Epidemiology and Injury Pattern of E-Scooter Injuries - Initial Results. / Verletzungen mit E-Scootern ­ erste Ergebnisse zu Epidemiologie und Verletzungsmustern.

AIM: Since the introduction of shared electric scooters in Germany in June 2019, surgeons have been treating injuries caused by these devices. METHODS: In our Institution, we implemented the first registry to examine the pattern of injuries and to gather epidemiological data on persons injured while riding electric scooters. We conducted a prospective analysis of all patients treated in our Emergency Department for an injury sustained while riding an electric scooter between June 2019 and June 2020. All patients were noted in a registry (E-SCORE = E-Scooter Register). The study was approved by the institutional ethics board. Outcomes were first time of use, injuries, imaging, alcohol and helmet use, age, length of hospital stay and surgical therapy. RESULTS: 90 patients were identified. Mean age was 35.6 years (± 15.4); 65.5% were male. We diagnosed 32 fractures and 7 ligament injuries. Injuries to the head were found in 38 patients; 8 had relevant intracerebral or maxillofacial injuries. Alcohol use was noted in 18 (20%) patients, only 2 of whom wore a helmet (2.2%). 29 patients (32.2%) required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant number of head injuries in patients riding electric scooters. Nevertheless, there are also a significant number of injuries to the bones and ligaments, which required surgical treatment. Hardly any of the patients was wearing a helmet and alcohol use was not unusual. In our opinion, scooter related injuries are leading to an growing number of vehicle related injuries and could probably benefit from some legal regulations, such as a blood alcohol limit and recommendation for helmet use. Implementation of a nationwide registry might be useful in evaluating injuries related to electric scooters.

Unmatched Type O RhD+ Red Blood Cells in Multiple Injured Patients.

BACKGROUND: Immediate supply of red blood cell (RBC) concentrates is crucial in the initial treatment of exsanguinating patients in the emergency room. General shortage of RhD- RBCs has led to protocols in which patients with unknown blood groups are initially transfused with group O, RhD+ RBCs. Limited data are available regarding the safety of such an approach. METHODS: Transfusion protocols for all multiple injured patients from the regional polytrauma database were retrospectively analyzed over a period of 5 years. Data on side effects were retrieved from the local safety update registry. Follow-up data were obtained from patients with identified RhD-incompatible transfusions. RESULTS: In total, 823 patients were registered as multiple injured in the database. An immediate transfusion of 259 units (mean number of units 4, range 1-6) group O, RhD+ RBCs was initiated in 62 of them. 14 of these patients were RhD- and received 60 units of RhD-incompatible RBCs in the emergency room. In the later course RhD- patients received additional 185 incompatible transfusions (13; 1-31). The overall seroconversion rate was 50%. No adverse outcome due to incompatible transfusion was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Initial supply with group O, RhD+ RBCs in multiple injured patients appears to be safe. Significant numbers of RhD- units can be saved for use in other patients.

Radiologic diagnostic procedures in severely injured patients - is only whole-body multislice computed tomography the answer?

BACKGROUND: Whole-body multislice computed tomography (WB-MSCT) has become an important diagnostic tool in the early treatment phase of severely injured patients. The optimal moment of WB-MSCT's use during this treatment phase remains unclear. Many trauma centers use WB-MSCT in addition to conventional radiographs, while some trauma centers use WB-MSCT as the only radiological tool. The aim of this study was to determine the differences between these two protocols and to answer the question of whether conventional radiographs can still be used in the safe treatment of polytrauma patients. METHODS: Patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® with an injury severity score (ISS) of ≥16 were included. Group I received conventional radiographs and focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) prior to a WB-MSCT, and group II received an initial WB-MSCT and FAST. Both groups were compared concerning treatment time and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 3,995 patients in group I were compared to 4,025 patients in group II. There were no differences in ISS (29.97 vs. 29.94), gender (male: 73.5% vs. 72.8%), age (45.47 vs. 45.12 years), or calculated mortality (21.41% vs. 21.44%). Time needed in the resuscitation room was slightly longer in group I (72 vs. 64 min); the durations until admittance to the ICU and arrival to the OR were not significantly different between the groups. There was no difference in mortality (18.2% vs. 18.4%) or the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) (0.85 vs. 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: WB-MSCT plays an inherent role in the treatment of multiple-injured patients. However, the use of WB-MSCT as the only diagnostic method in the resuscitation room is not needed. Conventional radiographs and FAST followed by WB-MSCT can be performed in the early resuscitation phase without impairing patient outcomes. This approach enables the emergency room team to perform life-saving procedures - chest-tube insertion, laparotomy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation -immediately and simultaneous. Nevertheless, randomized multi-center trials are needed to determine the comparability and effectiveness of these algorithms.

