Randomized control trial of opioid- versus nonopioid-based analgesia after thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Opioid-based analgesia is the most common method for pain control in the postoperative period. Limited data exist to compare the adequacy of pain control in the post thyroidectomy period with nonopioid-based analgesia. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nonopioid-based, postoperative analgesia. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, patients were randomized to 1 of 2 pain control regimens. Sample size was calculated to assess for a pain score difference of 1 based on a visual analog scale. The control group received opioid-based, postoperative analgesia, whereas the study group received nonopioid-based analgesia of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Pain scores (measured on visual analog scale) and opioid use (converted to morphine equivalent dose) were measured after completion of the operation. RESULTS: The sample sizes for the study and control groups were 49 and 46 patients, respectively. The pain score for the study and control groups 1 hour after the operation (3.3 vs 3.9, P = .35), 6 hours after the operation (2.8 vs 3.0, P = .08), on postoperative day 1 (1.6 vs 2.4, P = .08) and on the first office visit (0.2 vs 0.1, P = .82) did not have a statistically significant difference. Morphine equivalent opioid requirement for pain control in the postoperative period was 0.8 vs 6.9 mg (P < .01), respectively. CONCLUSION: In a randomized control trial, we showed that patients treated with nonopioid analgesia had similar pain scores to those treated with opioids, with the benefit of having lower opioid exposure in the perioperative period.

Differentiated thyroid cancer and Hashimoto thyroiditis: Utility of the Afirma gene expression classifier.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Afirma gene expression classifier (AGEC) has not been tested or validated in a high-risk group, such as patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). We hypothesized that AGEC would perform worse in patients with HT. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient charts in a single academic institution who underwent thyroidectomy between 2012 and 2017 was conducted. Patients with HT who underwent AGEC were identified to calculate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS: We identified 69 patients with HT and atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) on cytology who underwent AGEC analysis. The mean age of AGEC cohort was 50 years (range, 26-77 years) with 90% female. The median nodule size was 1.9 cm (interquartile range [IQR], 1.2-2.7 cm). Of the 69 patients, 62 showed suspicious AGEC of which 26 showed TC on surgical pathology. Of the seven benign AGEC, two showed TC on surgical pathology. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 93%, 12%, 42%, and 71%, respectively. Of the entire AGEC cohort, 17 (43%) showed multicentric disease. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a lower NPV for AGEC to rule out thyroid cancer in patients with HT, which reduces the utility of the test for this population.

Evaluation of Thyroid Hormone Replacement Dosing in Overweight and Obese Patients After a Thyroidectomy.

Background: Initiation of thyroid hormone replacement (THR) after a total thyroidectomy has traditionally relied on the weight of the patient, regardless of the patient's body mass index (BMI). Current literature suggests that THR in obese patients differs from nonobese patients. This can lead to overdosing of levothyroxine (LT4) and delay in achievement of euthyroid state. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients on THR after total thyroidectomy with a benign postoperative diagnosis. Patients who achieved euthyroidism with THR were included in the analysis. Patient demographic and THR dosing information was collected. Regression analysis was performed to identify appropriate THR dosing at varying BMIs. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriate dosing of THR in overweight and obese patients. Results: Our cohort consisted of 114 patients achieving euthyroidism while on THR. Mean age was 55 years (range 28-77 years) with 84% females. Of the 114 patients, the number of patients with a BMI less than 25, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, and greater than 40 were 26 (23%), 33 (29%), 23 (20%), 19 (17%), and 13 (11%), respectively. Of the entire cohort, a mean of 50 weeks elapsed after surgery to achieve euthyroidism, with no significant difference between the BMI categories (p = 0.58). In obese patients (BMI >30), 35% were overdosed with LT4 on initial dosing. The cohort lost a mean of 3 kg until euthyroidism was achieved, with no significant difference in the weight loss based on BMI category (p = 0.61). Patients with a higher BMI did require a higher dose (mcg) of LT4 to achieve euthyroidism (p < 0.01), but the dose was significantly lower in relation to their weight (mcg/kg) (p < 0.01). The LT4 dose required to achieve euthyroidism based on the previously mentioned BMI categories were 1.76, 1.47, 1.42, 1.27, and 1.28 mcg/kg. Conclusion: The current weight-based dosing of THR inappropriately overdoses overweight and obese patients. A more appropriate formula for THR titration should consider both the weight and BMI of the patient.

Safety of Thyroid Surgery in the Elderly: A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid surgery is becoming more common in the elderly as elderly population continues to grow. We aim to evaluate the relative risk of morbidity from thyroidectomy in patients greater than 75 y of age. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for patients who were undergoing thyroidectomy between 2001 and 2018 in a multihospital network. A matched control group was selected with use of a propensity score, which was based on gender, ethnicity, type of surgery, insurance status, and comorbidities. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was used to quantify comorbidities. Total complications included both thyroid-specific and systemic complications. RESULTS: We identified 313 patients over the age of 75 y with a propensity score matched group of 313 patients. There was no difference between the percent female (73% versus 73%, P = 0.92), race composition (P = 0.91), insurance status (P = 0.99), percent undergoing total thyroidectomy (84% versus 84%, P = 0.91), and Charlson Index (2.6 versus 2.69, P = 0.70) of the two groups. Overall complications (4.8% versus 1.9%, P = 0.05) and thrombotic events (1.2 versus 0%, P = 0.04) were significantly higher but there was no statistically significant difference between postoperative emergency room visits (7% versus 6%, P = 0.61), readmissions (11.5% versus 8.6%, P = 0.18), cardiovascular (1.3 versus 0.6%, P = 0.61), pulmonary (3.2 versus 0.9%, P = 0.07), or neurologic complications (1.0 versus 0.3%, P = 0.34). No reoperations were noted in either group. Elder patients did have a longer length of stay (2.64 versus 1.29 d, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients did have a longer length of stay when compared to a matched younger population. Although there was a trend with higher complication rates in the elderly, those differences did not reach statistical significance.

PATIENTS' PERCEPTION ON CLINICAL OUTCOME AND QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER A DIAGNOSIS OF CUSHING SYNDROME.

OBJECTIVE: Excess cortisol production (Cushing syndrome, CS) is a chronic disease affecting many organ systems and impacting quality of life (QoL). This study analyzed factors associated with self-reported QoL, including aspects related to the diagnosis and treatment modalities of CS. METHODS: In collaboration with the Cushing's Support and Research Foundation (CSRF), surveys using a validated QoL instrument were sent to CSRF members. Data were analyzed for associations between QoL and demographic, treatment, and disease factors. RESULTS: A total of 269 patients completed the survey. Respondents were 89.9% female, and the mean age was 48 years (SD 12, range 16-76). Respondents visited a median of 4 physicians (range 1-40) prior to the diagnosis of CS, with a median of 5 years (mean 7, SD 5, range 1-30) to obtain a diagnosis, showing a statistically significant negative correlation (P<.001). In one-quarter of cases, someone other than a physician suggested the diagnosis. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that remission status, time to diagnosis, radiation therapy, and hypopituitarism were significant predictors of QoL. There was no association between QoL and patient's sex, age, replacement steroid use, having follow-up with an endocrinologist, or surgical approach. CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest QoL studies of CS patients and provides information for treatment and education goals. It is notable that early diagnosis and treatment was the major predictor of better QoL after achieving remission from disease, highlighting the need for awareness about the disorder. Patients in remission had better QoL, emphasizing the importance of disease control.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Facial Features.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgeries performed in the USA has increased twelve-fold in the past two decades. The effects of rapid weight loss on facial features has not been previously studied. We hypothesized that bariatric surgery will mimic the effects of aging thus giving the patient an older and less attractive appearance. METHODS: Consecutive patients were enrolled from the bariatric surgical clinic at our institution. Pre and post weight loss photographs were taken and used to generate two surveys. The surveys were distributed through social media to assess the difference between the preoperative and postoperative facial photos, in terms of patients' perceived age and overall attractiveness. 102 respondents completed the first survey and 95 respondents completed the second survey. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients, five showed statistically significant change in perceived age (three more likely to be perceived older and two less likely to be perceived older). The patients were assessed to be more attractive postoperatively, which showed statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss does affect facial aesthetics. Mild weight loss is perceived by survey respondents to give the appearance of a younger but less attractive patient, while substantial weight loss is perceived to give the appearance of an older but more attractive patient.

Multifocal, recurrent sinonasal leiomyosarcoma: case report and review of literature.

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor encountered in the sinus and skull base, and can be difficult to control. We present a case of an 83 year old female with a recurrent sinonasal leiomyosarcoma. The tumor exhibited variable growth rates of recurrences in non-contiguous sites despite having obtained clear surgical margins and use of adjuvant therapy. This case illustrates unusual characteristics of this rare tumor that are important for clinicians to know. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and prognosis are also reviewed.

Palladium-catalyzed reactions of arylindium reagents prepared directly from aryl iodides and indium metal.

Treatment of aryl iodides with indium metal in the presence of lithium chloride leads to the formation of an organoindium reagent capable of participating in cross-coupling reactions under transition-metal catalysis. Combination with aryl halides in the presence of 5 mol % Cl2Pd(dppf) furnishes biaryl compounds in good yields; similarly, reaction with acyl halides or allylic acetates/carbonates in the presence of 5-10 mol % palladium catalyst leads to arylketones and allylic substitution products, respectively, in moderate yields. The reactions are tolerant of the presence of protic solvents, and approximately 85% of the indium metal employed can be recovered by reduction of the residual indium salts with zinc(0).