Long-term oncological outcomes of follicular thyroid cancer in adolescents and young adults: A nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is rare and data on long-term oncological outcomes are scarce. This study aimed to describe the long-term recurrence and survival rates of AYAs with FTC, and identify risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study combining two national databases, including all patients aged 15-39 years, diagnosed with FTC in The Netherlands between 2000 and 2016. Age, sex, tumor size, focality, positive margins, angioinvasion, pT-stage, and pN-stage were included in a Cox proportional hazard model to identify risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: We included 192 patients. Median age was 31.0 years (IQR 24.7-36.3) and the male to female ratio was 1:4.1. Most patients presented with a minimally invasive FTC (MI-FTC) (95%). Five patients presented with synchronous metastases (2.6%), including two with locoregional metastases (1%) and three with distant metastases (1.6%). During a median follow-up of 12.0 years, three patients developed a recurrence (1.6%), of which one patient developed a local recurrence (33%), and two patients a distant recurrence (67%). Five patients died during follow-up (2.6%). Cause of death was not captured. A Cox proportional hazard model could not be performed due to the low number of recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: FTC in AYAs is generally characterized as a low-risk tumor, as it exhibits a very low recurrence rate, a high overall survival, and it typically presents as MI-FTC without synchronous metastases. These findings underscore the favorable long-term oncological prognosis of FTC in AYAs.

Analysis of Serum Free Thyroxine Concentrations in Healthy Term Neonates Underlines Need for Local and Laboratory-Specific Reference Interval: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data.

Background: Initial evaluation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis is done by measuring serum free thyroxine (fT4) and thyrotropin concentrations. For correct interpretation of these measurements, reliable age-specific reference intervals (RIs) are fundamental. Since neonatal fT4 RIs conforming to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines are not available for all assays, we set out to create literature-based uniform age-specific neonatal fT4 RIs that may be used for every assay. Methods: For meta-analysis of individual participant fT4 concentrations, we systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase (search date December 6, 2023; PROSPERO registration CRD42016041871). We searched for studies reporting fT4 concentrations in healthy term newborns aged 2-27 days, born to mothers without thyroid disease in iodine-sufficient regions. Authors were invited to supply data. Due to standardization differences between assays, data could not be combined for meta-analysis directly, and we attempted to normalize the data using two distinct methods. Results: We obtained 4206 fT4 concentrations from 20 studies that used 13 different assays from 6 manufacturers. First, we set out to normalize fT4 data using the mean and standard deviation of (assay-specific) adult RIs. fT4 concentrations were transformed into Z-scores, assuming a normal distribution. Using a linear mixed-effects model (LMM), we still found a significant difference between fT4 concentration across studies (p < 0.001), after this normalization. As a second approach, we normalized the fT4 concentrations using data from a method/assay comparison study. We used the relationship between the Cobas assay and the other assays as a reference point to convert all values to Cobas values. However, this method also failed to produce consistent results, with significant differences between the normalized data (LMM p < 0.001). Conclusions: We conclude that our attempts at normalizing fT4 assay results were unsuccessful. Confounders related to our unsuccessful analysis may be assay related and/or biological. These findings have significant implications for patient care, since relying on RIs from literature may result in erroneous interpretation of results. Therefore, we strongly recommend to establish local RIs for accurate interpretation of serum fT4 concentrations in neonates.