Effect of the localisation of the CT scanner during trauma resuscitation on survival -- a retrospective, multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) is increasingly becoming the standard diagnostic technique during the resuscitation of severely injured patients. However, little is known about the ideal localisation of the CT scanner within the emergency setting. We intended to analyse the potential effect of the localisation of the CT scanner on outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective multicentre cohort study involving 8004 adult blunt major trauma patients out of 312 hospitals, we analysed the effect of the distance of the trauma room to the CT scanner on the outcome. Three groups were built: 1. CT in the trauma room 2. CT equal or less than 50 m away and 3. CT more than 50 m away. Using data derived from the 2007-2011 version of TraumaRegister DGU(®) and the structure data bank of the TraumaNetzwerk DGU(®) (trauma network, TNW; German Trauma Society, DGU) we determined the observed and predicted mortality and calculated the standardised mortality ratio (SMR) as well as logistic regressions. RESULTS: n=8004 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria: their mean age was 46.4 ± 21.0 years. 72.8% of them were male and the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 28.6 ± 11.8. The overall mortality rate was 16.0%. The mean time from hospital admission to whole-body CT was 17.1 ± 12.3 min for group 1, 22.7 ± 15.5 min for group 2 and 27.7 ± 17.1 min for group 3, p<0.001. Risk adjusted SMR was 0.74 (CI 95% 0.67-0.81) in group 1, 0.81 (CI 95% 0.76-0.87) in group 2, and 0.88 (CI 95% 0.79-0.98) in group 3. SMR group 1 vs. SMR group 2: p=0.130. SMR group 2 vs. SMR group 3: p=0.170. SMR group 1 vs. SMR group 3: p=0.016. SMR groups 1+2 vs. SMR group 3: p=0.046. Comparable data were found for the subgroup analysis of Level-I trauma centres only. Logistic regression confirmed the positive effect of a close localisation of the CT to the trauma room. The odds ratio (OR) was lowest for the localisation of the CT in the trauma room (OR 0.68, CI 95% 0.54-0.86, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was proven for the first time that a close distance of the CT scanner to the trauma room has a significant positive effect on the probability of survival of severely injured patients. The closer the CT is located to the trauma room, the better the probability of survival. Distances of more than 50 m had a significant negative effect on the outcome. If new emergency departments are planned or rebuilt, the CT scanner should be placed less than 50 m away from or preferably in the trauma room.

TraumaNetzwerk DGU(®): optimizing patient flow and management.

PURPOSE: Caring for severely injured trauma patients is challenging for all medical professionals involved both in the preclinical and in the clinical course of treatment. While the overall quality of care in Germany is high there still are significant regional differences remaining. Reasons are geographical and infrastructural differences as well as variations in personnel and equipment of the hospitals. METHODS: To improve state-wide trauma care the German Trauma Society (DGU) initiated the TraumaNetzwerk DGU(®) (TNW) project. The TNW is based on five major components: (a) Whitebook for the treatment of severely injured patients; (b) evidence-based guidelines for the medical care of severe injury; (c) local auditing of participating hospitals; (d) contract of interhospital cooperation; (d) TraumaRegister DGU(®) documentation. RESULTS: By the end of 2013, 644 German Trauma Centres (TC) had successfully passed the audit. To that date 44 regional TNWs with a mean of 13.5 TCs had been established and certified. The TNWs cover approximately 90% of the country's surface. Of those hospitals, 2.3 were acknowledged as Supraregional TC, 5.4 as Regional TC and 6.7 as Lokal TC. Moreover, cross border TNW in cooperation with hospitals in The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Austria have been established. Preparing for the audit 66% of the hospitals implemented organizational changes (e.g. TraumaRegister DGU(®) documentation and interdisciplinary guidelines), while 60% introduced personnel and 21% structural (e.g. X-ray in the ER) changes. CONCLUSIONS: The TraumaNetzwerk DGU(®) project combines the control of common defined standards of care for all participating hospitals (top down) and the possibility of integrating regional cooperation by forming a regional TNW (bottom up). Based on the joint approach of healthcare professionals, it is possible to structure and influence the care of severely injured patients within a nationwide trauma system.

