Medical treatment in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism: systematic review and meta-analysis / Tratamiento médico en gestantes con hipotiroidismo subclínico: revisión sistemática y meta-análisis

Abstract Objectives: to determine the effectiveness of medical therapy in reducing complications associated with subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Methods: in 2021, a systematic review of available cohort studies was carried out in three databases, with no publication date limit. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and odds ratios were calculated, with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Cohort risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology. Results: five studies were included for qualitative and quantitative synthesis. A statistically significant relationship was found between medical treatment in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism with respect to spontaneous abortion (p=0.03; OR=0.77; CI95%=0.61-0.97), and no statistically significant relationship was found for delivery preterm (p=0.46; OR=1.11; CI95%=0.85-1.44), nor for abrupt placentae (p=0.56; OR=1.60; CI95%=0.33-7.66). Three studies were at moderate risk of bias, and two were at low risk of bias. In all the results the certainty was very low. Conclusions: medical treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy can have a beneficial effect in reducing cases of spontaneous abortion.

Resumo Objetivos: determinar la efectividad de la terapia médica para disminuir las complicaciones asociadas al hipotiroidismo subclínico durante la gestación. Métodos: en el 2021 se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios de cohortes disponibles en tres bases de datos, sin límite de fecha de publicación. La selección de estudios y extracción de datos se realizaron por duplicado. Se realizó metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios y se calcularon los Odds ratio, con los correspondientes intervalos de confanza al 95%. El riesgo de sesgo de las cohortes se evaluó mediante la escala de Newcastle-Ottawa (NOS). La certeza de la evidencia se evaluó con la metodología GRADE. Resultados: cinco estudios fueron incluidos para síntesis cualitativa y cuantitativa. Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa del tratamiento médico en gestantes con hipotiroidismo subclínico con respecto al aborto espontáneo (p=0,03; OR=0,77; IC95%=0,61-0.97), no se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa para parto pre término (p=0.46; OR=1,11; IC95%=0.85-1.44), ni para abrupto placentae (p=0.56; OR=1,60; IC95%=0.33-7.66). Tres estudios tenían riesgo moderado de sesgo, y dos tenían riesgo de sesgo bajo. En todos los resultados la certeza fue muy baja. Conclusiones: el tratamiento médico del hipotiroidismo subclínico durante la gestación puede tener un efecto beneficioso para reducir los casos de aborto espontaneo.

Elementos básicos para el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico del coma mixedematoso en el paciente adulto / Basic elements for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of myxedematous coma in adult patients

Introducción: A pesar de su baja incidencia, la gravedad del cuadro clínico y la alta mortalidad hacen del coma mixedematoso una complicación a tener en cuenta. Objetivo: Describir los elementos básicos para el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico del coma mixedematoso en el paciente adulto. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura relevante sobre el tema. Se utilizaron buscadores de información científica como Pubmed y Google Académico. La estrategia de búsqueda incluyó los siguientes términos como palabras clave: hipotiroidismo primario, hipotiroidismo subclínico, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Fueron evaluados artículos de revisión, de investigación y páginas web que tuvieran menos de 10 años de publicados. Se consideraron los textos en idioma español e inglés y que hicieran referencia específicamente al tema de estudio a través del título. Fueron excluidos los artículos que no cumplieron con estas condiciones. Esto permitió el estudio de 64 artículos, de los cuales 40 fueron referenciados. Conclusiones: Para el diagnóstico del coma mixedematoso en el paciente adulto lo más importante es sospecharlo en aquellas personas que presenten factores precipitantes, acompañados de síntomas y signos de hipotiroidismo severo con diferentes grados de insuficiencia del sistema nervioso central, hipotermia, hipoventilación, insuficiencia circulatoria e hiponatremia. A esto se sumaría el escenario humoral característico y los posibles hallazgos dependientes de la enfermedad causante del hipotiroidismo. Se debe tratar con un reemplazo agresivo de levotiroxina sódica (vía endovenosa u oral, según posibilidades), unido a otras medidas de apoyo en el entorno hospitalario(AU)

