Approach to adult patients with primary hypothyroidism in some special situations: a position statement from the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM)

ABSTRACT Primary hypothyroidism is a common disorder in clinical practice. The management of most cases of hypothyroidism is usually straightforward, but the best approach in some special situations may raise questions among physicians. This position statement was prepared by experts from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism to guide the management of three special situations, namely, hypothyroidism in the elderly, subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with heart disease, and difficult-to-control hypothyroidism. The authors prepared the present statement after conducting a search on the databases MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO and selecting articles with the best evidence quality addressing the selected situations. The statement presents information about the current approach to patients in these special situations.

Choosing Wisely for Thyroid Conditions: Recommendations of the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

ABSTRACT Objective: Choosing Wisely (CW) is an initiative that aims to advance the dialogue between physicians and patients about low-value health interventions. Given that thyroid conditions are frequent in clinical practice, we aimed to develop an evidence-based list of thyroid CW recommendations. Materials and methods: The Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM) named a Task Force to conduct the initiative. The Task Force work was based on an electronic Delphi approach. The 10 recommendations that received the highest scores by the Task Force were submitted for voting by all SBEM associates. The 5 recommendations that received the highest scores by SBEM associates are presented herein. Results: The Task Force was composed of 14 thyroidologists from 10 tertiary-care, teaching-based Brazilian institutions. The brainstorming/ideation phase resulted in 69 recommendations. After the removal of duplicates and recommendations that did not adhere to the initiative's scope, 35 remained. Then the Task Force voted to attribute a grade (0 [lowest agreement] to 10 [highest agreement]) for each recommendation. The 10 recommendations that received the highest scores by the Task Force were submitted to all SBEM associates. A total of 683 associates voted electronically, attributing a grade (0 to 10) for each recommendation. The 5 recommendations that received the highest scores by the SBEM associates compose our final list. Conclusion: A set of recommendations to avoid unnecessary medical tests, treatments, or procedures for thyroid conditions are offered with a transparent methodology. This initiative aims to foster productive interactions between physicians and patients, stimulating shared decision-making.

Is there a place for measuring serum calcitonin prior to thyroidectomy in patients with a non-diagnostic thyroid nodule biopsy?

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the cytopathological Bethesda System classification of thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in MTC patients and to assess the role of preoperative serum calcitonin (CT) levels in the investigation of this neoplasm in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients under observation at the Uopeccan (União Oeste Paranaense de Estudos e Combate ao Câncer). Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional review of medical records of patients monitored at the thyroid cancer outpatient clinic of Uopeccan. Clinical and demographic data, laboratory tests, ultrasound images, and cytopathological findings of MTC patients were evaluated. Results and discussion: Among the 360 patients with thyroid cancer monitored in the outpatient clinic, 5.2% (n: 19/360) had MTC. The hereditary form was more prevalent (63.2%), and there was no sex preference. The most common ultrasound findings were hypoechogenicity, solid appearance and microcalcifications. The FNAB diagnoses showed a sensitivity of 47.1%, and the most common cytopathological report was Bethesda category III. Serum CT levels showed good sensitivity (84.6%) for the diagnosis of MTC, and sensitivity levels were directly associated with the size of the nodule and distant metastases. Conclusion: Bethesda category III was more prevalent in this group of MTC patients. Serum CT levels were more sensitive than cytopathology for diagnosis of this neoplasm and were able to identify all patients who could not be diagnosed by FNAB.

Thyroid nodules ≤ 1 cm and papillary thyroid microcarcinomas: Brazilian experts opinion

ABSTRACT The indolent evolution of low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (mPTC) in adult patients and the consequences of thyroidectomy require a revision of the management traditionally recommended. Aiming to spare patients unnecessary procedures and therapies and to optimize the health system in Brazil, we suggest some measures. Fine-needle aspiration of nodules ≤ 1 cm without extrathyroidal extension on ultrasonography should be performed only in nodules classified as "very suspicious" (i.e., high suspicion according to ATA, high risk according to AACE, TI-RADS 5) and in selected cases [age < 40 years, nodule adjacent to the trachea or recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), multiple suspicious nodules, presence of hypercalcitoninemia or suspicious lymph nodes]. Active surveillance (AS) rather than immediate surgery should be considered in adult patients with low-risk mPTC. Lobectomy is the best option in patients with unifocal low-risk mPTC who are not candidates for AS because of age, proximity of the tumor to the trachea or RLN, or because they opted for surgery. The same applies to patients who started AS but had a subsequent surgical indication not due to a suspicion of tumor extension beyond the gland or multicentricity. Molecular tests are not necessary to choose between AS and surgery or, in the latter case, between lobectomy and total thyroidectomy. The presence of RAS or other RAS-like mutations or BRAFV600E or other BRAF V600E-like mutations should not modify the management cited above; however, the rare cases of mPTC exhibiting high-risk mutations, like in the TERT promoter or p53, are not candidates for AS.