[In-hospital trauma management - damage control]. / Innerklinisches Traumamanagement - Damage Control - Die Mutter vieler Strategien.

Damage Control is a strategy for the initial treatment phase in severely injured patients. The aim is to avoid time consuming surgical procedures thereby reducing secondary damage and to improve patients' outcome. Once the patient is haemodynamically stabilized on the intensive care unit, definitive therapy - i. e. osteosynthesis, bowel/urinary tract reconstruction etc. - can be performed after a time interval of 5-10 days. Thus Damage Control is a quick and focused but preliminary treatment strategy in the initial emergency phase in critically injured patients.

[In-hospital trauma management - beyond routine in trauma resuscitation]. / Innerklinisches Traumamanagement - Seltenes ist selten: Zeugen Jehovas, Patienten mit Infektionskrankheiten, Schwangere und Kinder im Schockraum.

Trauma resuscitation in children, pregnant women, Jehovah's witnesses or in patients with infectious diseases like HIV is obviously beyond routine. This may result in uncertainty how to manage these patients appropriately. Preparation for such situations is essential. Therefore this article focuses on the specific problems associated with these kinds of patients.

[In-hospitaltraumamanagement - radiation emergency and multiple trauma - principals of treatment in the emergency room]. / Innerklinisches Traumamanagement - Schockraumversorgung von Patienten nach Strahlenunfällen.

Exposure to ionizing radiation combined with multiple trauma is a very rare but severe event. There are some important basic principles for the early inpatient management. An externally exposed patient poses no risk to the treatment team. Injuries require treatment in order of priority as known for example by ATLS(®). Against external contamination, the treatment team is adequately protected by wearing protective clothing and gloves in conformity with universal medical precautions. Treatment of life threatening injuries takes priority over decontamination. Specialized treatment centres should be involved early on in patient treatment.

Implementation of a nationwide trauma network for the care of severely injured patients.

BACKGROUND: Regional differences in the care of severely injured patients remain problematic in industrial countries. METHODS: In 2006, the German Society for Trauma Surgery initiated the foundation of regional networks between trauma centers in a TraumaNetwork (TNW). The TNW consisted of five major elements as follows: (a) a whitebook on the treatment of severely injured patients; (b) evidence-based guidelines (S3); (c) local audits; (d) contracts of interhospital cooperation among all participating hospitals; and (e) TraumaRegister documentation. TNW hospitals are classified according to local audit results as supraregional (STC), regional (RTC), or local (LTC) trauma centers by criteria concerning staff, equipment, admission capacity, and responsibility. RESULTS: Five hundred four German trauma centers (TCs) were certified by the end of December 2012. By then, 37 regional TNWs, with a mean of 13.6 TCs, were established, covering approximately 80% of the country's territory. Of the hospitals, 92 were acknowledged as STCs, 210 as RTCs, and 202 as LTCs.In 2012, 19,124 patients were documented by the certified TCs. Fifty-seven percent of the patients were treated in STCs, 34% in RTCs, and 9% in LTCs. The mean (SD) Injury Severity Score (ISS) was highest in STCs (21 [13]), compared with 18 (12) in RTCs and 16 (10) in LTCs. There were differences in expected mortality (based on Revised Injury Severity Classification) according to the differences in the severity of trauma among the different categories, but in all types, the expected mortality was significantly higher than the observed mortality (differences in STCs, 1.8%; RTCs, 1.4%; LTCs, 2.0%). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, it is possible to successfully structure and standardize the care of severely injured patients in a nationwide trauma system. Better outcomes than expected were observed in all categories of TNW hospitals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level III. Therapeutic/care management study, level IV.