Introduction: Despite its low incidence, the severity of the clinical picture and the high mortality make myxedematous coma a complication to be taken into account. Objective: Describe the basic elements for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of myxedematous coma in adult patients. Methods: A search of relevant literature on the subject was carried out. Pubmed and Google Scholar were used as search engines for scientific information. The search strategy included the following keyword terms: primary hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, diagnosis and treatment. Review articles, research articles and Web pages that, in general, had less than 10 years of publication, in Spanish and English that specifically referred to the subject of study through the title were evaluated. Articles that did not meet these conditions were excluded. This allowed the study of 64 articles, of which 40 were referenced. Conclusions: For the diagnosis of myxedematous coma in the adult patient, the most important thing is to suspect it in those people who present precipitating factors, accompanied by symptoms and signs of severe hypothyroidism with different degrees of central nervous system insufficiency, hypothermia, hypoventilation, circulatory insufficiency and hyponatremia. To this would be added the characteristic humoral scenario and the possible findings dependent on the disease causing hypothyroidism. It should be treated with an aggressive replacement of levothyroxine sodium (intravenous or oral way, accodring to the possibilities), together with other supportive measures in the hospital setting(AU)

Effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on the expression of 5-HT and cortisol in the serum, and MR and GR in the hippocampus in rats with hypothyroidism complicated with depression / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on behavior, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and cortisol in the serum, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the hippocampus in rats with hypothyroidism complicated with depression, and to explore the possible mechanism of wheat-grain moxibustion on improving depression in rats with hypothyroidism.@*METHODS@#A total of 32 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a medication group and a wheat-grain moxibustion group, 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the rats in the remaining groups were treated with intragastric administration of 0.1% propylthiouracil (PTU) suspension at 1 mL/100 g, once a day for 4 weeks to establish the rat model of hypothyroidism, and whether the rats were accompanied with depression-like behavior determined through behavioristics evaluation. The rats in the medication group were intervened with euthyrox at 0.9 mL/100 g, once a day, for 4 weeks; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were treated with wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Mingmen" (GV 4), "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Pishu" (BL 20), 7 cones each acupoint, once a day, six times a week for 4 weeks. After the intervention, the depression status was observed by behavioristics test; the contents of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), 5-HT and cortisol in the serum were detected by ELISA; the protein expressions of MR and GR in hippocampus were detected by Western blot; the expressions of MR mRNA and GR mRNA in the hippocampus were detected by real-time PCR.@*RESULTS@#Before the intervention, compared with the blank group, the scores of open field test (OFT) were decreased and the immobility time of tail suspension test (TST) was prolonged (P<0.05); the serum TSH contents were increased and TT4 contents were decreased (P<0.01) in the other three groups. After the intervention, compared with the model group, the vertical score of OFT was increased and the immobility time of forced swimming test (FST) was prolonged in the medication group (P<0.05), while the scores of three items of OFT were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the immobility time of FST and TST was shortened in the wheat-grain moxibustion group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the medication group, the immobility time of TST and FST in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was shorter (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the contents of serum TSH and cortisol were increased (P<0.01, P<0.001), while the contents of serum TT4 and 5-HT were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001). Compared with the model group, the contents of serum TT4 and 5-HT were increased, while the contents of serum TSH and cortisol were decreased in the medication group and wheat-grain moxibustion group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the protein and mRNA expression of MR, GR in the hippocampus in the model group was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001); compared with the model group, the protein and mRNA expression of MR in the hippocampus in the medication group were increased (P<0.05), and the protein expression of MR, GR and mRNA expression of MR in the hippocampus in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the medication group, the expression of MR mRNA in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was increased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Wheat-grain moxibustion could significantly improve thyroid function and depression in rats with hypothyroidism. Its mechanism may be related to up-regulating the protein and mRNA expression of MR and GR in the hippocampus, and then affecting the expression of serum cortisol and 5-HT.

