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

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

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

Reconhecimento da paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica na emergência: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Recognizing thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis on emergency settings: a case report and literature revie

A paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica é uma complicação inusitada do hipertireoidismo, porém é considerada urgência endocrinológica e ainda frequentemente subdiagnosticada. Sua apresentação clínica consiste na tríade de défice de potássio, tireotoxicose e fraqueza muscular ­ sendo esse último sintoma comum em diversas patologias. Realizamos uma revisão bibliográfica e destacamos, por meio do relato de caso, a importância do diagnóstico precoce dessa doença, possibilitando uma evolução favorável ao paciente, independente de sua etnia, sexo ou região geográfica. Atentamos ainda ao tratamento da doença, que, apesar de sua simplicidade, acarreta muitos equívocos.

The thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism, but is considered an endocrinological urgency, and yet frequently underdiagnosed. Its clinical presentation consists of potassium deficit, thyrotoxicosis, and muscular weakness, with the latter symptom being very common in several pathologies. We performed a bibliographic review and highlight, through a case report, the importance of the early diagnosis of this disease to allow favorable progression to the patient, regardless of ethnicity, sex, or geographical region. We also reinforce the importance of the disease treatment which, despite its simplicity, leads to many mistakes.

Does low serum TSH within the normal range have negative impact on physical exercise capacity and quality of life of healthy elderly people?

Objective Investigate the differences in cardiopulmonary (CP) capacity and Quality of Life (QOL) between healthy elderly (≥ 65 years) with different TSH levels (< 1.0 and ≥ 1.0 μIU/mL) both within the normal range. Also, evaluate the effects of TSH elevation on CP test and QOL, by administering methimazole to subjects with initial lower-normal TSH, in order to elevate it to superior-normal limit. Materials and methods Initially, a cross-sectional study was performed to compare CP capacity at peak exercise and QOL (using WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire) between healthy seniors (age ≥ 65 years) with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL vs. TSH ≥1.0 μIU/mL. In the second phase, participants with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL were included in a non-controlled-prospective-interventional study to investigate the effect of TSH elevation, using methimazole, on QOL and CP capacity at peak exercise. Results From 89 elderly evaluated, 75 had TSH ≥ 1 μIU/mL and 14 TSH < 1 μIU/mL. The two groups had similar basal clinical characteristics. No difference in WHOQOL-OLD scores was observed between groups and they did not differ in terms of CP function at peak exercise. QOL and CP variables were not correlated with TSH levels. Twelve of 14 participants with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL entered in the prospective study. After one year, no significant differences in clinical caracteristics, QOL, and CP variables were detected in paired analysis before and after methimazole intervention. Conclusions We found no differences in CP capacity and QOL between health elderly with different TSH levels within normal range and no impact after one year of methimazole treatment. More prospective-controlled-randomized studies are necessary to confirm or not the possible harm effect in normal low TSH.

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.

Graves' disease presenting with acute renal infarction

No abstract available.

Disfunção tiróidea e amiodarona / Thyroid dysfunction and amiodarone

Apesar de a maioria dos doentes tratados com amiodarona permanecer em eutiroidia, alguns desenvolvem hipertiroidismo (HPEIA) ou hipotiroidismo (HPOIA) induzidos pela amiodarona. Os autores apresentam uma análise retrospectiva dos processos de dez doentes com disfunção tiróidea induzida pela amiodarona. Verificou-se que seis doentes eram mulheres e que o tempo médio de toma da amiodarona foi de 17,7 meses. O HPOIA foi o mais frequente (seis doentes). Dos doentes com HPEIA, dois tinham HPEIA tipo 2, um tipo 1 e um tipo 3. Sintomas sugestivos de disfunção tiróidea ocorreram em cinco doentes, a maioria com HPOIA. No HPEIA, a clínica mais comum foi exacerbação da arritmia de base (três doentes). A interrupção da amiodarona e administração de levotiroxina foi a terapêutica escolhida em 83,3% dos casos de HPOIA, enquanto a tionamida associada a corticoide com suspensão da amiodarona foi opção em 75% dos casos de HPEIA. Registraram-se três óbitos, todos com HPEIA. O HPEIA constituiu uma complicação potencialmente fatal. A clínica pode ser vaga, pelo que a monitorização da função tiróidea é obrigatória.