Clinical outcomes of low and intermediate risk differentiated thyroid cancer patients treated with 30mCi for ablation or without radioactive iodine therapy

ABSTRACT Objective To retrospectively evaluate the outcomes of patients with low and intermediate risk thyroid carcinoma treated with total thyroidectomy (TT) and who did not undergo radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) and to compare them to patients receiving low dose of iodine (30 mCi). Subjects and methods A total of 189 differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients treated with TT followed by 30mCi for RRA or not, followed in two referral centers in Brazil were analyzed. Results From the 189 patients, 68.8% was ATA low-risk, 30.6% intermediate and 0.6% high risk. Eighty-seven patients underwent RRA and 102 did not. The RRA groups tended to be younger and had a higher frequency of extra-thyroidal extension (ETE). RRA did not have and impact on response to initial therapy neither in low (p = 0.24) nor in intermediate risk patients (p = 0.66). It also had no impact on final outcome and most patients had no evidence of disease (NED) at final follow-up. Recurrence/persistence of disease was found in 1.2% of RRA group and 2% in patients treated only with TT (p = 0.59). Conclusions Our study shows that in low and intermediate-risk patients, RRA with 30 mCi seems to have no major advantage over patients who did not undergo RRA regarding response to initial therapy in each risk group and also in long term outcomes.

Treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine plus liothyronine: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the effects of a unique fixed combination levothyroxine/liothyronine (LT4/LT3) therapy in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Subjects and methods This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Adults with primary hypothyroidism (n = 32, age 42.6 ± 13.3, 30 females) on stable doses of LT4 for ≥ 6 months (125 or 150 μg/day) were randomized to continue LT4 treatment (G1) or to start LT4/LT3 therapy (75/15 μg/day; G2). After 8 weeks, participants switched treatments for 8 more weeks. Thyroid function, lipid profile, plasma glucose, body weight, electrocardiogram, vital signs, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated at weeks 0, 8 and 16. Results Free T4 levels were significantly lower while on LT4/LT3 (G1: 1.07 ± 0.29 vs. 1.65 ± 0.46; G2: 0.97 ± 0.26 vs. 1.63 ± 0.43 ng/dL; P < 0.001). TSH and T3 levels were not affected by type of therapy. More patients on LT4/LT3 had T3 levels above the upper limit (15% vs. 3%). The combination therapy led to an increase in heart rate, with no significant changes in electrocardiogram or arterial blood pressure. Lipid profile, body weight and QoL remained unchanged. Conclusions The combination therapy yielded significantly lower free T4 levels, with no changes in TSH or T3 levels. More patients on LT4/T3 had elevated T3 levels, with no significant alterations in the evaluated outcomes. No clear clinical benefit of the studied formulation could be observed. Future trials need to evaluate different formulations and the impact of the combined therapy in select populations with genetic polymorphisms.

Evaluation of percutaneous ethanol injections in benign thyroid nodules / Avaliação do tratamento com injeção percutânea com etanol em nódulos benignos de tireoide

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Subjects and methods We evaluated 120 patients with benign thyroid nodules. Patients underwent evaluation of serum TSH and free T4, cervical ultrasound, and thyroid scintigraphy (in those with suppressed TSH levels). The application of sterile ethanol 99% was guided by ultrasound, with the injected volume amounting to one-third of the nodule volume. Response was considered complete (reduction of 90%); partial (reduction between 50 and 90%); or none (reduction of < 50%). Autonomous nodules were evaluated for normalization of TSH levels. Results Among the nodules studied, 30.8% were solid, 56.7% were mixed, 12.5% were cystic, and 21.6% were hyperfunctioning. The initial volume of the treated nodules ranged from 0.9 to 74.8 mL (mean 13.1 ± 12.4 mL). We performed 1-8 sessions of PEI, applying an average of 6.2 mL of ethanol for patient. After 2 years of follow-up, 17% of patients achieved a complete response (94% reduction); 53%, a partial response (70% reduction); and 30%, no response. A reduction in the volume of autonomous nodules was noted in 70% of cases, and 54% had a normalized value of TSH. The main side effect is local pain, lasting less than 24 hours in most cases. Conclusion This study showed that PEI is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of benign, solid or mixed thyroid nodules. Most cases resulted in significant reduction in nodule volume, with normalization of thyroid function. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(9):912-7 .

Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança da injeção percutânea de etanol (IPE) no tratamento de nódulos tireoidianos benignos. Sujeitos e métodos Foram avaliados 120 pacientes com nódulos benignos de tireoide. Todos realizaram dosagens de TSH, T4 livre, ecografia cervical (US) e cintilografia de tireoide (em pacientes com TSH suprimido). A aplicação de etanol estéril a 99% foi guiada por US e o volume de etanol injetado correspondeu a um terço do volume nodular calculado. A resposta foi considerada completa (redução de 90%); parcial (redução entre 50 e 90%) ou ausência de resposta (redução menor que 50%). Nos nódulos autônomos, foi avaliada a normalização do TSH. Resultados Entre os nódulos estudados, 30,8% eram sólidos, 56,7% eram mistos, 12,5% eram císticos e 21,6%, nódulos hiperfuncionantes. O volume inicial dos nódulos tratados variou de 0,9 a 74,8 mL (média 13,1 ± 12,4 mL). Foram realizadas de 1 a 8 sessões de IPE (média 2,8), com aplicação média de 6,2 mL de etanol por paciente. Após dois anos de seguimento, 17% dos pacientes obtiveram resposta completa (redução de 94%), 53% obtiveram resposta parcial (redução de 70%) e 30% não responderam. Houve redução de volume nos nódulos autônomos em 70% dos casos, e 54% normalizaram o valor do TSH. Os efeitos colaterais registrados foram decorrentes apenas do desconforto no local de aplicação. Conclusão Este trabalho mostrou que a IPE é um procedimento seguro e eficaz para tratamento de nódulos benignos, sólidos ou mistos de tireoide. ...

Thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer: update on the Brazilian consensus / Nódulo tireoidiano e câncer diferenciado de tireoide: atualização do consenso brasileiro

Thyroid nodules are frequent findings, especially when sensitive imaging methods are used. Although thyroid cancer is relatively rare, its incidence is increasing, particularly in terms of small tumors, which have an uncertain clinical relevance. Most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer exhibit satisfactory clinical outcomes when treatment is appropriate, and their mortality rate is similar to that of the overall population. However, relapse occurs in a considerable fraction of these patients, and some patients stop responding to conventional treatment and eventually die from their disease. Therefore, the challenge is how to identify the individuals who require more aggressive disease management while sparing the majority of patients from unnecessary treatments and procedures. We have updated the Brazilian Consensus that was published in 2007, emphasizing the diagnostic and therapeutic advances that the participants, representing several Brazilian university centers, consider most relevant in clinical practice. The formulation of the present guidelines was based on the participants' experience and a review of the relevant literature.

Nódulos tireoidianos são muito frequentes, sobretudo quando se empregam métodos sensíveis de imagem. Embora o câncer seja proporcionalmente raro, sua incidência vem aumentando, especialmente de tumores pequenos, cuja evolução clínica é incerta. A maioria dos pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado de tireoide evolui bem quando adequadamente tratada, com índices de mortalidade similares à população geral. Por outro lado, um percentual não desprezível apresenta recidivas e alguns eventualmente não respondem às terapias convencionais, evoluindo para óbito. Assim, o desafio é distinguir os pacientes merecedores de condutas mais agressivas e, ao mesmo tempo e não menos importante, poupar a maioria de tratamentos e procedimentos desnecessários. Atualizamos o Consenso Brasileiro publicado em 2007, ressaltando os avanços diagnósticos e terapêuticos que os participantes, de diferentes Centros Universitários do Brasil, consideram mais relevantes para prática clínica. A elaboração dessas diretrizes foi baseada na experiência dos participantes e revisão da literatura pertinente.

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of hypothyroidism / Diretrizes clínicas práticas para o manejo do hipotiroidismo

INTRODUCTION: Hypothyroidism has long been known for its effects on different organ systems, leading to hypometabolism. However, subclinical hypothyroidism, its most prevalent form, has been recently related to cardiovascular risk and also to maternal-fetal complications in pregnant women. OBJECTIVES: In these clinical practice guidelines, several aspects of this field have been discussed with the clear objectives of helping physicians treat patients with hypothyroidism, and of sharing some of our Latin American-based clinical experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Latin American Thyroid Society commissioned a Task Force on Hypothyroidism to develop evidence-based clinical guidelines on hypothyroidism. A systematic review of the available literature, focused on the primary databases of MedLine/PubMed and Lilacs/SciELO was performed. Filters to assess methodological quality were applied to select the best quality studies. The strength of recommendation on a scale from A-D was based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence--based Medicine, Levels of Evidence 2009, allowing an unbiased opinion devoid of subjective viewpoints. The areas of interest for the studies comprised diagnosis, screening, treatment and a special section for hypothyroidism in pregnancy. RESULTS: Several questions based on diagnosis, screening, treatment of hypothyroidism in adult population and specifically in pregnant women were posed. Twenty six recommendations were created based on the answers to these questions. Despite the fact that evidence in some areas of hypothyroidism, such as therapy, is lacking, out of 279 references, 73% were Grade A and B, 8% Grade C and 19% Grade D. CONCLUSIONS: These evidence-based clinical guidelines on hypothyroidism will provide unified criteria for management of hypothyroidism throughout Latin America. Although most of the studies referred to are from all over the world, the point of view of thyroidologists from Latin America is also given.

INTRODUÇÃO: O hipotiroidismo é amplamente reconhecido por seus efeitos sobre os diferentes sistemas orgânicos, levando ao hipometabolismo. No entanto, o hipotiroidismo subclínico, sua apresentação mais prevalente, tem sido recentemente relacionado ao risco cardiovascular e também com complicações materno-fetais em gestantes. OBJETIVOS: Nestas diretrizes clínicas, vários aspectos do hipotiroidismo foram discutidos com objetivos claros de ajudar os médicos a tratar pacientes com hipotiroidismo e de compartilhar algumas das nossas experiências clínicas na América Latina. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A Sociedade Latino-Americana de Tireoide formou uma Força-Tarefa para desenvolver diretrizes baseadas em evidências clínicas sobre o hipotiroidismo. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura existente, com foco em bancos de dados primários do MedLine/PubMed e Lilacs/SciELO. Foram feitas análises para avaliar a qualidade metodológica no sentido de selecionar os melhores estudos. A força de recomendação em uma escala de A-D foi baseada no Centro de Oxford para a Medicina Baseada em Evidência - Níveis de Evidência 2009 - , permitindo uma opinião imparcial, desprovida de pontos de vista subjetivos. As áreas de interesse compreenderam estudos de diagnóstico, triagem, tratamento e uma seção especial de hipotiroidismo na gravidez. RESULTADOS: Foram feitos vários questionamentos relacionados ao diagnóstico, triagem e tratamento do hipotiroidismo na população adulta e, especificamente, em mulheres grávidas. Foram elaboradas vinte e seis recomendações baseadas nas respostas a essas perguntas. Apesar da falta de evidências em algumas áreas como o tratamento do hipotiroidismo, de 279 referências, 73% eram de Grau A e B, 8% de Grau C e 19% de Grau D. CONCLUSÕES: Essas diretrizes baseadas em evidências clínicas sobre o hipotiroidismo poderão fornecer um critério consensual de como tratar o hipotiroidismo na América Latina. Apesar de a maior parte dos estudos referidos ser da experiência internacional em hipotiroidismo, o ponto de vista dos tiroidologistas da América Latina foi contemplado.

Consenso brasileiro para o diagnóstico e tratamento do hipertireoidismo: recomendações do Departamento de Tireoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia / The Brazilian consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism: recommendations by the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