El tratamiento paciente específico del hipertiroidismo con radioyodo: una oportunidad a la mejora / Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism with patient-specific techniques: an improvement opportunity

Introducción: La aplicación de actividades fijas en el tratamiento del hipertiroidismo con I131 (yoduro de sodio, conocido también como radioyodo), es el método más usado en nuestro país, a pesar de la individualidad morfo-funcional que caracteriza esta afección. Sin embargo, no existe aún, un consenso internacional sobre la dosis más conveniente para cada caso, y por ende, los resultados no siempre son los deseados. Objetivo: Evaluar la aplicabilidad de varios métodos de cálculo de dosis paciente-específica para el tratamiento de hipertiroidismo con yoduro de sodio. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis de los resultados de varios métodos de cálculo de dosis recomendados internacionalmente a partir de la actividad fija prescrita en 10 pacientes, con el empleo de tecnologías y herramientas ya desarrolladas y disponibles en el país. Se evaluó la variabilidad inter-especialista y su impacto en la dosis planificada para el tratamiento. Resultados: El uso de la información incompleta de la biodistribución y farmacocinética del paciente produjo diferencias entre -42 por ciento y 37 por ciento de las dosis para el mismo paciente. El resultado de la comparación del método de cálculo recomendado por la Sociedad Europea de Medicina Nuclear, manejando la masa por gammagrafía-2D / 3D y por ultrasonido, arrojó diferencias no significativas entre sí. La variabilidad inter-especialista de las actividades prescrita mostró diferencias significativas, que arrojan sobre el mismo paciente, discrepancias entre 44Gy y 243Gy de las dosis terapéuticas a recibir, situación que puede comprometer el éxito del tratamiento y producir efectos secundarios no deseados. Conclusiones: Las técnicas dosimétricas paciente-específicas se pueden implementar satisfactoriamente en nuestro país. Las diferencias numéricas encontradas, especialmente la variabilidad inter-especialista, demuestran la no estandarización terapéutica, lo que apoya el uso de la farmacocinética paciente-específica pre terapéutica y la masa por gammagrafía-3D para planificar el tratamiento siempre que sean posible(AU)

Introduction: Despite of its typical morpho-functional individuality, fixed activities remain as the most used method in Cuba for hyperthyroidism treatment with I (sodium iodide, also known as radioiodine). However, there is not yet an international consensus on the most convenient doses for each case, so, the results are not always the desired ones. Objective: To evaluate the applicability of various patient-specific dose calculation methods for the treatment of hyperthyroidism with sodium iodide. Methods: It was carried out an analysis in 10 patients of the results of some methods for dose calculation from the prescribed fixed activity recommended internationally, with the use of technologies and tools already developed and available in the country. The inter-specialist variability and its impact in the planned dose for the treatment were assessed. Results: The use of uncompleted biodistribution and pharmacokinetics information of the patient showed differences between -42 percent and 37 percent in the doses for the same patient. The outcome of the comparison of the calculation method recommended by the European Society of Nuclear Medicine managing the mass by 3D/2D gammagraphy and ultrasound, presented no significant discrepancies among them. The inter-specialist variability of prescribed activity was statistically significant, and it can produce in the same patient differences between 44Gy and 243Gy of the therapeutic doses, which could affect the treatment success and lead to unnecessary side effects. Conclusions: The patient´s personalized calculation methods can be satisfactorily applied in Cuba. The numeric differences found, especially inter-specialist variability, show the lack of therapeutic standardization, which supports the use of pre-therapeutic patient-specific pharmacokinetics and the mass by 3D-gammagraphy to plan the treatment when possible(AU)

Alteraciones tiroideas en la infancia y en la adolescencia. Parte 2: hipotiroidismo / Thyroid disorders in childhood and adolescence. Part 2: Hypothyroidism

El hipotiroidismo es la disfunción tiroidea más frecuente, resultante de una disminución de la actividad biológica de las hormonas tiroideas en los tejidos. El objetivo es realizar una revisión y actualización del hipotiroidismo adquirido en la infancia y adolescencia con énfasis en el hipotiroidismo primario. La causa más común es la tiroiditis de Hashimoto o tiroiditis linfocitaria crónica. La característica distintiva es el impacto profundo en el crecimiento esquelético, maduración y desarrollo puberal, con potencial repercusión en la talla adulta. Los signos y síntomas del hipotiroidismo adquirido son similares a los adultos y, en general, no se asocia con compromiso del desarrollo neuromadurativo.La presunción clínica se confirma con niveles elevados de tirotrofina y disminuidos de tiroxina libre. Las metas del tratamiento incluyen lograr adecuado crecimiento, maduración sexual, desarrollo neuromadurativo y cognitivo óptimo. En la mayoría de los pacientes, el tratamiento de reemplazo revierte los signos y síntomas.