Although most patients remain clinically euthyroid, some develop amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism (HPEAI) or hypothyroidism (HPOAI). The authors present a retrospective analysis of ten patients with amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction. Six patients were female and mean amiodarone intake was 17.7 months. HPOIA was more common (six patients). From all the patients with HPEAI, two had type 2, one had type 1, and one had type 3 hyperthyroidism. Symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction occurred in five patients, most of them with HPOAI. In HPEAI, the most frequent symptom was exacerbation of arrhythmia (three patients). Discontinuation of amiodarone and treatment with levothyroxine was chosen in 83.3% of the HPOAI cases, while thyonamide treatment with corticosteroids and without amiodarone was the option in 75% of the HPEAI cases. There were three deaths, all in patients with HPEAI. HPEAI is potentially fatal. The clinical picture may be vague, so the thyroid monitoring is mandatory.

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

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

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

Icterícia grave e miocardiopatia tireotóxica com trombo atrial / Serious jaundice and thyrotoxic myocardiopathy with atrial thrombus

Icterícia relacionada à tireotoxicose, e não como efeito das drogas antitireoidianas, é uma complicação rara que, em geral, ocorre na presença de insuficiência cardíaca (IC) ou hepatite. Apresentamos o caso de mulher de 54 anos de idade, branca, diagnóstico de hipertireoidismo por doença de Graves com icterícia associada a despeito da suspensão prévia de metimazol. A bilirrubina oscilava em valores elevados entre 30,0 e 52,3 mg/dL, as transaminases eram pouco elevadas com valores de ALT, na admissão, de 46 U/I e AST de 87 U/I; coagulograma e proteínas encontravam-se no limite inferior da normalidade, sendo TAP 68% e albumina = 2,5 g/dL. Sorologias para hepatites foram negativas. Após a primeira dose de radioiodoterapia (RT), a bilirrubina atingiu seu valor máximo, que coincidiu com período de pior exacerbação da IC. A bilirrubina normalizou-se após quatro semanas da segunda dose de RT com a estabilização da IC e a normalização dos hormônios tireoidianos. Discutimos as possíveis etiologias de icterícia severa em pacientes hipertireoideos, assim como a difícil terapia anticoagulante com varfarina.

Jaundice related to thyrotoxicosis and not as an effect of antithyroid drugs is a rare complication that usually occurs in the presence of heart failure (HF) or hepatitis. We report a case of a 54-year-old white woman with hyperthyroidism caused by Graves's disease and jaundice despite methimazole suspension. Bilirubin fluctuated at high values, between 30.0 and 52.3 mg/dL, transaminases were slightly increased, on admission ALT = 46 U/L and AST = 87 U/L; coagulation indices and serum proteins were on the lower limit of the normal range with PT 68% and albumin = 2.5 g/dL. Serology for hepatitis was negative. After the first radioiodine therapy (RT), bilirubin reached its maximum, which coincided with the worst period of HF exacerbation. Bilirubin normalized 4 weeks after the second RT, with the stabilization of HF and normalization of thyroid hormones. We discuss the possible etiologies of severe jaundice in hyperthyroid patients, as well as the difficult anticoagulant therapy with warfarin.

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

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

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

Hipertiroidismo en niños y adolescentes / Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents

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

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

Hipertiroidismo y síndrome de Down: caso clínico / Hyperthyroidism and Down syndrome: a present diagnosis

A female patient with Down Syndrome and without cardiac defects. During infancy, she had low weight increment secondary to repeated hospital admissions due to obstructive respiratory tract episodes. In addition, she attends regularly to the gastroenterology clinic due to intermittent diarrhea. At the age of 9.4 years-old, she presented liquid stools 5-6 times/day, associated to a decrease of 7 kg in 5 months and marked hyperactivity. She is admitted with tachycardia, arterial hypertension and high liver enzymes (SGOT = 63 U/1 and SGPT = 97U/1). The ECG showed sinus tachycardia. She is discharged without etiological diagnosis. In the mean time, annual thyroid function requested for endocrinology control showed TSH < 0,1 uUI/ml, T3 = 482 ng/dl and total T4 = 15,4 ug/dl, evidencing clear hyperthyroidism and beginning therapy with propylthiouracil 10 mg/kg/day and propanolol 1,3 mg/kg/day. After 3 weeks, the patient showed less hyperactivity, normal stools, normal sleep-awake cycle and recovered weight. By 6 weeks, thyroid hormones and transaminases were within normal ranges.

Objetivo: Describir una asociación poco frecuente de Síndrome de Down con Hipertiroidismo. Caso Clínico: Paciente de sexo femenino, portadora de síndrome de Down, sin antecedentes de cardiopatía congénita. Evolucionó con mal incremento ponderal en el período de lactante, hospitalizaciones repetidas por cuadros respiratorios obstructivos. En control en gastroenterología por episodios de diarrea intermitente, y en genética en forma regular. Cuadro actual se inicia a los 9,4 años, caracterizado por deposiciones líquidas 5-6 veces al día, asociado a baja de peso aproximada de 7 kg en 5 meses e hiperactividad. Se hospitalizó para estudio y se pesquisaron cifras tensionales elevadas y taquicardia. En perfil bioquímico aparece SGOT 63 U/1 y SGTP 97 U/1. Electrocardiograma informa taquicardia sinusal. Alta sin etiología clara, se solicita función tiroidea: TSH < 0,1 uUI/ml, T3 482 ng/dl, T4 total 15,4 ug/dl realizándose diagnóstico de hipertiroidismo. Inició terapia con propiltiouracilo 10 mg/kg/día y propanolol 1,3 mg/kg/día. A las 3 semanas de iniciado el tratamiento, la paciente presenta menor hiperactividad, deposiciones normales, regulación de la hiperactividad y ciclo sueño-vigilia, recuperando peso. A las 6 semanas, los niveles de T3, T4 y transaminasas eran normales. El hipertiroidismo se observa con mucha menor frecuencia que el hipotiroidismo en niños y adultos con síndrome de Down. En series numerosas de pacientes con trisomía 21, se describen en general un bajo porcentaje de casos de hipertiroidismo, dentro de los cuales se incluyen la enfermedad de Graves y la Hashitoxicosis.

Early treatment with low fixed dose (5 mCi) radioiodine therapy is effective in Indian subjects with Graves' disease.

There is little consensus regarding the most appropriate dosage regimen for radioiodine treatment in Graves' disease. The authors evaluated the efficacy of low fixed dose (5mCi) of radioiodine therapy, in terms of its cure rate and promptness of control, as well possible factors influencing the outcome. One hundred and twenty five consecutive patients with Graves' disease with persistent disease activity despite receiving carbimazole were treated with 5 mCi fixed dose of I131. Patients, who remained hyperthyroid at 1 year, received a second dose of 7.5 mCi of I113. After first dose 73.6% were cured (36.8% hypothyroid and 36.8% euthyroid), while 26.4% patients did not respond. Those who achieved cure had significantly lesser goiter size (84.6% with grade I goiter and 70.7% with grade II) and had received significantly shorter duration of prior carbimazole therapy (22 +/- 10 months versus 63 +/- 27 months) (p < 0.01). Age, sex, baseline T3, T4, 24 hour I131 uptake did not affect the cure rate. Mean time to response was 7 +/- 4 months. One hundred and three (82.4%) patients were cured after 2 doses while only 22 (17.6%) were nonresponsive. Hence, low fixed dose (5mCi) radio active iodine (RAI) therapy seems to be effective in Graves' disease particularly in patients with small sized goiter and short duration of pretherapy with thionamides.

Edema pulmonar agudo como primera manifestación de hipertiroidismo en una mujer embarazada / Acute pulmonary edema as a first manifestation of hyperthyroidism in a pregnant woman. Report of one case

We report a 36 year-old pregnant woman who presented with acute pulmonary edema in the absence of preexisting cardiac disease. On admission she was on sinus rhythm and her blood pressure was mildly elevated. No cardiac abnormalities were detected by color Doppler echo car diography and no ischemic changes were seen on the electrocardiogram. Cardiac enzymes were normal. Thyroid function tests were diagnostic for hyperthyroidism. She was treated with propylthiouracil and propranolol and discharged in good conditions seven days after admission. This case emphasizes the need to consider hyperthyroidism as the cause of unexplained pulmonary edema in young patients with no history of heart disease who present with heart failure.

Treatment outcome of Graves' disease in Thai children.

BACKGROUND: Graves' disease is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis in children. Treatment of Graves' disease consists of anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodide and thyroidectomy but the optimal treatment of GD in children is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To review treatment outcome of Graves' disease in Thai children. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective review of 32 children with Graves' disease, diagnosed between Jan. 1994 and Dec. 2004, at the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand was performed. RESULTS: All patients (median age 10.5 yrs, range 2.85-15 yrs) presented with goiter and increased serum T4 (median 18.4 mcg/dL, range 8.8-30 mcg/dL), serum T3 (median 443 ng/dL, range 206-800 ng/dL) and suppressed TSH levels (median 0.009 mU/L, range 0-0.18 mU/L). Anti-thyroglobulin and Anti-microsomal antibodies were positive in 70% and 82% respectively. All patients except two were initially treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). Two patients were initially treated with methimazole. Adverse reaction of PTU occurred in two patients (One girl had arthralgia, positive pANCA, nephritis and another girl had skin rash and arthralgia). Clinical course of 32 patients after treatment with anti-thyroid drugs mainly PTU for 3.4 (range 0.3-11.2) years is as follows: six (18.8%) underwent remission (cessation of PTU > 2 yrs), three (9.4%) relapsed, one (3.1%) underwent subtotal thyroidectomy, and seven (21.9%) had I131 treatment. All patients (6 of 7) who received I131 dose of 100 microCi/g of thyroid tissue required more than a single dose of I131 treatment. Further outcome in fifteen patients (46.9%) is yet to be followed. Among these patients PTU was just discontinued in four and eleven had never been off anti-thyroid drugs (four still had biochemical hyperthyroidism and seven were biochemically euthyroid). CONCLUSION: PTU was the most common first line therapy in the presented patients with Graves' disease. Remission rate was only 18.8% after an average 3.5 years of treatment with anti-thyroid drugs. I131 or thyroidectomy was used as second line therapy in the present study. They were offered to those who developed side effects, had poor compliance or failed medication. For those who received I131, higher dose (200 microCi/g of thyroid tissue) seemed to be more effective than the lower dose (100 microCi/g).

Myelodysplastic syndrome and pancytopenia responding to treatment of hyperthyroidism: peripheral blood and bone marrow analysis before and after antihormonal treatment.

Hematological disorders, especially single lineage abnormalities, have been described in hyperthyroidism. Pancytopenia has been reported, without myelodysplastic syndrome or megaloblastic anemia. We studied the peripheral blood smear and the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy of a 65-year-old lady, who presented with pancytopenia and thyrotoxicosis due to multinodular goiter. She denied ingesting any toxic medication. At diagnosis: WBC: 2500/ul, platelets count: 58,000/ul, hemoglobin level: 6.5 g/dl. The bone marrow was moderately hyper cellular with moderate myelofibrosis and arrested hematopoiesis. The TSH level was: 0.02 mIU/l (N: 0.25-4), the fT3: 18 pmol/l (N: 4-10), the routine serum immunologic tests were negative. After treatment with single agent neomercazole (carbimazole), complete recovery of the blood cell counts was obtained within one month. The bone marrow aspiration, performed three months after starting therapy, showed normal hematopoiesis. The thyroid function tests returned to normal and no autoimmune reaction was detected on routine serum testing. Persistent response was observed six months later under medical treatment. The patient has refused surgical treatment. Reversible myelodysplastic syndrome may also be part of the changes in blood picture of patients with hyperthyroidism, probably due to direct toxic mechanism.