Ultrasonographic assessment of thyroid volume in oldest-old individuals

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between thyroid volume and age, gender, anthropometric characteristics, and echogenicity in oldest-old subjects in an iodine-sufficient area. Subjects and methods The study included 81 independent elderly individuals aged ≥ 80 years (65 [80.2%] women). We determined these individuals' anthropometric characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and lean body mass, as well as thyroid volume and echogenicity by ultrasonography. Results We observed that octogenarians and nonagenarians had different profiles of thyroid echogenicity. The volume of the thyroid was smaller in nonagenarians than octogenarians (p = 0.012, r = 0.176), and subjects aged 80-89 years had more often hypoechoic glands than those aged ≥ 90 years (p = 0.01 versus 0.602). Conclusion The identification of ultrasonographic differences in oldest-old individuals will contribute to establishing preclinical markers, such as echogenicity, to identify individuals at risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease. Future prospective studies should identify if 80-89-year-old individuals with hypoechoic glands progress to hypothyroidism, and if the absence of changes in echogenicity (i.e. a normal thyroid parenchyma) would have a positive impact on longevity among nonagenarians.

Ultrasonographic assessment of thyroid volume in oldest-old individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between thyroid volume and age, gender, anthropometric characteristics, and echogenicity in oldest-old subjects in an iodine-sufficient area. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 81 independent elderly individuals aged ≥ 80 years (65 [80.2%] women). We determined these individuals' anthropometric characteristics, body mass index (BMI), and lean body mass, as well as thyroid volume and echogenicity by ultrasonography. RESULTS: We observed that octogenarians and nonagenarians had different profiles of thyroid echogenicity. The volume of the thyroid was smaller in nonagenarians than octogenarians (p = 0.012, r = 0.176), and subjects aged 80-89 years had more often hypoechoic glands than those aged ≥ 90 years (p = 0.01 versus 0.602). CONCLUSION: The identification of ultrasonographic differences in oldest-old individuals will contribute to establishing preclinical markers, such as echogenicity, to identify individuals at risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease. Future prospective studies should identify if 80-89-year-old individuals with hypoechoic glands progress to hypothyroidism, and if the absence of changes in echogenicity (i.e. a normal thyroid parenchyma) would have a positive impact on longevity among nonagenarians.

Association between increased serum thyrotropin concentration and the oldest old: what do we know?

To assess studies that evaluate the relation between serum thyrotropin concentration, very old subjects, and their events. We searched the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases for articles published between 2004 and 2012. Our search was restricted to studies involving humans aged 65 years or older, and written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Studies that evaluated the association between elevated serum thyrotropin concentration among elderly subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism were chosen since at least in part they included a subpopulation of individuals aged 80 years and above. Thirteen studies were selected. No significant increase in risk of cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, or total mortality was observed. Elevated thyrotropin concentration was associated with longevity. More randomized controlled trials are required to better define the potential benefits of elevated thyrotropin concentration in this oldest old population, hormone replacement, and longevity.

Association between increased serum thyrotropin concentration and the oldest old: what do we know? / Associação entre aumento da concentração de tirotropina e longevos: o que sabemos?

To assess studies that evaluate the relation between serum thyrotropin concentration, very old subjects, and their events. We searched the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases for articles published between 2004 and 2012. Our search was restricted to studies involving humans aged 65 years or older, and written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Studies that evaluated the association between elevated serum thyrotropin concentration among elderly subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism were chosen since at least in part they included a subpopulation of individuals aged 80 years and above. Thirteen studies were selected. No significant increase in risk of cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, or total mortality was observed. Elevated thyrotropin concentration was associated with longevity. More randomized controlled trials are required to better define the potential benefits of elevated thyrotropin concentration in this oldest old population, hormone replacement, and longevity.

Avaliar os artigos que consideram a relação entre a concentração da tirotropina sérica, indivíduos muito idosos e seus eventos. Foram selecionados artigos do PubMed, SciELO e LILACS publicados entre 2004 e 2012, que consideraram uma população ≥65 anos, escritos em inglês, espanhol ou português. Os estudos que avaliaram a associação entre níveis séricos elevados de tirotropina sérica e idosos com hipotireoidismo subclínico foram escolhidos, desde que incluíssem uma subpopulação com 80 anos ou mais. Treze estudos foram selecionados. Não houve associação significante entre maior risco de eventos cardiovasculares, doença coronariana ou mortalidade. A concentração elevada de tirotropina sérica foi associada à longevidade. Mais estudos randomizados controlados são necessários para o melhor entendimento do potencial benefício da elevação de concentração da tirotropina sérica nos longevos, reposição hormonal e longevidade.