A European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge regarding the effects and side effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in adults is rapidly growing, partly through international research networks such as the European Network for the Investigation of Gender Incongruence (ENIGI). However, data on the effects of puberty suppression (PS) and GAHT in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth are limited, although these data are of crucial importance, given the controversies surrounding this treatment. AIM: We sought to present a detailed overview of the design of the ENIGI Adolescents study protocol, including the first baseline data. METHODS: The ENIGI Adolescents study is an ongoing multicenter prospective cohort study. This study protocol was developed by 3 European centers that provide endocrine care for TGD adolescents and were already part of the ENIGI collaboration: Amsterdam, Ghent, and Florence. OUTCOMES: Study outcomes include physical effects and side effects, laboratory parameters, bone mineral density, anthropometric characteristics, attitudes toward fertility and fertility preservation, and psychological well-being, which are measured in the study participants during PS and GAHT, up to 3 years after the start of GAHT. RESULTS: Between November 2021 and May 2023, 172 TGD adolescents were included in the ENIGI Adolescents protocol, of whom 51 were assigned male at birth (AMAB) and 121 were assigned female at birth (AFAB); 3 AFAB participants reported a nonbinary gender identification. A total of 76 participants were included at the start of PS, at a median (IQR) age of 13.7 (12.9-16.5) years in AMAB and 13.5 (12.4-16.1) years in AFAB individuals. The remaining 96 participants were included at start of GAHT, at a median (IQR) age of 15.9 (15.1-17.4) years in AFAB and 16.0 (15.1-16.8) years in AMAB individuals. At the time of this report the study was open for inclusion and follow-up measurements were ongoing. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In response to the rising demand for gender-affirming treatment among TGD youth, this ongoing study is fulfilling the need for prospective data on the effects and safety of PS and GAHT, thus providing a foundation for evidence-based healthcare decisions. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study has a strong multicenter, prospective design that allows for systematic data collection. The use of clinical and self-reported data offers a broad range of outcomes to evaluate. Nevertheless, the burden of additional measurements and questionnaires may lead to withdrawal or lower response rates. Few participants with a non-binary gender identity have been included. CONCLUSION: With the ENIGI Adolescents study we aim to create a comprehensive dataset that we can use for a wide range of studies to address current controversies and uncertainties and to improve healthcare for TGD adolescents.

Fetal Thyrotoxicosis due to Maternal TSH Receptor Stimulating Antibodies Causes Infant Central Hypothyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Women with a current diagnosis or past history of Graves' disease (GD) are at risk of developing fetal thyrotoxicosis (FT) during pregnancy when they are inadequately treated, or because of placental passage of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb). It is known that FT induced by high maternal thyroid hormone concentrations may result in infant (central) hypothyroidism. CASE PRESENTATION: In a euthyroid woman with a history of GD treated with radioactive iodide (I131), persistently high levels of maternal TRAb resulted in recurrent FT during two separate pregnancies, followed by neonatal hyperthyroidism and infant central hypothyroidism. DISCUSSION: This case demonstrates the novel insight that FT due to high fetal thyroid hormone concentrations stimulated by high maternal TRAb levels might also result in (central) hypothyroidism, requiring long-term evaluation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in these children.

Development of a pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma registry within the EuRRECa project: rationale and protocol.

Background: Although differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most frequent endocrine pediatric cancer, it is rare in childhood and adolescence. While tumor persistence and recurrence are not uncommon, mortality remains extremely low. Complications of treatment are however reported in up to 48% of the survivors. Due to the rarity of the disease, current treatment guidelines are predominantly based on the results of small observational retrospective studies and extrapolations from results in adult patients. In order to develop more personalized treatment and follow-up strategies (aiming to reduce complication rates), there is an unmet need for uniform international prospective data collection and clinical trials. Methods and analysis: The European pediatric thyroid carcinoma registry aims to collect clinical data for all patients ≤18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of DTC who have been diagnosed, assessed, or treated at a participating site. This registry will be a component of the wider European Registries for Rare Endocrine Conditions project which has close links to Endo-ERN, the European Reference Network for Rare Endocrine Conditions. A multidisciplinary expert working group was formed to develop a minimal dataset comprising information regarding demographic data, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. We constructed an umbrella-type registry, with a detailed basic dataset. In the future, this may provide the opportunity for research teams to integrate clinical research questions. Ethics and dissemination: Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants and/or their parents/guardians. Summaries and descriptive analyses of the registry will be disseminated via conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Optimizing the Dutch newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism by incorporating amino acids and acylcarnitines in a machine learning-based model.

Objective: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an inborn thyroid hormone (TH) deficiency mostly caused by thyroidal (primary CH) or hypothalamic/pituitary (central CH) disturbances. Most CH newborn screening (NBS) programs are thyroid-stimulating-hormone (TSH) based, thereby only detecting primary CH. The Dutch NBS is based on measuring total thyroxine (T4) from dried blood spots, aiming to detect primary and central CH at the cost of more false-positive referrals (FPRs) (positive predictive value (PPV) of 21% in 2007-2017). An artificial PPV of 26% was yielded when using a machine learning-based model on the adjusted dataset described based on the Dutch CH NBS. Recently, amino acids (AAs) and acylcarnitines (ACs) have been shown to be associated with TH concentration. We therefore aimed to investigate whether AAs and ACs measured during NBS can contribute to better performance of the CH screening in the Netherlands by using a revised machine learning-based model. Methods: Dutch NBS data between 2007 and 2017 (CH screening results, AAs and ACs) from 1079 FPRs, 515 newborns with primary (431) and central CH (84) and data from 1842 healthy controls were used. A random forest model including these data was developed. Results: The random forest model with an artificial sensitivity of 100% yielded a PPV of 48% and AUROC of 0.99. Besides T4 and TSH, tyrosine, and succinylacetone were the main parameters contributing to the model's performance. Conclusions: The PPV improved significantly (26-48%) by adding several AAs and ACs to our machine learning-based model, suggesting that adding these parameters benefits the current algorithm.

A 15-year-old Girl with a Lateral Neck Mass Turning Out to Be Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma-Lateral Ectopic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma or Lymph Node Metastasis?

Lateral neck lesions in children are common and involve various infectious or inflammatory etiologies as well as embryological remnants such as branchial cleft cysts. Although unusual, ectopic thyroid tissue can also present as a lateral neck mass. Here, we present an unusual case of a 15-year-old girl treated for an asymptomatic lateral neck mass that after surgical removal was found to be papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, after removal of the thyroid gland, no primary thyroid tumor was found. The question arose whether the lateral neck lesion was a lymph node metastasis without identifiable primary tumor (at histological evaluation) or rather malignant degeneration of ectopic thyroid tissue. Total thyroidectomy was performed with postoperative adjuvant radioactive iodine ablation. Even though PTC in a lateral neck mass without a primary thyroid tumor has been described previously, pediatric cases have not been reported. In this report we share our experience on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, and review the existing literature.

The role of transducin ß-like 1 X-linked receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) in thyroid hormone metabolism and action in mice.

Transducin ß-like 1 X-linked receptor 1 (TBL1XR1) is a WD40 repeat-containing protein and part of the corepressor complex SMRT/NCoR that binds to the thyroid hormone receptor (TR). We recently described a mutation in TBL1XR1 in patients with Pierpont syndrome. A mouse model bearing this Tbl1xr1 mutation (Tbl1xr1Y446C/Y446C ) displays several aspects of the Pierpont phenotype. Although serum thyroid hormone (TH) concentrations were unremarkable in these mice, tissue TH action might be affected due to the role of TBL1XR1 in the SMRT/NCoR corepressor complex. The aim of the present study was to evaluate tissue TH metabolism and action in a variety of tissues of Tbl1xr1Y446C/Y446C mice. We studied the expression of genes involved in TH metabolism and action in tissues of naïve Tbl1xr1Y446C/Y446C mice and wild type (WT) mice. In addition, we measured deiodinase activity in liver (Dio1 and Dio3), kidney (Dio1 and Dio3) and BAT (Dio2). No striking differences were observed in the liver, hypothalamus, muscle and BAT between Tbl1xr1Y446C/Y446C and WT mice. Pituitary TRα1 mRNA expression was lower in Tbl1xr1Y446C/Y446C mice compared to WT, while the mRNA expression of Tshß and the positively T3-regulated gene Nmb were significantly increased in mutant mice. Interestingly, Mct8 expression was markedly higher in WAT and kidney of mutants, resulting in (subtle) changes in T3-regulated gene expression in both WAT and kidney. In conclusion, mice harboring a mutation in TBL1XR1 display minor changes in cellular TH metabolism and action. TH transport via MCT8 might be affected as the expression is increased in WAT and kidney. The mechanisms involved need to be clarified.

Neonatal screening for primary and central congenital hypothyroidism: is it time to go Dutch?

Thyroid hormone (TH) is indispensable for brain development in utero and during the first 2-3 years of life, and the negative effects of TH deficiency on brain development are irreversible. Detection of TH deficiency early in life by neonatal screening allows early treatment, thereby preventing brain damage. Inborn shortage of TH, also named congenital hypothyroidism (CH), can be the result of defective thyroid gland development or TH synthesis (primary or thyroidal CH (CH-T)). Primary CH is characterized by low blood TH and elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Less frequently, CH is due to insufficient stimulation of the thyroid gland because of disturbed hypothalamic or pituitary function (central CH). Central CH is characterized by low TH concentrations, while TSH is normal, low or slightly elevated. Most newborn screening (NBS) programs for CH are primarily TSH based and thereby do not detect central CH. Only a few NBS programs worldwide aim to detect both forms of CH by different strategies. In the Netherlands, we have a unique T4-TSH-thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) NBS algorithm for CH, which enables the detection of primary and central CH. Although the necessity of central CH detection by NBS is still under debate, it has been shown that most central CH patients have moderate-to-severe hypothyroidism instead of mild and that early detection of central CH by NBS probably improves its clinical outcome and clinical care for central CH patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. We are therefore convinced that detection of central CH by NBS is of utmost importance.

Machine learning to improve false-positive results in the Dutch newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: The Dutch Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) Newborn Screening (NBS) algorithm for thyroidal and central congenital hypothyroidism (CH-T and CH-C, respectively) is primarily based on determination of thyroxine (T4) concentrations in dried blood spots, followed by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) measurements enabling detection of both CH-T and CH-C, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 21%. A calculated T4/TBG ratio serves as an indirect measure for free T4. The aim of this study is to investigate whether machine learning techniques can help to improve the PPV of the algorithm without missing the positive cases that should have been detected with the current algorithm. DESIGN & METHODS: NBS data and parameters of CH patients and false-positive referrals in the period 2007-2017 and of a healthy reference population were included in the study. A random forest model was trained and tested using a stratified split and improved using synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE). NBS data of 4668 newborns were included, containing 458 CH-T and 82 CH-C patients, 2332 false-positive referrals and 1670 healthy newborns. RESULTS: Variables determining identification of CH were (in order of importance) TSH, T4/TBG ratio, gestational age, TBG, T4 and age at NBS sampling. In a Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis on the test set, current sensitivity could be maintained, while increasing the PPV to 26%. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning techniques have the potential to improve the PPV of the Dutch CH NBS. However, improved detection of currently missed cases is only possible with new, better predictors of especially CH-C and a better registration and inclusion of these cases in future models.

Meta-Analysis of DNA Methylation Datasets Shows Aberrant DNA Methylation of Thyroid Development or Function Genes in Down Syndrome.

Background: In Down syndrome (DS), there is high occurrence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) early in life. The etiology of CH and early SH in DS remains unclear. Previous research has shown genome-wide transcriptional and epigenetic alterations in DS. Thus, we hypothesized that CH and early SH could be caused by epigenetically driven transcriptional downregulation of thyroid-related genes, through promoter region hypermethylation. Methods: We extracted whole blood DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles of DS and non-DS individuals from four independent Illumina array-based datasets (252 DS individuals and 519 non-DS individuals). The data were divided into discovery and validation datasets. Epigenome-wide association analysis was performed using a linear regression model, after which we filtered results for thyroid-related genes. Results: In the discovery dataset, we identified significant associations for DS in 18 thyroid-related genes. Twenty-one of 30 significant differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were also significant in the validation dataset. A meta-analysis of the discovery and validation datasets detected 31 DMPs, including 29 promoter-associated cytosine-guanine dinucleotides (CpG) with identical direction of effect across the datasets, and two differentially methylated regions. Twenty-seven DMPs were hypomethylated and promoter associated. The mean methylation difference of hypomethylated thyroid-related DMPs decreased with age. Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis of generalized hypermethylation of promoter regions of thyroid-related genes-indicative of epigenetic silencing of promoters and subsequent transcriptional downregulation, causing biochemical thyroid abnormalities in DS-we found an enrichment of hypomethylated DMPs annotated to promoter regions of these genes. This suggests that CH and early SH in DS are not caused by differential methylation of thyroid-related genes. Considering that epigenetic regulation is dynamic, we hypothesize that the observed thyroid-related gene DNAm changes could be a rescue phenomenon in an attempt to ameliorate the thyroid phenotype, through epigenetic upregulation of thyroid-related genes. This hypothesis is supported by the finding of decreasing methylation difference of thyroid-related genes with age. The prevalence of early SH declines with age, so hypothetically, epigenetic upregulation of thyroid-related genes also diminishes. While this study provides interesting insights, the exact origin of CH and early SH in DS remains unknown.