INTRODUÇÃO: O hipertireoidismo é caracterizado pelo aumento da síntese e liberação dos hormônios tireoidianos pela glândula tireoide. A tireotoxicose refere-se à síndrome clínica decorrente do excesso de hormônios tireoidianos circulantes, secundário ao hipertireoidismo ou não. Este artigo descreve diretrizes baseadas em evidências clínicas para o manejo da tireotoxicose. OBJETIVO: O presente consenso, elaborado por especialistas brasileiros e patrocinado pelo Departamento de Tireoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, visa abordar o manejo, diagnóstico e tratamento dos pacientes com tireotoxicose, de acordo com as evidências mais recentes da literatura e adequadas para a realidade clínica do país. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Após estruturação das questões clínicas, foi realizada busca das evidências disponíveis na literatura, inicialmente na base de dados do MedLine-PubMed e posteriormente nas bases Embase e SciELO - Lilacs. A força das evidências, avaliada pelo sistema de classificação de Oxford, foi estabelecida a partir do desenho de estudo utilizado, considerando-se a melhor evidência disponível para cada questão. RESULTADOS: Foram definidas 13 questões sobre a abordagem clínica inicial visando ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento que resultaram em 53 recomendações, incluindo investigação etiológica, tratamento com drogas antitireoidianas, iodo radioativo e cirurgia. Foram abordados ainda o hipertireoidismo em crianças, adolescentes ou pacientes grávidas e o manejo do hipertireoidismo em pacientes com oftalmopatia de Graves e com outras causas diversas de tireotoxicose. CONCLUSÕES: O diagnóstico clínico do hipertireoidismo, geralmente, não oferece dificuldade e a confirmação diagnóstica deverá ser feita com as dosagens das concentrações séricas de TSH e hormônios tireoidianos. O tratamento pode ser realizado com drogas antitireoidianas, administração de radioiodoterapia ou cirurgia de acordo com a etiologia da tireotoxicose, as características clínicas, disponibilidade local de métodos e preferências do médico-assistente e paciente.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increased synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis refers to the clinical syndrome resulting from excessive circulating thyroid hormones, secondary to hyperthyroidism or due to other causes. This article describes evidence-based guidelines for the clinical management of thyrotoxicosis. OBJECTIVE: This consensus, developed by Brazilian experts and sponsored by the Department of Thyroid Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, aims to address the management, diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyrotoxicosis, according to the most recent evidence from the literature and appropriate for the clinical reality of Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After structuring clinical questions, search for evidence was made available in the literature, initially in the database MedLine, PubMed and Embase databases and subsequently in SciELO - Lilacs. The strength of evidence was evaluated by Oxford classification system was established from the study design used, considering the best available evidence for each question. RESULTS: We have defined 13 questions about the initial clinical approach for the diagnosis and treatment that resulted in 53 recommendations, including the etiology, treatment with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and surgery. We also addressed hyperthyroidism in children, teenagers or pregnant patients, and management of hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and various other causes of thyrotoxicosis. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism usually offers no difficulty and should be made with measurements of serum TSH and thyroid hormones. The treatment can be performed with antithyroid drugs, surgery or administration of radioactive iodine according to the etiology of thyrotoxicosis, local availability of methods and preferences of the attending physician and patient.

Treating primary hypothyroidism with weekly doses of levothyroxine: a randomized, single-blind, crossover study / Tratamento de hipotiroidismo primário com doses semanais de levotiroxina: um estudo randomizado, unicego, crossover

OBJECTIVE: Compliance to levothyroxine treatment in hypothyroidism is compromised by daily schedule, and a weekly dose may be an alternative. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover study. Fourteen females were assigned to daily or weekly doses of LT4. After six weeks, they switched regimens. Thyroid parameters were measured at baseline, and after 42 and 84 days. Echocardiogram and hyperthyroidism symptoms were evaluated before and four hours after LT4 intake. RESULTS: In the weekly dose treatment, fT4 levels were higher after taking LT4, and lower seven days after the last dose; by the 6th week there was a small decrease in T3 levels. TSH remained unchanged and there were no hyperthyroidism symptoms or echocardiographic manifestations. CONCLUSION: Weekly dose leads to transient increases in fT4, without hyperthyroidism or cardiac symptoms. That approach seems to be a safe alternative for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

OBJETIVO: Aderência ao tratamento do hipotiroidismo é comprometido pelo uso diário de levotiroxina, e doses semanais poderiam ser uma alternativa. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo randomizado, crossover. Quatorze mulheres foram selecionadas para receber LT4 diariamente ou semanalmente. Após seis semanas, houve inversão do regime de tratamento. Avaliações tireoideanas foram realizadas antes, após 42 e 84 dias. Avaliação de sintomas de hipertireoidismo e ecocardiograma foi realizada antes e após quatro horas de LT4. RESULTADOS: Com dose semanal, os níveis de fT4 foram mais elevados logo após a dose de LT4, e menores após sete dias; após seis semanas, houve diminuição de T3. TSH permaneceu inalterado e não houve manifestações ecocardiográficas ou de hipertireodismo. CONCLUSÃO: Dose semanal de LT4 leva à elevação de fT4, sem manifestações de hipertireoidismo, e parece ser uma alternativa segura para o tratamento do hipotireoidismo.

Abordagem do hipotireoidismo subclínico no idoso: [revisão] / Approach of subclinical hypothyroidism in the elderly: [review]

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O hipotireoidismo subclínico parece ser o primeiro sinal de disfunção da tireoide e alguns autores o tem relacionado com eventos cardiovasculares, mortalidade, dislipidemia,depressão e déficit cognitivo. Estudos recentes sugerem,porém, que esta seja uma possível condição inerente ao envelhecimento,atuando como uma adaptação fisiológica de proteção às exigências de consumo exagerado ou catabolismo. Com a finalidadede esclarecer estes aspectos, o objetivo deste estudo foi rever na literatura o hipotireoidismo subclínico no idoso que possa servir de orientação e conduta para melhor compreensão desta entidadenesta faixa etária conhecida por suas particularidades. CONTEÚDO: A tireoide desempenha papel importante na relação entre o sistema endócrino e o envelhecimento, pois secreta hormônios que são reguladores chave do metabolismo. A população idosa apresenta aumento na incidência de doenças tireoidianas, porém, suas manifestações clínicas são diferentes das encontradas numa população mais jovem. A avaliação dos hormônios tireoidianos em idosos é complexa, devido à presença de doenças concomitantes e uso frequente de medicações que podem influenciar a dosagem destes hormônios. CONCLUSÃO: O hipotireoidismo subclínico é preditor de futura progressão para doença estabelecida; entretanto, alguns indivíduos retornam ao valor de referência do hormônio estimulante da tireoide (TSH) após um período. Deve-se avaliar o valor de TSH nas diversas faixas etárias, pois, existem diferenças entre elas. Enquanto o tratamento parece beneficiar pacientes com menosde 65 anos, o mesmo não deve ser indicado em octogenários.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Subclinical hypothyroidism seems to be the first manifestation of thyroid dysfunction and some authors have correlated it with cardiovascularevents, mortality, dyslipidemia, depression and cognitive impairment.However, recent studies suggest that this can be a condition inherent to aging, acting as a physiological adaptation of protection to the demands of over consumption or catabolism.To better verify these aspects, we present an up-to-date revision of subclinical hypothyroidism in the elderly which can help in its orientation and approach for a better understanding of this entityin this age group known for its differences. CONTENTS : The thyroid plays a very important role involving the endocrine system and aging by producing hormones that are key regulators of the metabolism. The old population has an increase incidence of thyroid diseases, but the clinical manifestations are different from young adults. The evaluation of thyroid hormones in the elderly is complex because of the coexistence of associated diseases and the use of many medications that changes thyroid hormone concentration. CONCLUSION: Subclinical hypothyroidism predicts future progression to overt disease; however, some individuals return to the reference range of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels after a period. The TSH value must be evaluated in several age groups, because there are differences between them. While treatment appears to benefit patients with less than 65 years, it should be with holden in octogenarians.

Visão retrospectiva em fibras alimentares com ênfase em beta-glucanas no tratamento do diabetes / In retrospect, with emphasis on dietary fiber beta-glucan in the treatment of diabetes

Fibra alimentar refere-se aos componentes de plantas ou carboidratos análogos que são resistentes à digestão e absorção no intestino delgado humano. A American Dietetic Association recomenda ingestão de 20-35g de fibras ao dia. Evidências sugerem que uma dieta rica em fibras traz benefícios à manutenção da saúde, redução de risco e tratamento de doenças crônicas como a obesidade, doenças cardiovasculares, diverticulite e diabetes. As fibras são classificadas de acordo com a sua solubilidade em solúveis e insolúveis, com efeitos fisiológicos distintos. As insolúveis são responsáveis pelo aumento do bolo fecal e diminuição do tempo de trânsito intestinal. As solúveis retardam o esvaziamento gástrico e a absorção de glicose diminuindo a glicemia pós-prandial e reduzem o colesterol sérico devido à sua característica física de conferir viscosidade ao conteúdo luminal. As beta-glucanas são fibras altamente viscosas e seu consumo está relacionado à atenuação da resposta glicêmica e insulínica pós-prandial. A beta-glucana tem efeito sobre a degradação do amido e sobre o carboidrato disponível e conseqüentemente, sobre o índice glicêmico dos alimentos ingeridos. Recomenda-se sua ingestão com o objetivo de modular a glicemia e a necessidade de insulina, no tratamento da obesidade, doenças cardiovasculares e do diabetes. Este trabalho visa fornecer uma visão geral sobre beta-glucanas no tratamento do diabetes.

Dietary fibers are defined as the component of the plants or analog carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and absorption in the human small bowel. The America Dietetic Association recommends an ingestion of 20-30g of fiber per day. Evidences suggest that a diet rich in fibers brings benefits to health maintenance, by reducing the risk and the time of treatment of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diverticulitis and diabetes. Fibers are classified as a soluble and insoluble with distinct physiological effects. Ingestion of insoluble fibers increases the fecal bolus and reduces the transit time of food through the bowel. Soluble fibers delay gastric emptying and glucose absorption reducing the post prandial glycemia and reduce blood cholesterol levels due to a physic characteristic that confers viscosity to the luminal content. Beta-glucans are highly viscous and their consumption has been related to the attenuation of post-prandial glycemic and insulin response. Dietary beta-glucans have impact on starch degradation and carbohydrates availability and consequently at the glycemic index of the ingested food. Consumption of beta-glucans is recommended aiming to modulate the glycemia and the insulin needs, to manage the obesity, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This paper brings information about dietary fibers and the use of beta-glucans on the treatment of diabetes.

Uso do TSH humano recombinante no câncer diferenciado de tireóide / Recombinant human TSH use in differentiated thyroid cancer

O seguimento imediato após tireoidectomia total (TT), em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireóide (CDT), tradicionalmente é feito com a ablação de remanescentes tireoidianos (RT) com 131I, na vigência de hipotireoidismo. O seguimento tardio do CDT inclui o uso de doses supressivas de T4, dosagem seriada da tireoglobulina (Tg), pesquisa de corpo inteiro (PCI) com 131I e ultra-sonografia (US) cervical. Nos últimos anos, tem-se mostrado que a ablação de RT com a ajuda do TSH recombinante humano (rhTSH) tem a mesma eficácia que a ablação de RT observada com a elevação endógena do TSH, mas sem os sintomas e piora de qualidade de vida descritos no hipotireoidismo. A dosagem da Tg estimulada com TSH endógeno ou exógeno, 9 a 12 meses após o tratamento inicial do CDT, associado à US cervical, pode identificar pacientes de baixo risco potencialmente curados de sua doença e nos quais a supressão do TSH não necessita ser tão intensa, evitando as complicações cardíacas e ósseas da tireotoxicose exógena prolongada. Finalmente, apesar de não existirem estudos randomizados que avaliem o papel do rhTSH no tratamento do CDT metastático, os resultados do tratamento combinado do rhTSH e 131I mostram um benefício clínico na maioria dos pacientes tratados.

Traditionally, the immediate treatment of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) after total thyroidectomy (TT) is thyroid remnant ablation (TRA) with 131I, during hypothyroidism. Late follow-up of DCT includes suppressive doses of T4, serial measurements of thyroglobulin (Tg), whole body scan (WBS) with 131I and cervical ultrasound (US). In the last years, TRA with the aid of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) has shown not only to avoid symptoms of hypothyroidism and a lower quality of life, but also to have the same efficacy as TRA during endogenous TSH elevation. Stimulated Tg with endogenous or exogenous TSH, 9 to 12 months after the initial treatment of DTC, associated with cervical US, is able to identify low-risk patients virtually cured of their disease, in whom TSH suppression does not need to be so strict, avoiding the heart and bone complications of prolonged exogenous thyrotoxicosis. Finally, in spite of the absence of randomized studies designed to evaluate the role of rhTSH in metastatic DTC disease, results of the combined treatment of rhTSH and 131I show a clinical benefit in the majority of treated patients.

Nódulos de tireóide e câncer diferenciado de tireóide: consenso brasileiro / Thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer: brazilian consensus

Os nódulos tireoidianos constituem a principal manifestação clínica de uma série de doenças da tireóide com uma prevalência de aproximadamente 10 por cento na população adulta. O maior desafio é excluir o câncer da tireóide, que ocorre em 5 a 10 por cento dos casos. Os carcinomas diferenciados respondem por 90 por cento dos casos de todas as neoplasias malignas da tireóide. A maioria dos pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado apresenta, geralmente, um bom prognóstico quando tratada adequadamente, com índices de mortalidade similares à população geral. No entanto, alguns indivíduos apresentam doença agressiva, desafiando o conhecimento atual e ilustrando a complexidade do manejo dessa neoplasia. No presente trabalho, reunimos 8 membros do Departamento de Tireóide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia & Metabologia, para elaborarmos, por consenso, as diretrizes brasileiras no manejo dos nódulos tireoidianos e do câncer diferenciado da tireóide. Os membros participantes representam diferentes Centros Universitários do Brasil, refletindo diferentes abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas. Inicialmente, cada participante ficou responsável pela redação de determinado tema a ser enviado ao Coordenador, que, após revisão editorial e elaboração da primeira versão do manuscrito, enviou ao grupo para sugestões e aperfeiçoamentos. Quando concluído, o manuscrito foi novamente enviado e revisado por todos. A elaboração dessas diretrizes foi baseada na experiência dos participantes e revisão pertinente da literatura.

Thyroid nodules are a common manifestation of thyroid diseases. It is estimated that ~10 percent of adults have palpable thyroid nodules with the frequency increasing throughout life. The major concern on nodule evaluation is the risk of malignancy (5-10 percent). Differentiated thyroid carcinoma accounts for 90 percent of all thyroid malignant neoplasias. Although most patients with cancer have a favorable outcome, some individuals present an aggressive form of the disease and poor prognostic despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. Here, a set of clinical guidelines for the evaluation and management of patients with thyroid nodules or differentiated thyroid cancer was developed through consensus by 8 member of the Department of Thyroid, Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia. The participants are from different reference medical centers within Brazil, to reflect different practice patterns. Each committee participant was initially assigned to write a section of the document and to submit it to the chairperson, who revised and assembled the sections into a complete draft document, which was then circulated among all committee members for further revision. All committee members further revised and refined the document. The guidelines were developed based on the expert opinion of the committee participants, as well as on previously published information.

Auto-imunidade ANCA (Anticorpo Anti-Citoplasma de Neutrófilos) positiva induzida por propiltiouracil: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (Anca)-Associated autoimmune disease induced by propylthiouracil

A terapêutica com drogas antitireoidianas pode ser acompanhada de efeitos colaterais. Propiltiouracil (PTU) pode induzir vasculites anticorpo anti-citoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) positivas, na maioria das vezes relacionadas ao subtipo mieloperoxidase (ANCA-MPO). O nosso objetivo é relatar o caso de uma paciente com doença de Graves que desenvolveu auto-imunidade induzida por PTU, com manifestações cutâneas, pulmonares e renais, associadas à positividade do ANCA. O exame anátomo-patológico pulmonar revelou hemorragia difusa e a biópsia renal demonstrou glomeruloesclerose segmentar e focal. Foi tratada com pulsoterapia com corticóides e ciclofosfamida, com boa evolução clínica. Este caso enfatiza a necessidade de detecção e tratamento precoce deste efeito adverso relativamente raro do PTU.

Antithyroid drugs sometimes cause severe complications. Propylthiouracil (PTU) can be associated to ANCA positive vasculitis, most often related to myeloperoxidase subtype (ANCA-MPO). Our objective is to describe a female patient with Graves' disease, who developed PTU induced-autoimmune disease, with cutaneous, pulmonary, and renal lesions, associated with ANCA. Histopathological examination revealed diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis at the kidney biopsy. She was treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy and cyclophosphamide, with clinical improvement. This case highlights the need for greater awareness of this relatively rare adverse effect of propylthiouracil.

O uso de carbonato de lítio no tratamento da tireotoxicose induzida por amiodarona / Use of lithium carbonate for the treatment of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis

Dentre as disfunções tireoidianas induzidas por amiodarona, a tireotoxicose é a mais grave e associada a maior morbi-mortalidade. O tratamento consiste no emprego de altas doses de drogas antitireoidianas e corticoesteróides, de forma isolada ou combinada. Outras terapias associadas foram propostas para o tratamento dos casos refratários. Relatamos o caso de um paciente de 40 anos com história de miocardiopatia dilatada idiopática que desenvolveu um quadro grave de tireoidite induzida por amiodarona após transplante cardíaco. Este paciente não respondeu à terapia inicial com doses altas de droga antitireoidiana e corticoesteróides, sendo, então, associado o carbonato de lítio em baixas doses e por curto período de tempo, o que resultou na normalização da função tireoidiana. Neste caso, o emprego do carbonato de lítio mostrou-se como uma terapia adjuvante eficaz e segura no controle da tireotoxicose induzida por amiodarona.