Avaliação do efeito do uso de conservante e dos diferentes momentos de coleta para a determinação de iodo na urina / The effect of the use of preservative and of the different samples collection times on the iodine determination in urine

A determinação do iodo urinário é o marcador bioquímico mais utilizado para avaliação de suas concentrações, auxiliando em estudos epidemiológicos e na clínica médica. Neste trabalho, foi avaliado o efeito do uso de conservante na coleta de urina em frasco coletor, nos períodos antes (A) e após (B) o almoço, e nas amostras distribuídas em tubos com (C) e sem (S) conservante para determinar as concentrações de iodo e creatinina. A dosagem de creatinina foi utilizada para aferir a função renal. Foram analisadas amostras de 20 indivíduos entre 18 a 40 anos de ambos os sexos. Houve concordância nas concentrações de iodo no (A), sendo o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) = 0,769 nos tubos (C) e CCI = 0,724 nos tubos (S), assim como entre (A) CCI = 0,941 e (B) CCI = 0,983. Não houve concordância nas concentrações de creatinina nos tubos (C) CCI = 0,369 e (S) CCI = 0,264 nos dois períodos e, também, entre (A) (CCI =0,916) e (B) (CCI = 0,998). Por não terem sido detectadas variações nas concentrações de iodo nas amostras de urina, ambos os tubos, (C) ou (S), podem ser utilizados com igual confiabilidade. Não foi detecta da variabilidade na determinação de iodo na amostras de urina coletadas nos períodos (A) e (B).

Deficiência de iodo e suas implicações na área da saúde / Iodine deficiency and its implications for health

A deficiência de iodo constitui a principal causa de dano cerebral e de atraso mental, sendo a mais facilmente previsível. Pelas suas gravesconsequências para o desenvolvimento e crescimento do ser humano, ainda representa um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública. A eliminação das desordens por deficiência de iodo se constitui numa das metas mais importantes a cumprir em nível mundial. Para esse fim, tem-se estabelecido as bases cientificas através de formulação de normas diretrizes e estratégias de alcance populacional. A fortificaçãodo sal com iodo resulta na intervenção mais utilizada, devido a seu custo-benefício. A avaliação da magnitude e severidade dessa deficiência inclui a utilização de meios simples e valiosos, como as pesquisas de bócio e as determinações de iodo urinário. Este trabalho abrange os aspectos relacionados aos critérios para definir asdesordens causadas por essa deficiência como problema de saúde, indicadores de processo e impacto na gestão de programas globais para sua eliminação sustentável

Avaliação ultrassonográfica da tireoide, determinação da iodúria e concentração de iodo em sal de cozinha utilizado por escolares de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil / Ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid, determination of ioduria and iodine concentration in kitchen salt used by schoolchildren in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

OBJETIVO E MÉTODOS: Estudos prévios apontaram Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, como área de carência limítrofe de iodo e, posteriormente, de iodação excessiva. Reavaliando seu estado iódico em 2007-2008, foram analisados 300 escolares entre 8 e 10 anos de idade, procedentes de três escolas de diferentes níveis socioeconômicos e realizadas dosagens de iodo urinário e da concentração de iodo no sal doméstico e ultrassonografia tireoidiana. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: A iodúria foi superior na escola com maior nível socioeconômico, comparada às outras, e a diferença foi significante aos 8 e 10 anos para os meninos (p < 0,0001 e p = 0,0106, respectivamente) e aos 8 e 9 anos para as meninas (p = 0,0024 e p = 0,0154, respectivamente). As concentrações medianas de iodo em amostras de sal doméstico variaram entre 26,6 e 27,8 mg iodo/kg e não foram diferentes nas escolas estudadas. À ultrassonografia, 15,6 por cento das tireoides examinadas apresentaram-se hipoecoicas, sugerindo que elas possam apresentar mudanças em sua arquitetura sem ainda alterar seus volumes.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: Previous studies have pointed out that Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, is an area of borderline iodine deficiency, later becoming a region of excessive iodination. In a reevaluation of the iodine status of the city in 2007-2008, 300 schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years were evaluated, from 3 schools of 3 different socioeconomic levels who were submitted to the determination of iodine concentration in urine samples and in kitchen salt and thyroid ultrasound. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Among boys and girls ioduria was higher in the school of highest socioeconomic level compared to the others, with a significant difference in the ages 8 and 10 years for boys with ranges : p < 0,0001 and p = 0,0106, respectively; and in the ages 8 and 9 years for girls with ranges: p = 0,0024 and p = 0,0154, respectively. Median iodine concentrations in samples of kitchen salt ranged from 26.6 to 27.8 mg iodine/kg and did not differ between the schools studied. Ultrasound evaluation revealed that 15,6 percent of thyroids examined were hypoechoic, suggesting that these glands may present changes in the architecture not reflected yet in their volume.

[Ultrasonographic evaluation of the thyroid, determination of ioduria and iodine concentration in kitchen salt used by schoolchildren in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil]. / Avaliação ultrassonográfica da tireoide, determinação da iodúria e concentração de iodo em sal de cozinha utilizado por escolares de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: Previous studies have pointed out that Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, is an area of borderline iodine deficiency, later becoming a region of excessive iodination. In a reevaluation of the iodine status of the city in 2007-2008, 300 schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years were evaluated, from 3 schools of 3 different socioeconomic levels who were submitted to the determination of iodine concentration in urine samples and in kitchen salt and thyroid ultrasound. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Among boys and girls ioduria was higher in the school of highest socioeconomic level compared to the others, with a significant difference in the ages 8 and 10 years for boys with ranges : p < 0,0001 and p = 0,0106, respectively; and in the ages 8 and 9 years for girls with ranges: p = 0,0024 and p = 0,0154, respectively. Median iodine concentrations in samples of kitchen salt ranged from 26.6 to 27.8 mg iodine/kg and did not differ between the schools studied. Ultrasound evaluation revealed that 15,6% of thyroids examined were hypoechoic, suggesting that these glands may present changes in the architecture not reflected yet in their volume.

Excessive iodine intake and ultrasonographic thyroid abnormalities in schoolchildren.

High nutritional levels of iodine may induce a higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, goiter, as well as hyperthyroidism, mostly in the elderly. This study assessed thyroid volume and ultrasonographic abnormalities as well as urinary iodine excretion (UIE) in 964 schoolchildren living in an iodine-sufficient area in southern Brazil. Thyroid volume correlated with age and body surface area in boys and girls. In 76.8% of the children, UIE was above 300 microg/l, with higher levels among boys compared to girls (484.2 microg/l vs 435.3 microg/l, p < 0.001). Thyroid abnormalities detected by ultrasonography included hemiagenesis (0.5%), nodules (0.2%), cysts (0.7%), and hypoechogenicity (11.7%). Goiter was present in 1.9% of the children. Hypoechogenicity, a relevant marker of autoimmune thyroiditis, was the most common abnormality found in our study, and this may be linked to excessive iodine intake.

The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in elderly cardiology patients with mild excessive iodine intake in the urban area of São Paulo.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in elderly cardiac patients in an outpatient setting. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 399 consecutive patients (268 women, age range 60-92 years) who were followed at Heart Institute were evaluated for thyroid dysfunction with serum free T4, TSH, anti-Peroxidase antibodies, urinary iodine excretion measurements and thyroid ultrasound. RESULTS: Hyperthyroidism (overt and subclinical) was present in 29 patients (6.5%), whereas hypothyroidism (overt and subclinical) was found in 32 individuals (8.1%). Cysts were detected in 11 patients (2.8%), single nodules were detected in 102 (25.6%), and multinodular goiters were detected in 34 (8.5%). Hashimoto's thyroiditis was present in 16.8% patients, most of whom were women (83.6%). The serum TSH increased with age and was significantly higher (p= <0.01) in patients, compared to the normal control group. No significant differences in serum TSH and free T4 values were observed when patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) where compared with those without arrhythmia. The median urinary iodine levels were 210 microg/L (40-856 microg/L), and iodine levels were higher in men than in women (p<0.01). Excessive iodine intake (urinary iodine >300 microg/L) was observed in one-third of patients (30.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients have a higher prevalence of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism as well as thyroid nodules when compared with the general population. About one-third of the older patients had elevated urinary secretion of iodine and a higher prevalence of chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is recommended that ultrasonographic studies, tests for thyroid function and autoimmunity should be evaluated in elderly patients.

The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in elderly cardiology patients with mild excessive iodine intake in the urban area of São Paulo

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in elderly cardiac patients in an outpatient setting. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 399 consecutive patients (268 women, age range 60-92 years) who were followed at Heart Institute were evaluated for thyroid dysfunction with serum free T4, TSH, anti-Peroxidase antibodies, urinary iodine excretion measurements and thyroid ultrasound. RESULTS: Hyperthyroidism (overt and subclinical) was present in 29 patients (6.5 percent), whereas hypothyroidism (overt and subclinical) was found in 32 individuals (8.1 percent). Cysts were detected in 11 patients (2.8 percent), single nodules were detected in 102 (25.6 percent), and multinodular goiters were detected in 34 (8.5 percent). Hashimoto's thyroiditis was present in 16.8 percent patients, most of whom were women (83.6 percent). The serum TSH increased with age and was significantly higher (p= <0.01) in patients, compared to the normal control group. No significant differences in serum TSH and free T4 values were observed when patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) where compared with those without arrhythmia. The median urinary iodine levels were 210 µg/L (40-856 µg/L), and iodine levels were higher in men than in women (p<0.01). Excessive iodine intake (urinary iodine >300 µg/L) was observed in one-third of patients (30.8 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients have a higher prevalence of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism as well as thyroid nodules when compared with the general population. About one-third of the older patients had elevated urinary secretion of iodine and a higher prevalence of chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is recommended that ultrasonographic studies, tests for thyroid function and autoimmunity should be evaluated in elderly patients.

Avaliação ultra-sonográfica da tiróide, excreção urinária de iodo em escolares de 6 a 14 anos e grau de iodação de sal em diferentes regiões do estado deSão Paulo / Echographic evaluation of the thyroid gland, urinary iodine concentration and the salt iodization in schollchildren from distinct regions of the state of São Paulo

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a ingestão de iodo em regiões do Estado de São Paulo. 964 escolares foram avaliados e os volumes da glândula tiróide elevaram-se com a idade, guardando correlação positiva com a superfície corporal. 2,9 por cento dos escolares apresentavam bócio e hipoecogenicidade da glândula foi vista em 11,7 por cento da amostra. Houve excessiva excreção urinária de iodo nesta população em 76,8 por cento das amostras. Concluímos que a população de escolares estudados apresenta excessiva ingestão diária de iodo, a qual, poderá induzir várias alterações da função tiroidiana.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the iodine nutrition in distinct regions of the state of São Paulo. 964 schoolchildren were examined and there was a progressive increase of the thyroid volume with aging with a positive correlation with the body surface area. The enlarged thyroid gland was present in 2.9 per cent and a few thyroid gland abnormalities were noticed such as hemiagenesia (0.5 per cent), nodules (0.2 per cent), cysts (0.7 per cent) and hypoechogenicity (11.7 per cent). The urinary excretion of iodine was elevated being above 300ug Iodine/L in 76.8 per cent of the schoolchildren examined. We conclude that the schoolchildren population of the State of São Paulo may be under an excessive daily ingestion of iodine. This may induce a subclinical hyperthyroidism in the elderly and possibly an increment in the prevalence of cronic autoimmune thyroiditis.

Avaliação ultra-sonográfica da tireóide e determinação da iodúria em escolares de diferentes regiões do Estado de São Paulo / Echographic evaluation of the thyroid gland and urinary iodine concentration in schoolchildren from distinct regions of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

A iodação do sal é eficiente no combate às doenças decorrentes da deficiência de iodo, sendo empregada em todo território nacional desde 1995. O Estado de São Paulo é considerado uma área ioda-suficiente. Para avaliar a ingesta de iodo, foram selecionados aleatoriamente 844 escolares entre 6 e 14 anos, de seis regiões do Estado. Foram avaliados, sob o ponto de vista ecográfico da tireóide, 423 meninos e 421 meninas. Os volumes da glândula tireóide elevaram-se progressivamente com a idade, guardando correlação positiva e significativa com a superfície corporal. Cerca de 1,6 por cento dos escolares apresentava bócio. Nódulos, cistos, hemiagenesia foram detectados em 1,4 por cento dos examinados. Notamos excessiva excreção urinária de iodo nesta população, cerca de 53 por cento eliminou acima de 300µg Iodo/L e valores acima de 600µgI/L foram encontrados em 21 por cento dos escolares. As amostras de sal doméstico apresentavam valores entre 28,1 e 63,3mg Iodo/kg de sal. Concluímos que a população escolar do Estado de São Paulo apresenta excessiva ingestão diária de iodo, a qual, extrapolada para a população em geral, pode induzir várias alterações da função tireóidea, como hipertiroidismo subclínico (em idosos) e tireoidite crônica autoimune na população adulta, em geral.

[Echographic evaluation of the thyroid gland and urinary iodine concentration in school children from various regions of the State of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Avaliação ultra-sonográfica da tireóide e determinação da iodúria em escolares de diferentes regiões do Estado de São Paulo.

We have examined, by ultrasonographic studies, the thyroid gland of 844 schoolchildren, aged between 6 and 14 years old (423 girls, 421 boys). There was a progressive increase of the thyroid volume with aging with a positive and significant correlation with the body surface area. The presence of enlarged thyroid gland was rarely seen, being present in only 1.6% of the studied cohort. A few thyroid gland abnormalities were noticed such as hemiagenesia (4 children), nodules and cysts and hypoechogenicity (total: 1.4% of all subjects examined). It was clearly demonstrated that the urinary excretion of iodine was elevated being above 300 microg Iodine/L in 53% of the schoolchildren examined. Assays for the iodine concentration in the domestic salt samples revealed values between 28.1 and 63.3 mgI/kg of salt. We concluded that the schoolchildren population of the State of São Paulo may be under an excessive daily ingestion of iodine. This may induce, if extrapolated to the general population, subclinical hyperthyroidism in the elderly and possibly an increment in the prevalence of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.