A comparison of the treatment of severe injuries between the former East and West German States.

BACKGROUND: The annual number of persons killed in road-traffic accidents in Germany declined by 36% from 2001 to 2008, yet official traffic statistics still reveal a marked difference in fatalities between the federal states of the former East and West Germany twenty years after German reunification. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from the Trauma Registry of the German Trauma Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie; TR-DGU). Patients receiving primary treatment that had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 9 or above were analyzed separately depending on whether they were treated in the former East Germany or the former West Germany. RESULTS: Data were obtained from a total of 26 866 road-accident trauma cases. With Berlin excluded, 2597 cases (10.2%) were from the former East Germany (EG), and 22 966 (89.9%) were from the former West Germany (WG). The percentage of the population living in these two parts of the country is 16.7% and 83.3%, respectively. The two groups did not differ significantly in either the mortality of injuries (EG 15.8%, WG 15.7%) or in the standardized mortality rate (0.89 [EG] vs. 0.88 [WG]). Over the years 2002-2008, the mean time to arrival of the emergency medical services on the scene was 19 minutes (EG) vs. 17 minutes (WG), and the mean time to arrival in hospital was 76 minutes (EG) vs. 69 minutes (WG). CONCLUSION: Among the hospitals whose cases are included in the TR-DGU, there is no significant difference between the former East and West Germany with respect to mortality or any other clinically relevant variable. Hypothetically, the higher rate of death from road-traffic accidents in the former East Germany, as revealed by national traffic statistics, might be attributable to a difference in the quality of care received by trauma patients, but no such difference was found. Other potential reasons for it might be poorer road conditions, more initially fatal accidents, and lower accessibility of medical care in less densely populated areas.

The benefit of wire cerclage stabilisation of the medial hinge in intramedullary nailing for the treatment of subtrochanteric femoral fractures: a biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: Reduction and intramedullary fixation of subtrochanteric fractures is often challenging. Osteosynthesis frequently fails and a higher rate of non-unions is found. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of an additional cerclage to anatomically reduce and support the medial hinge. The application is based on the experience of the surgeon; as yet no biomechanical data are available. METHODS: Ten pairs of human cadaveric femora were used to determine the biomechanical and clinical advantage of an additional cerclage. All femora were tested in a materials testing system after osteotomy, osteosynthesis with the Gamma III nail and randomisation into two groups with or without additional cerclage. RESULTS: After cyclic loading the compressive load to reach plastic deformation of 5 mm was 2,160 N on average in the group without cerclage vs 2,330 N on average in the group with cerclage. This biomechanical advantage showed no statistical significance (p = 0.2). Radiological examination when the abort criterion was reached revealed that use of the additional wire cerclage could significantly decrease the failure of osteosynthesis (100 vs 10%) after intramedullary nailing of subtrochanteric fractures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In view of the more invasive operative approach with additional soft tissue injuries, application of an additional cerclage should still be considered carefully. Nevertheless, a mini-open approach to difficult fractures could be helpful in reducing the fracture with a clamp and is sometimes essential. The damage to the soft tissue must be weighed against the benefits of the procedure. An additional cerclage in oblique subtrochanteric fractures is a good option to ensure the reposition and cortical medial support if appropriate and to decrease osteosynthesis failure and rates of non-unions.

[Interdisciplinary treatment of severely injured patients in the trauma resuscitation room]. / Schockraummanagement--Ubergang von der Präklinik zur Klinik.