Hypothyroidism is the most frequent thyroid dysfunction. It is the consequence of a decrease in the biological activity of thyroid hormones in target tissues. The aim of this paper is to review and update acquired hypothyroidism in childhood and adolescence with emphasis on primary hypothyroidism due to its greater frequency. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of primary acquired hypothyroidism. The distinctive feature is the profound impact on skeletal growth, maturation, and pubertal development, with potential implications on adult height. Signs and symptoms of acquired hypothyroidism are similar to those reported in adults and are generally not associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. Biochemi confirmation of primary hypothyroidism requires the finding of elevated thyrophine and decreased free thyroxine levels. Treatment goals are to achieve normal growth and maturation as well as cognitive development. In most of the patients, replacement treatment reverses symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism and may decrease goiter size.

Hypothyroidism associated with short bowel syndrome in children: a report of six cases

SUMMARY Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of intestinal failure in children, a condition of absence of sufficient bowel to meet the nutritional and metabolic needs of a growing individual. The treatment of patients in this situation is based on the association of parenteral and enteral nutrition for prolonged periods of time until intestinal rehabilitation occurs with complete enteral nutrition autonomy. Six consecutive cases of children with SBS (residual intestinal length of 5 cm to 75 cm) were managed with this program and were diagnosed with associated hypothyroidism during the treatment (ages at the diagnosis 5 months to 12 years). All patients were successfully treated with oral hormone reposition therapy and in one patient, the replacement was performed via rectal enemas due to a complete absence of small bowel. Although iodine deficiency associated to long-term parenteral nutrition is a well-known condition, this is the first report in the literature about an expressive number of patients with hypothyroidism detected in patients with SBS during the prolonged treatment for intestinal rehabilitation.

Exercise training improves quality of life in women with subclinical hypothyroidism: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim was to evaluate the quality of life (HRQoL) in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (sHT) after 16 weeks of endurance training. Subjects and methods: In the first phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted in which 22 women with sHT (median age: 41.5 (interquartile range: 175) years, body mass index: 26.2 (8.7) kg/m2, thyroid stimulating hormone > 4.94 mIU/L and free thyroxine between 0.8 and 1.3 ng/dL were compared to a group of 33 euthyroid women concerned to HRQoL. In the second phase, a randomized clinical trial was conducted where only women with sHT were randomly divided into two groups: sHT-Tr (n = 10) - participants that performed an exercise program - and sHT-Sed (n = 10) - controls. Exercise training consisted of 60 minutes of aerobic activities (bike and treadmill), three times a week, for 16 weeks. The HRQoL was assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire in the early and at the end of four months. Results: Women with sHT had lower scores on functional capacity domain in relation to the euthyroid ones (770 ± 23.0 vs. 88.8 ± 14.6; p = 0.020). The sHT-Tr group improved functional capacity, general health, emotional aspects, mental and physical component of HRQoL after training period, while the sHT-Sed group showed no significant changes. Conclusion: After 16 weeks of aerobic exercise training, there were remarkable improvements in HRQoL in women with sHT.

TeleCondutas: hipotireoidismo / TeleGuides: hypothyroidism

É a doença tireoidiana mais comum, com prevalência de 2% na população geral e 15% em pessoas com mais de 60 anos. A doença acomete oito vezes mais mulheres do que homens. A principal forma de apresentação do hipotireoidismo (95% dos casos) é decorrente à alterações primárias na glândula tireoide (hipotireoidismo primário), podendo também ocorrer secundário a medicamentos (antitireoidianos, amiodarona, lítio, interferon, talidomida e rifampicina) e disfunções hipofisárias (hipotireoidismo secundário) ou hipotalâmicas (hipotireoidismo terciário). Não há indicação para solicitar TSH como rastreamento populacional em pacientes assintomáticos ou em gestantes. O TSH só deve ser solicitado para pacientes com suspeita de disfunção tireoidiana. Da mesma forma, ecografia de tireoide não deve ser solicitada para pacientes com suspeita ou diagnóstico de hipotireoidismo, mas sim para pacientes com alterações na palpação cervical. Esta guia apresenta informação que orienta a conduta para casos de hipotireoidismo no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde, incluindo: Sinais e Sintomas, Diagnóstico, Tratamento, Acompanhamento, Hipotireoidismo na gestação, Encaminhamento para serviço especializado.

Hipotireoidismo e gestação: importância do pré-natal no diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento / Hypothyroidism and pregnancy: the importance of prenatal diagnosis, treatment and monitoring / Hipotiroidismo y embarazo: la importancia del diagnóstico prenatal, tratamiento y seguimiento

A pesquisa teve por objetivo investigar o perfil epidemiológico do hipotireoidismo na gestação na cidade de Palmas-TO. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório do tipo documental, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado na Maternidade Pública e no Centro de Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva. Analisaram-se 15 prontuários de mulheres portadoras de hipotireoidismo, sendo quatro na Maternidade e 11 no Centro de Saúde Sexual e Reprodutivo (CSSR). A idade materna média foi de 30,2 anos; a idade gestacional média, de 16,3 anos; o histórico pessoal da doença contempla 14 indivíduos; a história de abortos contempla cinco; a reposição hormonal ocorreu em quatro gestantes. Em relação aos exames repetidos durante a gestação, obteve-se um registro nos prontuários. Concluiu-se que o acompanhamento se deu de forma pontual, com intervenções pertinentes, entretanto, é preciso melhorar a qualidade dos registros nos prontuários, uma vez que informações não preenchidas dificultaram o entendimento do prognóstico dessas mulheres no pré-natal de alto risco.

The research aimed to investigate the epidemiological profile of hypothyroidism during pregnancy in the city of Palmas-TO. This is a descriptive and exploratorystudy of documentary type, with quantitative approach, carried out at the Public Maternity and at the Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health. The analysiscomprised 15 medical records of women with hypothyroidism, four from the Maternity and eleven from the Center for Sexual and Reproductive Health (CSRH).The average maternal age was 30.2 years and average gestational age was 16.3 years; the personal history of this disease was present in 14 individuals; history ofabortions was present in 5; hormone replacement occurred in 4 pregnant women. Regarding the repeated hormonal assessments during pregnancy, there wasone case according to the medical records. We conclude that monitoring occurred in a timely manner with pertinent interventions; however, it is necessary toimprove the quality of the medical records, since missing information hindered the understanding of the prognosis of women under high-risk prenatal.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el perfil epidemiológico del hipotiroidismo durante el embarazo en la ciudad de Palmas-TO. Se trata deun estudio exploratorio descriptivo tipo documental, con enfoque cuantitativo, conducido en la Maternidad Pública y en el Centro de Salud Sexualy Reproductiva. Se analizaron los archivos médicos de 15 mujeres con hipotiroidismo, once de la Maternidad y cuatro del Centro de Salud Sexualy Reproductiva (CSSR). La edad materna promedio era 30,2 años; la edad promedio de las embarazadas era 16,3 años; la historia personal de laenfermedad considera a 14 mujeres; la historia de abortos incluye a 5; el reemplazo hormonal se produjo en 4 mujeres embarazadas. En cuanto alos exámenes repetidos durante el embarazo se obtuvo 1 registro en los archivos. Se puede concluir que el seguimiento de las embarazadas ocurriópuntualmente con las intervenciones adecuadas; sin embargo, es necesario mejorar la calidad de los registros en los archivos ya que informacionessin llenar perjudican la comprensión del pronóstico de las mujeres en el prenatal de alto riesgo.

Management of gestational hypothyroidism: results of a Brazilian survey

Objectives Evaluate the management of hypothyroidism in fertile-aged and pregnant women and compare these practices to the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) and the Latin American Thyroid Society, published in 2013. Materials and methods In the first trimester of 2014, SBEM made available to all members an electronic questionnaire based on clinical scenarios in the management of gestational hypothyroidism. The responses of 406 physicians, most of them endocrinologists, were analyzed. Results Eighty-one per cent of the endocrinologists screen all their pregnant patients for thyroid dysfunction, mostly during the pregestational period or after the first prenatal visit. Following screening, 82% of the respondents initiate treatment when TSH levels are > 2.5 mIU/L while 67% monitor their pregnant patients even if TSH was normal on first trimester screening. For hypothyroid women who are planning pregnancy, 96% of the clinicians are aware of the importance of adjusting the levothyroxine (LT4) dose as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. However, opinions diverge with respect to adjusting the LT4 dose before or after reassessing thyroid function. The most widely used tests for monitoring pregnant women in use of LT4 are TSH and free T4 (62%) or TSH alone (21%). Unanimously, the treatment goal is to achieve the target TSH level for each trimester of gestation. Conclusion The recommendations of the consensus statements are incorporated into the respondents’ clinical practice. It is noteworthy that the great majority of the clinicians favor universal screening.

Paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica: relato de caso / Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis: a case report

Relata-se neste artigo o caso de um paciente de ascendência negra com quadro agudo e progressivo de paralisia flácida ascendente, sem comprometimento de musculatura respiratória ou facial, em vigência de hipertireoidismo em tratamento e hipocalemia desencadeados por quadro infeccioso. Foi realizado o diagnóstico de paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica e controle inicial dos sintomas por adequação sérica do potássio e posterior resolução do quadro após tratamento com iodoterapia.

It is reported in this paper the case of a black ancestry patient with acute and progressive framework ascending flaccid paralysis without impairment of respiratory and facial muscles, in effect in treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypokalemia triggered by infection. The diagnosis of thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis was accomplished and initial symptoms were controlled for adequacy of serum potassium and subsequent resolution after treatment with radioiodine.

Redução e/ou negativação dos anticorpos antitireoidianos com tratamento homeopático: série de casos / Reduced and/or negative anti-thyroid antibodies after homeopathic treatment: a case series

O presente artigo descreve uma série de 9 casos de pacientes, de sexo feminino, idade de 31 a 56 anos, com diagnóstico de tireoidite autoimune, cujos títulos de anticorpos antitireoidianos diminuíram ou negativaram depois de ratamento homeopático. Além disso, em alguns casos foi possível recuperar o equilíbrio funcional da glândula. O acompanhamento foi variável, de 30 dias até 18 anos.

The present article describes a series of 9 cases corresponding to female patients, age 31 to 56 old, diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis, who exhibited reduced or negative anti-thyroid antibodies after homeopathic treatment. In some cases, normal function of thyroid was additionally achieved. Follow-up was variable, from 30 days to 18 years.

Tratamento do hipotireoidismo no idoso / Treatment of hypothyroidism in the elderly

A população mundial está envelhecendo, e o interesse pelo estudo da associação entre disfunções tireoidianas e o processo de envelhecimento também. Existem evidências de que os níveis de TSH são mais elevados na população idosa, com uma relação positiva entre os aumentos da faixa etária e do TSH. A elevação do TSH pode chegar a mais de 20%, sendo que a grande maioria apresenta hipotireoidismo subclínico (HSC). Essa elevação ocorre também na população idosa sem doença autoimune tireoidiana, sugerindo que faça parte do processo fisiológico relacionado ao envelhecimento...

The world population is aging and the interest in the study of association between thyroid dysfunctions and aging process is also increasing. There are evidences that serum TSH levels are higher in the elderly population, with a positive relationship between age and TSH. The prevalence of TSH elevations can reach over 20%, and the vast majority has subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). This elevation of TSH occurs also in the elderly population without autoimmune thyroid disease, suggesting that it could be part of a physiological process related to aging...

Role of thyroxin versus Brewer's yeast supplementation in amelioration of pancreatic alterations induced by hypothyroidism in adult male albino rats

Induction of hypothyroidism by carbimazole could affect many glands including the pancreas. Brewer's yeast, a herbal product, is recently under research for its possible uses. The aim of the study was to study the microscopic, morphometric, and biochemical changes in the pancreas of hypothyroid rats and to evaluate the role of thyroxin versus Brewer's yeast in amelioration of these changes. Sixty adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups. Group I rats served as a control group. Group II rats received carbimazole. Group III rats received carbimazole followed by thyroxin. Group IV rats received carbimazole followed by Brewer's yeast. Group V rats received only Brewer's yeast. At the end of the experimental period, specimens from the pancreas were processed for light and transmission electron microscopic examinations and immunostaining for Ki-67. Biochemical analysis for T3, T4, and insulin was performed. In addition, body mass gain and pancreatic mass were measured. All parameters were statistically analyzed. Group II specimens revealed congestion of blood vessels and cellular infiltration. Acinar cells showed pyknotic nuclei, hyalinization, and vacuolation of the cytoplasm, with few zymogen granules. beta Cells of the islets of Langerhans revealed depletion of organelles and small granules without their characteristic halo. Immunostaining revealed significant decrease in the percentage of Ki-67-positive nuclei. In group III, the acini revealed numerous secretory granules, few vacuoles, and euchromatic nuclei. beta Cells showed secretory granules with the characteristic halo. Group IV revealed less improvement in the histopathological changes as compared with group III. T3, T4, and insulin levels were significantly lower in hypothyroid rats in comparison with the control group, whereas administration of thyroxin showed restoration of these levels to near control values. Hypothyroidism showed a deleterious effect on the histological structure of rat's pancreas. Administration of thyroxin minimized these effects more than administration of Brewer's yeast

Avaliação terapêutica e posológica da levotiroxina sódica em cães com hipotiroidismo primário adquirido / L-levothyroxine therapeutic dosage evaluation in dogs with primary hypothyroidism

O hipotireoidismo primário adquirido é uma endocrinopatia frequentemente diagnosticada na espécie canina. A terapia consiste na suplementação oral com levotiroxina sódica (L-tiroxina), no entanto vários protocolos terapêuticos têm sido propostos pela literatura, com doses variando 11 a 44µg/kg uma a duas vezes ao dia, visto à grande variabilidade de absorção e meia-vida plasmática do fármaco. Foram estudados 30 cães com hipotiroidismo primário adquirido (13 machos e 17 fêmeas, idade média de 7,9±1,9 anos e peso médio de 19,1±12,6 kg) atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Guarulhos (UnG) e no Serviço de Endocrinologia de duas clínicas particulares da cidade de São Paulo (2009-2011), com o objetivo de avaliar a posologia e a frequência de administração da L-tiroxina, mais frequentemente utilizada, capaz de garantir um controle terapêutico satisfatório, avaliado através dos sinais clínicos e do teste pós-tiroxina, além de correlacionar a dose de tiroxina empregada com o peso dos animais. A dose média de tiroxina utilizada em nossa casuística foi de 16,9±3,1µg/kg, sendo a frequência de administração a cada 12 horas em 50% dos casos. Para se investigar uma possível correlação entre o peso e a dosagem de tiroxina utilizada, uma vez que cães de pequeno porte apresentam maior taxa metabólica que cães de grande porte, os animais foram agrupados em grupo A, cães com peso <10 Kg (n=12/30; 7,7±2,1 kg) e grupo B, cães com peso >10 kg (n=18/30, 26,8±10,7 kg). A dose média de tiroxina empregada nos grupos A e B não apresentaram diferença estatística e foram, respectivamente, 16±3µg/kg e 17±3µg/kg. A frequência de administração foi 50% a cada 24 horas e 50% a cada 12 horas para ambos os grupos. Dessa forma, a dose de tiroxina não parece se correlacionar com o peso do animal, sendo imprevisível quem deverá receber dose e frequência máxima da medicação. O protocolo deve ser individualizado e o paciente devidamente monitorado.

The acquired primary hypothyroidism is a frequently diagnosed endocrinopathy in dogs. The therapy constitutes in oral supplementation with sodium levothyroxine (L-thyroxine), however various therapeutic protocols have been proposed in the literature, with doses ranging from11 to 44mg/kg once or twice a day, since L-thyroxine has a great variability of absorption and plasma half life. We studied 30 dogs with primary hypothyroidism (13 males and 17 females, mean age 7.9±1.9 years and mean weight of 19.1±12.6 kg), in order to evaluate the dose and frequency of administration of L-thyroxine used more often able to secure a satisfactory therapeutic control as measured by clinical signs and test post-pill, and to correlate the amount of thyroxine employed with the animals' weight. The mean dose of thyroxine used in our study was 16.9±3.1mg/kg, and the frequency of administration every 12 hours in 50% of cases. To investigate a possible correlation between weight and dose of thyroxine used, since small dogs have a higher metabolic rate than large dogs, the animals were grouped in Group A, dogs weighing <10 kg (n=12/30, 7.7±2.1 kg) and group B, dogs weighing> 10 kg (n=18/30, 26.8±10.7 kg). The mean dose of thyroxine used in groups A and B did not differ significantly and were respectively 16±3mg/kg and 17±3mg/kg. The frequency of administration was 50% every 24 hours and 50% every 12 hours for both groups. Thus, the dose of thyroxine does not seem to correlate with the weight of the animal being unpredictable who should receive the highest dose and frequency of the medication. The protocol should be individualized and the patient adequately monitored.

Infertilidad femenina, mejora luego del diagnóstico y tratamiento del hipotiroidismo subclínico / Female infertility, improves after of the diagnosis and tratment of subclinic hypothyroidism

Introducción: El hipotiroidismo subclínico se conoce desde 1970, cursa a menudo en forma asintomática o con signos clínicos indefinidos, de los cuales, la falla reproductiva es uno de ellos. Y su prevalencia en la literatura es muy variable. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, apareado, directo, no ciego, no experimental, de 59 mujeres en edad reproductiva, que por un año buscaron embarazo sin conseguirlo, en las que se descartó otras causas de falla reproductiva, tiempo que fue desde marzo del año 2000 hasta diciembre de 2005. Se les busco sistemáticamente hipotiroidismo subclínico y posteriormente se les inició tratamiento con hormona tiroidea, observándolas por un periodo de un año, registrándose si se obtenía o no una gestación. Resultados: en nuestro grupo de estudio de las 59 mujeres incluídas, al cabo de un año de iniciado el tratamiento con hormona tiroidea se consiguió gestación en 15 de ellas (el 25.42 por ciento). Al analizar dicho resultado mediante metodología estadística, para nuestra apareada, se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, dando una p=0.0001093. Conclusiones: consideramos que el hipotiroidismo subclínico debe ser buscado rutinariamente en personas que buscan fertilidad y no tienen otra causa de falla reproductiva que impida conseguir el embarazo. Los resultados obtenidos con tratamiento hormonal tiroideo adecuado, en este pequeño grupo de pacientes, logró conseguir el 25.42 por ciento de gestaciones. Situación que abre la posibilidad de ampliar ésta actitud a un grupo mayor de pacientes en un contexto semejante.

Niña con hiperlipemia grave, secundaria a hipotiroidismo por tiroiditis atrófica autoinmunitaria / Severe hyperlipidemia, secondary to hypothyroidism due to atrophic thyroiditis in a girl

Se presenta una niña de 5 años y 8 meses de edad afectada de hiperlipemia grave, no sólo por valores elevados de colesterol total y colesterol asociado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad, sino también por depósito ectópico de grasa en pericardio visceral. Fue tratada con dieta y colestiramina sin diagnóstico de su enfermedad causal. Al momento de la consulta presentaba detención del crecimiento, pérdida de peso, signos clínicos de hipometabolismo y Rx con edad ósea retrasada. El perfil tiroideo confirmó el diagnóstico de hipotiroidismo. Por anticuerpos antitiroideos positivos y franca disminución del volumen tiroideo se hizo diagnóstico de tiroiditis atrófica autoinmunitaria, patología de presentación muy rara en la primera infancia. El diagnóstico tardío afectó el crecimiento lineal.