Clinico-cytomorphological features and thyroid function tests of different thyroid lesions – A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background: Thyroid gland is an endocrine organ. The non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions affecting the gland can manifest as the swelling of the gland with thyroid dysfunction. Based on cytology, the diseases can be categorized into non-neoplastic, benign neoplastic, and malignant neoplastic conditions and according to hormone status, the lesions of thyroid can be categorized in hypothyroid, euthyroid, or hyperthyroid condition. Aims and Objectives: Our study was done to find out the various cytomorphological spectrum of thyroid diseases and to record their common clinical presentation along with hormonal status in a tertiary care hospital in Northern Odisha. Materials and Methods: A total of 220 cases of thyroid disorder were taken for analysis over a period of 2 years. Patients demographic data, brief clinical features, finding on FNAC (cytomorphology), and thyroid function status were analyzed with appropriate statistical method. Results: The predominant age group affected was 21–40 years and total female to male patient ratio was 5.5:1. Most common presentations were heat intolerance (22.27%), cold intolerance (28.63%), and tachycardia (27.72%) apart from thyroid enlargement. Most common non-neoplastic lesion were multinodular and colloid goiter constituting 38.18% of total cases and most common neoplastic lesion was papillary carcinoma constituting 14.55% of total cases. Thyroid function test showed predominantly euthyroid states for all conditions. Conclusion: As the rest part of India, this part of Odisha also showed that thyroid disorders are more common in females and the most affected age group is 21–40 years. Multinodular and colloid goiter are the most common thyroid lesions. Most of the cases present with euthyroid state.

Short-term outcomes among patients with subclinical hypothyroidism undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Objectives: This study aimed to examine possible associations between previously undiagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism and short-term outcomes and mortality in a sample of Iraqi patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Design: This is a prospective observational cohort study. Setting: The study was conducted in a single tertiary referral centre in Baghdad, Iraq. Participants: Thyroid-stimulating hormone and free T4 levels were measured in 257 patients hospitalised with STelevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2020 and March 2022. Main outcome measures: Adverse cardiovascular and renal events during hospitalisation and 30-day mortality were observed. Results: Previously undiagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism was detected in 36/257 (14%) ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients and observed more commonly in females than males. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism had significantly worse short-term outcomes, including higher rates of suboptimal TIMI Flow (< III) (p =0.014), left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% (p=0.035), Killip class >I (p=0.042), cardiogenic shock (p =0.016), cardiac arrest in the hospital (p= 0.01), and acute kidney injury (p= 0.044). Additionally, 30-day mortality was significantly higher in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (p= 0.029). Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism previously undiagnosed and untreated had a significant association with adverse short-term outcomes and higher short-term mortality within 30 days compared to euthyroid patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Routine thyroid function testing during these patients' hospitalisation may be warranted.

Clinical effects of Jiakang Pingxiao prescription combined with methiimidazole on hyperthyroidism / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of Jiakang Pingxiao prescription combined with methiimidazole on hyperthyroidism. Methods:A total of 100 patients with hyperthyroidism admitted to Shanxian Central Hospital from February 2018 to January 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a study group and a control group, with 50 patients in each group. The control group was treated with methiimidazole, and the study group was treated with Jiakang Pingxiao prescription combined with methiimidazole. Thyroid function, serum levels of osteocalcin (OCN), β-CTx, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) in the study group were (3.10 ± 1.36) mU/L, (5.76 ± 1.25) pmol/L, (15.22 ± 1.95) pmol/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (4.88 ± 1.47) mU/L, (7.13 ± 1.32) pmol/L, (19.07 ± 2.02) pmol/L in the control group ( t = 5.27, 4.71, 6.29, all P < 0.05). Serum OCN, β-CTx, hS-CRP, and IL-6 in the study group were (17.36 ± 2.62) μg/L, (0.32 ± 0.04) μg/L, (4.07 ± 0.86) mg/L, and (1.38 ± 0.21) pg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (26.05 ± 2.88) μg/L, (0.51 ± 0.09) μg/L, (6.23 ± 0.91) mg/L, (1.89 ± 0.28) pg/L in the control group ( t = 12.37, 10.40, 7.39, 8.57, all P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group [6.00% (3/50) vs. 12.00% (3/50), χ2 = 14.78, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Jikang Pingxiao prescription combined with methiimidazole can effectively reduce the inflammatory responses in patients with hyperthyroidism, inhibit the expression of OCN and β-CTX in the serum, and improve thyroid function. The combined method is scientific and reasonable, and is suitable for clinical application. It has good therapeutic effects on hyperthyroidism and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Thyroid and lipid profile in chronic kidney disease in Southern India