The trauma resuscitation room in emergency departments is an important link between preclinical treatment and clinical management of patients with multiple trauma. For the trauma team (Trauma Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Radiology) to respond adequately, a high degree of training and standardisation is required. With arrival of the patient, the trauma team starts with priority orientated resuscitation. After life-threatening problems have been resolved, the diagnostic work is started with plain films of the chest and the pelvis and FAST. Additional plain films are made depending on further suspected injuries. Reassessment of the patient is done and necessary emergency interventions are performed before the patient is transferred to the radiology department for organ focused computed tomography. CT has gained importance in the early diagnostic phase of trauma care. The development of Multislice Helical Computed Tomography (MSCT) has led to substantial refinement in the diagnostic work-up. For many institutions it has become an essential part of the imaging of the traumatized patient. Delayed and insufficient medical interventions have a high impact on negative patient outcome. Anticipating and dealing with critical situations might reduce preventable errors in the treatment process and can be achieved by implementation of an algorithm-based structured workflow. In that context some elements of quality management are well established in clinical practice. In the presented paper we describe the effort that needs to be done to provide optimal care for multiple trauma patients after admission to a designed trauma centre.

Major trauma with multiple injuries in German children: a retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographics, mechanisms, pattern, injury severity, and the outcome (ie, length of intensive care unit [ICU] stay, length of mechanical ventilation, total length of stay, mortality) in multiple-injured children based on a review from the German trauma registry study ("Traumaregister") of the German Society of Trauma Surgery (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Unfallchirurgie e.V.). METHODS: One hundred three German trauma centers took part in the German trauma registry study from January 1997 to December 2003. Five hundred seventeen children (aged 0-15 years) with multiple injuries and an Injury Severity Score of more than 15 in comparison to 11,025 adults were included. Sex, age, and mechanisms and pattern of injury were assessed. The mechanisms of trauma and the anatomical distribution of severe injury (Abbreviated Injury Scale of 3 or more) were analyzed. The Injury Severity Score, the Revised Trauma Score, and the Trauma Score Injury Severity Score were calculated to estimate the severity of injury and mortality. RESULTS: The predominant sex was male. Most cases were caused by traffic-related accidents. Head injuries were most common in children, and severe thoracic injuries increased with age. Mean length of ICU treatment, mechanical ventilation, and total length of stay were shorter in children than in adults. A total of 22.6% of the children aged 0 to 5 years died in the hospital in comparison with in-hospital mortality rate of 13.7% in the 6- to 10-, 20.3% in the 11- to 15-, and 17.0% in the 16- to 55-year-old patients. CONCLUSIONS: There were differences between multiple-injured children and adults concerning injury mechanisms and pattern of injuries. Adults needed a longer mechanical ventilation and a longer ICU therapy. Most deaths could be seen in the youngest patients aged 0 to 5 years.

[Epidemiology and management in emergency room patients with maxillofacial fractures]. / Epidemiologie und Behandlungsmanagement bei Schockraumpatienten mit Gesichtsschädelverletzungen.

OBJECTIVE: To minimize overall mortality and optimise reconstructive and cosmetic outcome in severely injured patients with maxillofacial injuries the interdisciplinary coordination of several surgical disciplines is required. It is still discussed controversy whether patients with maxillofacial fractures benefit from early fracture repair or if delayed operative management also yields in good results. METHODS: Herein we analysed the data of 1252 severely injured patients between May 1998 through June 2002 in our trauma department regarding fractures of the maxillofacial region, injury severity, length of ICU stay and postoperative complications in patients with either early (within 72 hours) or delayed ( > 3 days) facial fracture repair. RESULTS: 147 patients had severe facial fractures. Average age was 39.8 years (3-87 years), mean ICU was 25 (+/- 16) and the overall mortality 12% (n = 18). The most common cause for the injuries were traffic accidents in 45%. 78 patients (53%) underwent surgical repair of the maxillofacial fractures; 18 patients had early fracture repair and 60 patients had delayed operative repair. We found 4 complications (22%) in the early repair group and 13 local complications (21%) in the group with delayed surgical repair. CONCLUSION: Delayed repair of maxillofacial injuries in severely injured patients is feasible and yields in good results compared to early fracture repair.

General handling and anesthesia for experimental surgery in pigs.

The pig is a common large animal for experimental settings in many fields of surgery. In experimental surgery, there is a need for different narcotic procedures depending on the complexity of the surgical investigation. Narcotic procedures have to be safe, easy to handle, and should not influence the experimental results. We hereby present important aspects of handling and narcotic procedures for pigs. The aim of this publication is to supply an introduction for young surgical investigators who are planning or already have started investigations using pigs as an experimental animal. This publication is based on our institutional experience of narcotic and surgical procedures in more than 400 cases.