2022 European Thyroid Association Guidelines for the management of pediatric thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

At present, no European recommendations for the management of pediatric thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) exist. Differences in clinical, molecular, and pathological characteristics between pediatric and adult DTC emphasize the need for specific recommendations for the pediatric population. An expert panel was instituted by the executive committee of the European Thyroid Association including an international community of experts from a variety of disciplines including pediatric and adult endocrinology, pathology, endocrine surgery, nuclear medicine, clinical genetics, and oncology. The 2015 American Thyroid Association Pediatric Guideline was used as framework for the present guideline. Areas of discordance were identified, and clinical questions were formulated. The expert panel members discussed the evidence and formulated recommendations based on the latest evidence and expert opinion. Children with a thyroid nodule or DTC require expert care in an experienced center. The present guideline provides guidance for healthcare professionals to make well-considered decisions together with patients and parents regarding diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of pediatric thyroid nodules and DTC.

International Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Consensus-Based Approach.

Pathogenic variants in the ABCD1 gene cause adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a progressive metabolic disorder characterized by 3 core clinical syndromes: a slowly progressive myeloneuropathy, a rapidly progressive inflammatory leukodystrophy (cerebral ALD), and primary adrenal insufficiency. These syndromes are not present in all individuals and are not related to genotype. Cerebral ALD and adrenal insufficiency require early detection and intervention and warrant clinical surveillance because of variable penetrance and age at onset. Newborn screening has increased the number of presymptomatic individuals under observation, but clinical surveillance protocols vary. We used a consensus-based modified Delphi approach among 28 international ALD experts to develop best-practice recommendations for diagnosis, clinical surveillance, and treatment of patients with ALD. We identified 39 discrete areas of consensus. Regular monitoring to detect the onset of adrenal failure and conversion to cerebral ALD is recommended in all male patients. Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is the treatment of choice for cerebral ALD. This guideline addresses a clinical need in the ALD community worldwide as the number of overall diagnoses and presymptomatic individuals is increasing because of newborn screening and greater availability of next-generation sequencing. The poor ability to predict the disease course informs current monitoring intervals but remains subject to change as more data emerge. This knowledge gap should direct future research and illustrates once again that international collaboration among physicians, researchers, and patients is essential to improving care.

Identification of a Novel CYP11B2 Variant in a Family with Varying Degrees of Aldosterone Synthase Deficiency.

Isolated aldosterone synthase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in CYP11B2, resulting in impaired aldosterone synthesis. We report on a neonate with isolated aldosterone synthase deficiency caused by a novel homozygous CYP11B2 variant Chr8:NM_000498.3:c.400G>A p.(Gly134Arg). The patient presented shortly after birth with severe signs of aldosterone deficiency. Interestingly, segregation analysis revealed that the patient's asymptomatic father was also homozygous for the CYP11B2 variant. Biochemical evaluation of the father indicated subclinical enzyme impairment, characterized by elevated aldosterone precursors. Apparently, this homozygous variant led to different clinical phenotypes in two affected relatives. In this manuscript we elaborate on the performed biochemical and genetic work-up and describe potential pitfalls of CYP11B2 sequencing due to its homology to CYP11B2.

Correction: Lebbink et al. Opposite Incidence Trends for Differentiated and Medullary Thyroid Cancer in Young Dutch Patients over a 30-Year Time Span. Cancers 2021, 13, 5104.

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The Effect of Pre-Thyroidectomy Calcitriol Prophylaxis on Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcaemia in Children.

INTRODUCTION: Transient or persistent hypoparathyroidism is one of the most well-known complications of total thyroidectomy and may lead to symptomatic hypocalcaemia. In children, treatment of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia usually consists of postoperative calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation. In 2013, we implemented prophylactic pre-thyroidectomy calcitriol supplementation for all children undergoing total thyroidectomy at the Amsterdam UMC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of this prophylactic calcitriol supplementation in preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia in children. METHODS: In a retrospective case study, we included all children (age <18 years), who underwent a total or completion thyroidectomy in the Amsterdam UMC, between 2000 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups, patients with preoperative calcitriol supplementation and those without (controls). Hypocalcaemia was defined as total serum calcium concentration of <2.0 mmol/L. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of hypocalcaemia in the first 72 h after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, need for medical intervention within the first 72 h after surgery, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients were included; 26 with calcitriol prophylaxis and 25 controls. There was no significant difference in occurrence of hypocalcaemia (17/26 prophylaxis group; 18/25 control group). Median postoperative calcium concentrations in the first 72 h were significantly higher in the group with prophylaxis at 30-35 h (2.26 vs. 2.01 mmol/L) and 36-41 h (2.17 vs. 1.92 mmol/L). Occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, need for medical intervention, and length of hospitalization were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Calcitriol prophylaxis resulted in somewhat higher postoperative calcium concentrations but did not reduce the occurrence of hypocalcaemia or affect clinical outcome measures such as occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia and length of postoperative hospitalization.

Long-Term Oncological Outcomes of Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Follicular Thyroid Cancer in Children: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Introduction: Pediatric thyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy and data on long-term oncological outcomes are sparse. The aim of this study was to describe the long-term oncological outcomes of pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) in a national cohort, and to identify risk factors for recurrence. Methods: We conducted a nationwide, retrospective cohort study, in which we combined two national databases. Patients aged <18 years, diagnosed with PTC or FTC in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2016, were included. pT-stage, pN-stage, multifocality and angioinvasion were included in a Cox-regression analysis for the identification of risk factors for recurrence. Results: 133 patients were included: 110 with PTC and 23 with FTC. Patients with PTC most often presented with pT2 tumors (24%) and pN1b (45%). During a median follow-up of 11.3 years, 21 patients with PTC developed a recurrence (19%). Nineteen recurrences were regional (91%) and 2 were pulmonary (9%). No risk factors for recurrence could be determined. One patient who developed pulmonary recurrence died two years later. Cause of death was not captured. Patients with FTC most often presented with pT2 tumors (57%). One patient presented with pN1b (4%). In 70%, no lymph nodes were collected. None of the patients with FTC developed a recurrence or died. Conclusion: Pediatric PTC and FTC are two distinct diseases. Recurrence in pediatric PTC is common, but in FTC it is not. Survival for both pediatric PTC and FTC is very good.

Thyroid function after diagnostic 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine in children with neuroblastic tumors.

BACKGROUND: Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) labeled with radioisotopes can be used for diagnostics 123I-) and treatment (131I-) in patients with neuroblastic tumors. Thyroid dysfunction has been reported in 52% of neuroblastoma (NBL) survivors after 131I-MIBG, despite thyroid protection. Diagnostic 123I-MIBG is not considered to be hazardous for thyroid function; however, this has never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in survivors of a neuroblastic tumor who received diagnostic 123I-MIBG only. METHODS: Thyroid function and uptake of 123I- in the thyroid gland after 123I-MIBG administrations were evaluated in 48 neuroblastic tumor survivors who had not been treated with 131I-MIBG. All patients had received thyroid prophylaxis consisting of potassium iodide or a combination of potassium iodide, thiamazole and thyroxine during exposure to 123I-MIBG. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 6.6 years, thyroid function was normal in 46 of 48 survivors (95.8%). Two survivors [prevalence 4.2% (95% CI 1.2-14.0)] had mild thyroid dysfunction. In 29.2% of the patients and 11.1% of images 123I- uptake was visible in the thyroid. In 1 patient with thyroid dysfunction, weak uptake of 123I- was seen on 1 of 10 images. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction does not seem to be increased in patients with neuroblastic tumors who received 123I-MIBG combined with thyroid protection. Randomized controlled trials are required to investigate whether administration of 123I-MIBG without thyroid protection is harmful to the thyroid gland.