Background: The progression of chronic kidney disease(CKD) is linked to a multitude of comorbidities, such as thyroid dysfunction, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. Objective were to determinethe thyroid and serum lipid profile of CKD patients and to establish correlation between severity of renal disease with these 2metabolic parameters.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted among the 100 CKD patients over 1 year admitted in the department of urology and nephrology at our hospital. Results: There were 66 (66%) male patients and 36 (36%)female patients among the 100 patients. There were no patients in grade 1, whereas there were 2, 20, 66, and 12 patients in grades 2-5 CKD, respectively. In each grade of CKD, the mean age, eGFR, urea, creatinine, thyroid profile, and lipid profile were computed individually. The levels of urea, creatinine, and eGFR differed significantly across CKD grades 2-5. The thyroid profile differed significantly across CKD grades 2-5. The lipid profile differed significantly across CKD grades 2-5, with p=0.000, >0.05, 0.000, >0.05, >0.05 for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, respectively.Conclusions: The number of patients increases with decreasing T3 and T4 and increasing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) proportionate to the severity of the renal failure. In addition, hypothyroidism is becoming more common in people with chronic renal disease. Serum triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels rise statistically significantly in CKD grades 3-5 patients.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Patients with Goiter in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Goiter is endemic in iodine deficient areas of the world including Nigeria. Cardiovascular disorder is a cause of morbidity in patients with thyroid diseases. These cardiovascular disorders are more likely to be found in patients with hypothyroid or hyperthyroid goiter. Large euthyroid goiter can potentially compromise respiration with potentials for secondary cardiac changes. Despite these, echocardiography is not a routine assessment of these patients. This study set out to determine the baseline cardiac function in a cohort of patients with endemic goiter using echocardiography. Materials and Methods: A comparative study of One hundred goiter patients presenting consecutively at the out-patient clinic of a tertiary hospital and 50 age and gender matched healthy non-goitrous control subjects. They all had thyroid function tests, cardiovascular evaluation and echocardiography done. Results: The mean ages of the goiter and the control groups were 46.92 + 13.85 and 46.58 + 11.62 years respectively (P=0.8510). The goiter population comprised 12 males and 88 females while the control group had 6 males and 44 females. 47% of the goiter subjects were hyperthyroid, while 44% and 9% were euthyroid and hypothyroid respectively. All the control subjects were euthyroid. Systolic and diastolic dysfunction were seen in 18% and 24% of the goiter group respectively, compared to 2% and 5% of the control group (P<0.0001). Hyperthyroid and hypothyroid subgroups had higher rates of both systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Systolic dysfunction was seen in 6.4%, 4.5% and 100% of the hyperthyroid, euthyroid and hypothyroid subgroups respectively while diastolic dysfunction was seen in 23.4%, 9.2 and 100% of the subgroups. Prevalence of systolic and diastolic dysfunction in the euthyroid and control subjects were 4.5% vs 2% (P=0.1228) and 9.2% vs 5% (P=0.2018). Conclusion: This study concluded that cardiac dysfunction is common in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid goiter population while the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction in the euthyroid population is not influenced by the presence of goiter. This may suggest that routine echocardiography is unnecessary in patient with euthyroid goiter

Study of cytomorphological features of thyroid lesions and its correlation with thyroid function tests.

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology along with ultrasound and assessment of thyroid function status remains the mainstay of evaluation of thyroid swellings. According to the guidelines put forth by American Thyroid Association, serum estimation of TSH should be part of initial assessment of thyroid swellings. Present study aims to assess the cytomorphological features of various thyroid lesions, classify them in different categories based on The Bethesda System of Reporting Thyroid Cytology and correlate them with thyroid hormone status of patients. Methods: 165 cases of thyroid lesions were subjected to FNAC, smears were categorised according to The Bethesda System of Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and cases were also assessed for T3, T4, TSH hormone levels. Results: On interpretation of FNAC non-neoplastic lesions outnumbered the neoplastic lesions and Colloid goitre accounted for the majority of the cases (40.6%). Among the neoplastic lesions, follicular neoplasms were most common. Cytologically majority of the lesions belonged to category II (benign) as per the Bethesda System. On evaluation of thyroid function majority of the cases (69.1%) were euthyroid and were interpreted as either colloid goitre or adenomatoid nodule, whereas most patients of lymphocytic thyroiditis presented with either hypo or hyperthyroidism. Majority of malignant cases also turned out to be hypothyroid (9/12 Cases). None of the malignant case presented with hyperthyroidism. Conclusions: Thyroid cytology proves to be a reliable, simple and cost-effective first line diagnostic procedure. FNAC together with thyroid function test can be used for early and accurate diagnosis of various thyroid lesions, and reduces unnecessary intervention.

Cytomorphological Study of Thyroid Lesions Using the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology and Its Correlation with Thyroid Function Test.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of thyroid is a simple, minimally invasive, cost effective, readily available, reliable, time saving and an easy to perform outpatient procedure.1 The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) is a six category scheme of thyroid cytopathology reporting.2 FNAC in conjunction with thyroid hormonal profile helps in assessing stage of the disease as hyperthyroid, hypothyroid or euthyroid3. It is very helpful in deciding the treatment options for the patient.METHODSThis is a prospective study of 125 fine needle aspirations (FNA) of thyroid nodules. All fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) diagnosis were classified according to age and gender, cytological findings and TBSRTC categories. All TBSRTC categories were correlated with thyroid function test results.RESULTSThe distribution of various categories from 125 evaluated thyroid nodules was as follows: 6.4% Non-Diagnostic or Unsatisfactory (ND/UNS), 80% benign, 2.4% Atypia of Undetermined Significance or Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance (AUS/FLUS), 4% Follicular Neoplasm (FN), 4% Suspicious for Malignancy (SFM), and 3.2% Malignant. Maximum cases with altered TFT were found in category II. Whereas in category V (5/5) & in category VI (4/4), all cases were euthyroid & not a single case of altered Thyroid Function Test (TFT) was found. Among the 16 cases of thyroiditis, majority of the cases was hypothyroid.CONCLUSIONSTBSRTC is an excellent reporting system for thyroid FNA. It also provides clear management guidelines to clinicians to go for follow-up FNAC or surgery. Diagnostic challenges arise when aspirate samples are quantitatively or qualitatively suboptimal and, in such situations, clinical and TFT correlations are immensely helpful. Alteration in thyroid function tests is associated with benign conditions mostly in thyroiditis in which hypothyroid state can aid in the diagnosis of the benign lesions.

Interpretación de las pruebas de función tiroidea / Interpretation of thyroid function tests

Los desórdenes de la glándula tiroides son comunes y pueden afectar hasta el 10% de la población en general. En muchas ocasiones los síntomas pueden ser inespecíficos, por lo que el médico en busca de un trastorno tiroideo debe llegar a un diagnóstico funcional y anatómico. Las mediciones séricas de las hormonas tiroideas confirman si hay un exceso, un déficit o si las concentraciones son normales. Para ello, se requiere un rango de referencia de la población local, y específicamente por grupos de edad, para una correcta interpretación de las pruebas de función tiroidea. Las hormonas tiroideas juegan un papel fundamental en el sistema endocrino, controlan el metabolismo general del cuerpo, el desarrollo neural, el crecimiento normal y la maduración de los huesos, así como funciones cardiovasculares y renales, entre otras. En esta revisión se pretende dar una aproximación a las pruebas tiroideas más relevantes, partiendo de la biosíntesis y secreción de las hormonas tiroideas, hasta llegar al abordaje para un diagnóstico inicial del paciente con trastorno tiroideo, mencionando los aspectos más importantes de los diferentes patrones tiroideos. El tratamiento detallado de cada uno de ellos, supera las expectativas de esta revisión

Thyroid gland disorders are common and can affect up to 10% of the general population. In many cases the symptoms can be nonspecific, so the physician in search for a thyroid disorder should reach a functional and anatomical diagnosis. Serum measurements of thyroid hormones confirm if there is an excess, a deficit, or if concentrations are normal. For this, reference ranges of the local population, and specifically by age groups, are required for a correct interpretation of thyroid function tests. Thyroid hormones play a fundamental role in the endocrine system, control of the general metabolism of the body, neural development, normal growth and maturation of bones, as well as in cardiovascular and renal functions, among others. In this review, the most relevant thyroid tests will be described, starting with the biosynthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, and continuing with an approach to reach an initial diagnosis. Finally, the most important aspects of the different thyroid patterns will be mentioned. It is beyond the scope of this review, to describe the treatment for thyroid disorders.

Misleading Free Thyroxine (FT4): A Case Report

@#Interpretation of thyroid function test (TFT) is often straightforward but in certain scenarios, discordance between the clinical impression and the laboratory results exists. A 50-year-old woman with a ten years history of hypothyroidism on levothyroxine presented with a recent notable change in TFT [elevated free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], in an otherwise clinically euthyroid and previously stable TFT, leading to levothyroxine being withheld. This case report highlights the possibility of assay interference as a cause of discordant TFT. It also draws the importance of close collaboration between clinicians and the laboratory to avoid unnecessary investigations and inappropriate management of such a case.

Prolonged Neonatal Jaundice with Deranged Thyroid Function Test

@#Congenital central hypothyroidism (CCH) is a rare disorder that results from deficient biosynthesis of thyroid hormone due to defective thyroid gland stimulation by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Diagnosis is typically established biochemically by low free thyroxine (fT4) and inappropriately low or normal TSH levels after excluding all other causes of discordant thyroid function test (TFT). Here, we report a case of a baby girl who presented with prolonged jaundice at day 15 of life with normal cord blood TSH performed as routine screening for congenital hypothyroidism. Serial TFT revealed declining serum fT4 with normal TSH consistent with CCH. Her jaundice resolved prior to levothyroxine replacement. CCH is commonly missed on cord blood TSH-based newborn screening leading to a delay in diagnosis, potentially resulting in neurodevelopmental delay. Hence, although CCH has a lower incidence than congenital primary hypothyroidism, a high index of suspicion is essential for timely diagnosis.

A Retrospective Study of Clinicopathological Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Thyroid Malignancies Presented to a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is on the developing world over– almost doubling in the past ten years. This is mainly due toimproved awareness, screening and diagnosis of the nodulardisease. Thyroid cancer has an apparent gender predispositionwith women being affected three times more than men and8th most mostly occurring cancer among women. To analyzethe clinicopathological profile of thyroid cancer patients andto assess the pattern of treatment and long-term treatmentoutcomes.Material and methods: The current study was retrospectivecase record review of all the thyroid cancer cases includingall the histopathological confirmed cases of thyroid cancer.The statistical analysis was carried out by using IBM SPSSversion 21.Results: A total of 67 subjects were included with a meanage of 44.72 ± 14.99 years. Females were 68.66% andmales 31.34% of the study population, 61 (91.05%) peoplehad usual presentation of neck swelling of various sizes andother associated findings. Thyroid function test showed that91.04% (61) showed euthyroid status, 40.3% (27) had a totalthyroidectomy, 95.52% (64) of the patients were alive andwell.Conclusion: The study bears evidence to the fact thatpapillary carcinoma is the most commonly occurring formof differentiated thyroid cancer (70.6%). The prevalence ofdistant metastasis is 4.48% and most commonly found in thelung. The disease is more prevalent among women than men

Evaluation of Prevalence of Changes in Thyroid Functional Tests in Mole Hydatiforme

Introduction: Mole hydatiforme is the most common type of gestational trophoblast disease (GTI) and the aim of this study, is evaluation the frequency of changes in thyroid function test in mole hydatidiform patients. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 63 patients with mole hydatidiform who reffering to gynecolgy ward of Ali ibn Abitaleb Hospital in Zahedan from April 2016 to March 2017, were studied. Information such as age, gravidity and laboratory findings inclluding thyroid function test (TFT) and the presence or absence of clinical sympltoms were recorded in the information forms and analyzed by SPSS software. Results: In this study, 63 patients with mole hydatidiform were studied. The mean age of the patients was 26.6 ± 7.7 years. The most common clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism in patients with mole hydatidorme was tachycardia (39.7%). There was no relationschip between age and gravidity with the hyperthyroid simptoms and thyroid function test. Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study showed ttat 67% of patients with mole hydatidiform hay reduced TSH and more than 50% of cases hay increased free T3 and T4. There was no relationship between maternal age and gravidity with changes in thyroid functional test (AU)

A study of serum magnesium level in hypothyroid cases in a tertiary care hospital, Perambalur

Magnesium is an incredibly vital mineral found in the human body. Magnesium clearly affects the entire body and naturally will interact with thyroid functions, both directly and indirectly. Objectives: To assess the levels of serum magnesium in patients with hypothyroidism and its correlation with TSH levels. Methodology: An observational study consists of 174 cases of hypothyroidism were selected. All patients with hypothyroidism, newly diagnosed with age above 18years were included, all patients with malignancy, multiple endocrine disorder, CKD and patients supplemented with minerals were excluded in the study. Thyroid function and serum magnesium levels were done and analyzed in these patients. Results: In our study mean serum magnesium level in hypothyroid cases was 2.18±0.02 mg/dl. Our study done with a follow up of thyroid function and serum magnesium level in hypothyroidism after supplementation with thyroid hormone and diet supplementation for magnesium showed a significant improvement which reciprocate the incidence of hypo magnesium in hypothyroidism and which is inversely proportionate to TSH levels which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The alteration of serum magnesium level in hypothyroidism was not established in our study statistically.

Laboratory Testing in Thyroid Conditions - Pitfalls and Clinical Utility

Thyroid disorders are common, affecting more than 10% of people in the US, and laboratory tests are integral in the management of these conditions. The repertoire of thyroid tests includes blood tests for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), and calcitonin. TSH and free thyroid hormone tests are frequently used to assess the functional status of the thyroid. TPO-Ab and TRAb tests are used to diagnose Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, respectively. Tg and calcitonin are important tumor markers used in the management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), respectively. Procalcitonin may replace calcitonin as a biomarker for MTC. Apart from understanding normal thyroid physiology, it is important to be familiar with the possible pitfalls and caveats in the use of these tests so that they can be interpreted properly and accurately. When results are discordant, clinicians and laboratorians should be mindful of possible assay interferences and/or the effects of concurrent medications. In addition, thyroid function may appear abnormal in the absence of actual thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and in critical illness. Hence, it is important to consider the clinical context when interpreting results. This review aims to describe the above-mentioned blood tests used in the diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders, as well as the pitfalls in their interpretation. With due knowledge and care, clinicians and laboratorians will be able to fully appreciate the clinical utility of these important laboratory tests.

Thyroid storm: Is there a role for thyroid function test?

@#Introduction: Thyroid storm (TS) is an endocrine emergency. Early diagnosis for prompt treatment is essential as it has a high mortality rate. Case Report: A 31-year-old lady with underlying hyperthyroidism, dilated cardiomyopathy with severe mitral regurgitation presented with shortness of breath. She was intubated and admitted due to decreasing Glasgow Coma Score. Her blood investigations revealed increased white cell count, raised free thyroxine with suppressed thyroid stimulating hormone, deranged liver, renal and coagulation profiles. As her condition did not improve with initial treatment, plasmapheresis was commenced on day 4. Biochemically, her thyroid function test (TFT) showed improvement; however, she succumbed due to multi-organ failure. Discussion: Plasmapheresis is considered in TS if there is no clinical improvement within 24-48 hours of initial treatment. The improvement in patient’s TFT post plasmapheresis signifies its role in treating TS. Unfortunately, there was a delay in commencing plasmapheresis due to haemodynamic instability in this patient.

A Study of Thyroid Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus

Background: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions is encountered high in known diabetic patients. It is quiet commonly understood that patients who has one autoimmune problem generally tends to develop another. Materials and methods: Three hundred twenty known diabetic patients who attended the Department of Internal Medicine were taken up for the study. This study was done in the Department of Internal Medicine, Deccan Medical College, Hyderabad. Results: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was significantly seen in known diabetics. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism was the most common kind of thyroid disorder encountered in our study.

Consideration of Serum Thyrotropin When Interpreting Serum Thyroglobulin Level in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) after thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) is the most sensitive marker for detecting recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). In DTC, Tg production is regulated by TSH; however, TSH values after THW are never identical, even in the same patient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of TSH on Tg levels after THW. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TSH and Tg concentrations were measured twice at 2 and 3 weeks after THW in 309 patients with DTC. TSH and Tg levels at these time points were compared. The percent change in TSH (ΔTSH) and change in Tg level (%ΔTg) from 2 to 3 weeks after THW were calculated, and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to determine whether ΔTSH could affect %ΔTg. Tg cutoff value for diagnostic imaging was 2 ng/mL. RESULTS: The TSH and Tg values at 3 weeks were significantly higher than those at 2 weeks after THW. Tg values increased significantly to >2 ng/mL after 1 week in 38.5% of the patients with Tg values of 0.2-2 ng/mL at 2 weeks after THW. In patients with Tg values ≥2 ng/mL at 2 weeks after THW, Tg values increased significantly after an additional week of THW. ΔTSH correlated significantly with %ΔTg. CONCLUSION: TSH values differed according to time after THW, and Tg values differed significantly according to TSH values. Therefore, TSH values should be considered carefully when interpreting the meaning of Tg levels in patients with DTC.

First Report of Familial Dysalbuminemic Hyperthyroxinemia With an ALB Variant

Familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH) is an inherited disease characterized by increased circulating total thyroxine (T4) levels and normal physiological thyroid function. Heterozygous albumin gene (ALB) variants have been reported to be the underlying cause of FDH. To our knowledge, there have been no confirmed FDH cases in Korea. We recently observed a female patient with mild T4 elevation (1.2 to 1.4-fold) and variable levels of free T4 according to different assay methods. Upon Sanger sequencing of her ALB, a heterozygous c.725G>A (p.Arg242His) variant was identified. The patient's father and eldest son had similar thyroid function test results and were confirmed to have the same variant. Although the prevalence of FDH might be very low in the Korean population, clinical suspicion is important to avoid unnecessary evaluation and treatment.

Effects of isotretinoin on the thyroid gland and thyroid function tests in acne patients: A preliminary study.

Background: Isotretinoin is widely used in the treatment of acne. Aims: We investigated the effects of isotretinoin on thyroid function tests and thyroid volume in acne patients. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 104 acne patients were included. Sixty-six patients were treated with isotretinoin for at least 4 months. Thirty eight patients were included in the control group. The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were measured and a thyroid ultrasound was performed in all the subjects before treatment and 4 months after treatment. A “p” value of < 0.05 was considered signifi cant. Results: In the isotretinoin-treated group, thyroid stimulating hormone levels increased significantly during isotretinoin treatment (P = 0.018). Free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, anti-thyroid peroxidase levels and thyroid volume decreased signifi cantly during treatment (P = 0.016, P = 0.012, P = 0.006, P = 0.020 respectively). Limitations: The major limitation of this study is the lack of follow-up data after the cessation of isotretinoin therapy in acne patients. Conclusion: Patients treated with isotretinoin should be monitored with thyroid function tests.

Variations in different thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine detection kits for evaluating thyroid function during pregnancy / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To assess the variations in different thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) detection kits for evaluating thyroid function during pregnancy and to establish the corresponding normal reference ranges.Methods This study was based at the International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine.A total of 200 pregnant women who visited the hospital between June,2011 and September,2012 were recruited in this study according to the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) criteria.Blood samples were sequentially collected from the women at the first (T1,9-12 weeks),second (T2,16-24 weeks) and third (T3,32-36 weeks) trimesters to determine the serum TSH and FT4 levels using four different detection kits (Siemens-C,Siemens-Ⅰ,Abott and Roche).A linear trend test was used to analyze serum TSH and FT4 levels with four different kits.A percentile range of P2.5 to P97.5 was used to establish the normal trimester-dependent reference ranges of TSH and FT4 levels for different detection kits.The Bootstrap method was used to compare the differences in the four reference ranges.Results Similar dynamic changes in TSH and FT4 levels during pregnancy were detected among the different kits (F=0.950,P=0.595; F=11.640,P=0.081,respectively).Among the four reference ranges of TSH,the Roche kit showed the most remarkable fluctuation during pregnancy,while Roche kit in the first trimester and Siemens C kit in the second and third trimesters showed larger fluctuations in reference ranges of FT4.More importantly,the reference ranges of TSH and FT4 showed significant variations among the four different kits in each trimester (TSH:T1:F=2 945.390,P ＜ 0.01; T2:F=2 826.260,P ＜ 0.01; T3:F=1 698.360,P ＜ 0.01.FT4:Tl:F=1 145.440,P ＜ 0.01; T2:F=2 260.240,P ＜ 0.01; T3:F=1 439.920,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions TSH and FT4 measurement using four different commercial kits showed similar trimester-dependent dynamic changes.However,it is necessary to establish trimester-dependent and detection kit dependent normal reference ranges of TSH and FT4 for thyroid function evaluation for pregnant women.