Mortality in severely injured elderly trauma patients--when does age become a risk factor?

Age is a well-known risk factor in trauma patients. The aim of the present study was to define the age-dependent cut-off for increasing mortality in multiple injured patients. Pre-existing medical conditions in older age and impaired age-dependent physiologic reserve contributing to a worse outcome in multiple injured elderly patients are discussed as reasons for increased mortality. A retrospective clinical study of a statewide trauma data set from 1993 through 2000 included 5375 patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) > or = 16 who were stratified by age. The ISS and Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) quantified the injury severity. Outcome measures were mortality, shock, multiple organ failure, and severe head injury. Mortality in this series increased beginning at age 56 years, and that increase was independent of the ISS. The mortality rate increased from 7.3% (patients 46-55 years of age) to 13.0% (patients ages 56-65 years) in patients with ISS 16-24; from 23.8% to 32.1% in those with ISS 25-50; and from 62.2% to 82.1% in those with ISS 51-75 (P < or = 0.05). Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) was the most frequent cause of death, with a significant peak in patients older than 75 years. The incidence of lethal multiple organ failure increased significantly beginning at age 56 years (P < or = 0.05), but it showed no further increase in patients aged 76 years or older. In contrast, the incidence of lethal shock showed a significant increase from age 76 years (P < or = 0.05), but not at age 56 years. However, from age 56 years, mortality increased significantly in patients who sustained multiple trauma-an increase that was independent of trauma severity.

Nonoperative management of tracheobronchial injuries in severely injured patients.

PURPOSE: A rupture of the airway due to blunt chest trauma is rare, and treatment can prove challenging. Many surgeons suggest operative management for these kinds of injuries. Nonoperative therapy is reported only in exceptional cases. But there is still a lack of evidence from which to recommend surgical repair of these injuries as the first choice procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 92 multiple injured patients admitted to our trauma department between July 2002 and July 2003 for the incidence and management of tracheobronchial rupture (TBR). RESULTS: Five (5.4%) of 92 patients suffered from tracheobronchial injuries. The mean injury severity score was 38. There were three male and two female patients, with a mean age of 23 years. All patients had lesions <2 cm in size and were treated nonoperatively. One patient died from multiorgan failure, but the others recovered from TBR uneventfully. One patient developed acute pneumonia as a result of respirator therapy, but none of the patients had mediastinitis or tracheal stenosis within 3 months after injury. CONCLUSION: We believe that surgical treatment is not mandatory in patients with small to moderate ruptures, and such aggressive treatment may even have adverse effects, especially in patients with multiple injuries.

Detection and characterization of RANK ligand and osteoprotegerin in the thyroid gland.

Receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) play essential roles in bone metabolism and immune responses. RANKL activates RANK, which is expressed by osteoclasts and dendritic cells (DC), whereas OPG acts as its decoy receptor. The role of RANKL and OPG in thyroid physiology is unclear. Northern analysis revealed pronounced OPG mRNA levels in normal human thyroid. By contrast, RANKL mRNA levels were most abundant in lymph node and appendix, and low in the thyroid. In the human thyroid follicular cell line XTC and in primary human thyroid follicular cells, OPG mRNA levels and protein secretion were upregulated by interleukin (IL)-1beta (33-fold), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (eightfold), and thyrotropin (TSH) (threefold). RANKL mRNA was stimulated in XTC by IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, but inhibited by TSH. Conditioned medium harvested from IL-1beta-treated XTC (containing high concentrations of OPG) inhibited RANKL-induced CD40 upregulation and cluster formation of DC. OPG mRNA levels were three times more abundant in surgical thyroid specimens of Graves' disease as compared to other thyroid diseases. Our data suggest that RANKL and OPG are produced in the thyroid gland by thyroid follicular cells, are regulated by cytokines and TSH, and are capable of modulating dendritic cell functions. Thus, these cytokines may represent important local immunoregulatory factors involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases.