring LT4 substitution. I131 was applied to 4 children (16.6 percent); 3 due to hepatic compromise pre or post PTU use and 1 girl for missing treatment, developing a thyrotoxic torment. Thyroidectomy was done in 2 patients (8.3 percent), both with GD; 1 for giant goiter without DAT response at 19 months and 1 for persistant hyperthyroidism after 25 months of DAT. 92 percent received (3-blockers (Propanolol) for adrenergic symptoms for 5 +/- 4 months. Conclusions: Goiter was the most frequent pediatric HT symptom and Graves disease the main etiology. DAT treatment control HT in 76.9 percent patients and no adverse reactions with I131 were observed. These resUIts promote DAT treatment as first line in HT management, prefering Tiamazol for its better adherence and less adverse reactions. Radioiodide therapy and thyroidectomy are alternatives if treatment fails...

El hipertiroidismo (HT) tiene una prevalencia de 0,1/100 000 en niños y 1/100 000 en adolescentes, siendo la enfermedad de Graves (EG) la etiología más frecuente. Objetivo: Revisar presentación clínica, etiología y manejo de niños con HT. Método: Estudio retrospectivo de fichas clínicas de niños con HT menores de 15 años, evaluados entre Junio/04 y Agosto/05. El diagnóstico de HT se hizo con TSH suprimida y hormonas tiroideas elevadas. El estudio etiológico se realizó en base a anticuerpos TRAb, ATPO, ATG; Ecotomograña tiroidea, y captación de I131. Resultados: Se evaluaron 26 pacientes; 84,6 por ciento fueron mujeres. Edad promedio al diagnóstico fue 9,8 +/- 3,5 años (rango 3,8 a 14,5). La presentación clínica más frecuente fue bocio (96,2 por ciento), seguidos por taquicardia y sudoración. Etiología: Enfermedad de Graves 73 por ciento, Hashitoxicosis 15,3 por ciento y etiología no precisada 11,5 por ciento. Manejo: 88,4 por ciento inician con drogas antitiroideas (DAT); 78 por ciento PTU y 22 por ciento con Tiamazol. 62,5 por ciento se hizo eutiroideo a los 6 meses y 79,1 por ciento a los 12 meses. El 31,5 por ciento de EG presentó hipotiroidismo a los 6,3 +/- 4 meses de uso de DAT, requiriendo sustitución con LT4. El I131 fue indicado a 4 niños (16,6 por ciento): en 3 casos por compromiso hepático importante pre o post uso de PTU y 1 niña por abandono de tratamiento y reingreso con tormenta tiroidea. Tiroidectomía: se indicó a 2 pacientes (8,3 por ciento), ambos con EG; uno por bocio gigante, sin respuesta a DAT después de 19 meses de uso y el otro por persistir hipertiroideo después de 25 meses de uso de DAT. El 92 por ciento recibió (3 bloqueador (propanolol) para manejo de los síntomas adrenérgicos, (5 +/- 4 meses). Discusión y conclusiones: El bocio es el síntoma principal en pediatría. La etiología más frecuente es la Enf de Graves. Las DAT permitieron controlar el HT en 76,9 por ciento de los pacientes, no observamos complicaciones con el uso de I131...

Effects of combined interferon alpha and ribavirin therapy on thyroid functions in patients with chronic hepatitis C

To determine the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients of chronic hepatitis C during treatment with interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin therapy. A cohort study. Army Medical College and Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from February 2006 to January 2007. One hundred and sixty seven non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients were grouped into treatment group [n=107] and control group [n=60] awaiting treatment. Baseline serum[s.] Alanine Transferase [ALT] and S. Aspartate Transferase [AST] were measured by IFCC method. Serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone [S. TSH], serum free thyroxine [S. Free T4] and serum total triiodothyronine [S.T3] level were determined by chemiluminescence. Study group patients underwent 24 weeks IFN and ribavirin therapy and were followed-up for thyroid dysfunction at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Control group patients underwent the same tests at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS 15. Out of 107 patients of treatment group, 20 patients [18.69%] developed thyroid dysfunction. Females were at higher risk with Relative Risk [RR] of 11.25 and Attributable Risk [AR] of 91%. Hypothyroidism was more common than hyperthyroidism. Interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy induces thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients. Hypothyroidism was more common. Females are at a higher risk of developing thyroid dysfunction

Thyroid cancer in toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter.

BACKGROUND: Many authors have claimed that hyperthyroidism protects against thyroid cancer and believed that the incidence of malignancy is lower in patients with toxic multinodular goiter (TMG) than in those with non-toxic multinodular goiter. But in recent studies, it was reported that the incidence of malignancy with TMG is not as low as previously thought. AIM: To compare the thyroid cancer incidence in patients with toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Histology reports of patients treated surgically with a preoperative diagnosis of toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter were reviewed to identify the thyroid cancer incidence. Patients having a history of neck irradiation or radioactive iodine therapy were excluded from the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 294 patients operated between 2001-2005 from toxic and non-toxic multinodular goiter. One hundred and twenty-four of them were toxic and 170 were non-toxic. Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed by elevated tri-iodothyroinine / thyroxine ratios and low thyroid-stimulating hormone with clinical signs and symptoms. All patients were evaluated with ultrasonography and scintigraphy and fine needle aspiration biopsy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Significance of the various parameters was calculated by using ANOVA test. RESULTS: The incidence of malignancy was 9% in the toxic and 10.58% in the non-toxic multinodular goiter group. Any significant difference in the incidence of cancer and tumor size between the two groups could not be detected. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of malignancy in toxic multinodular goiter is not very low as thought earlier and is nearly the same in non-toxic multinodular goiter.

Hyperthyroidism due to secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin in a patient with metastatic choriocarcinoma

Relatamos o caso de uma gestante de 26 anos apresentando episódios de sangramento vaginal, perda ponderal e dispnéia, que recebeu o diagnóstico de coriocarcinoma com metástases pulmonares. O nível de gonadotrofina coriônica (hCG) era >2,5 x 106mU/mL. O TSH era de 0,037mU/L (0,49 - 4,67), o T4 de 18,1ug/dL (4,9 - 10,7), e o T3 de 136ng/dL (45 - 137), confirmando o quadro de hipertireoidismo subclínico induzido pela hCG. A paciente foi submetida a um regime combinado de quimioterapia com etoposídeo, metotrexate e dactiomicina. A evolucão inicial foi complicada por um quadro de urosepsis com insuficiência respiratória, necessitando entubacão endotraqueal por 3 dias. Após, houve melhora progressiva com normalizacão dos testes de funcão tireoideana no 12º dia de internamento. Após 6 meses e 10 ciclos de quimioterapia, a paciente estava em remissão e sem sinais de tumor residual ou de atividade paraneoplásica dependente de hCG.

Avaliação do tratamento definitivo do hipertireoidismo com radioiodo na Faculdade de Medicina do Triângulo Mineiro / Evaluation of radioiodine therapy as a definitive treatment for hyperthyroidism in the Triângulo Mineiro School of Medicine

O hipertireoidismo de origem auto-imune ou devido a doença autonômica da tireóide pode ser eficientemente controlado seja pela inibição temporária da hormoniogênese com as tiouréias, seja pela redução definitiva da massa folicular funcionante pela tireoidectomia ou administração de radioiodo. Com a intenção de conhecer os efeitos da radioiodoterapia na Faculdade de Medicina de Triângulo Mineiro, foram revisados 255 prontuários de pacientes com hipertireoidismo atendidos no ambulatório de tireóide entre janeiro de 1991 e 2001. O 1¹³¹ foi administrado a 61 pacientes portadores de doença de Basedow-Graves (DBG) (n=143), a seis com bócio multinodular tóxico (BMT) (n=17), e a 3 com bócio uninodular tóxico (BUI) (n=7). Apenas 1 caso de Hashitoxicese (n=40) de mais longa duração recebeu o mesmo tratamento. A maioria dos pacientes com DBG recebeu de 185 a 370MBq (5-10mCi) de 1¹³¹ e em dez pacientes com bócios volumosos foi necessário repetir a dose. Os pacientes com BMT e BUT receberam de 185 a 925MBg (5-25mCi) e uma segunda dose foi dada a três deles.Todos os pacientes foram curados do hipertireoidismo, não foram observadas complicações agudas, entretanto, o seguimento pós-dose até o momento detectou hipotireoidismo em 63% dos pacientes.

Hyperthyroidism either auto-immune or due to autonomic thyroid disease can be efficiently controlled by hormoniogenesis inhibition with antithyroid drugs or definitive reduction of functioning thyroid follicles number by either subtotal thyroidectomy or radioiodine administration. The effects of radioiodine therapy in the Triângulo Mineiro Medical School was investigated in 255 hyperthyroid patients treated between 1991 and 2001. 1¹³¹ was administered to 61 patients with Basedow-Graves disease (BGD), to six patients with multinodular toxic goiter (MTG), and to three patients with solitary toxic goiter (STG). Only one patient with Hashitoxicose ot unusual and longer duration received the same treatment. Patients with BGD were treated with 185 to 370MBq (5-10mCi) of 1¹³¹ but in ten of them with larger goiters it was necessary a second dose. Patients with MTG and STG received 185 to 925MBq (5-25mCi) and a second dose was given to three of them. All patients were considered cured from hyperthyroidism without acute complications, however follow up so far detected hypothyroidism in 63%.

Iodo radioativo no manejo do hipertireoidismo da doença de Graves / Radioactive iodine therapy in Graves' hyperthyroidism

O hipertireoidismo da doença de Graves, a forma mais comum de hipertireoidismo, é diretamente causado por auto-anticorpos que ativam o receptor do TSH. A etiologia parece ser multifatorial, envolvendo fatores genéticos e não genéticos. As opções terapêuticas atualmente disponíveis são as drogas antitireoidianas (DAT), a cirurgia e o iodo radioativo (131I), sendo que nenhuma delas é considerada ideal, visto que não atuam diretamente na etiologia/patogênese da disfunção. O 131I tem sido cada vez mais utilizado como primeira escolha terapêutica por tratar-se de um tratamento definitivo, de fácil administração e seguro. A associação com DAT, fatores prognósticos de falência e o cálculo da dose administrada são alguns dos aspectos controversos na utilização do 131I, sendo este o principal foco desta revisão. As DAT ainda são utilizadas como primeira escolha nos casos de pacientes com bócios pequenos, crianças e adolescentes, e na gravidez. A tireoidectomia é, atualmente, quase um tratamento de exceção, com indicação restrita para casos em que as DAT ou o 131I sejam contra-indicados.

Serum cytokine levels in autoimmune and non-autoimmune hyperthyroid states

Although the role of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (yIFN) is still poorly understood in hyperthyroid diseases, it is reasonable to assume that these cytokines may be present at higher levels in Graves' disease (GD) than in other primarily non-autoimmune thyroid diseases. In order to look for an easy method to distinguish GD from primarily non-autoimmune causes of hyperthyroidism, we compared 13 healthy individuals with 21 treated and untreated hyperthyroid GD patients and with 19 patients with hyperthyroidism due to other etiologies: 7 cases of multinodular goiter, 5 cases of excessive hormone replacement and 7 cases of amiodarone-associated hyperthyroidism. All patients presented low TSH levels and a dubious clinical thyroid state. We found a good correlation between TSH and serum IL-2 levels (r = 0.56; P