Menstrual Changes after COVID-19 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination.

Background: Several factors such as stress, depression, infection, and vaccination influenced the menstrual cycle in women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We investigated whether there were changes in the menstrual cycle in women after COVID-19 vaccination or infection and, if so, the nature of the change. Methods: This study was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional study. A face-to-face survey was conducted among menstruating women aged 18-50 years from May 31 to July 31, 2022. Women were inquired about their first three menstrual cycles that occurred after COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Results: Of 241 women with COVID-19 infection, 86 (35.7%) mentioned that they experienced various changes in their menstrual patterns in the first three cycles after infection. Of 537 participants who received various COVID-19 vaccines, 82 (15.1%) stated that they experienced changes in their menstrual patterns after vaccination. The incidence of postvaccination menstrual change was higher in women who received Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac (CoronaVac) vaccines. Only 10.9% of women who reported a change in their menstrual pattern after vaccination or infection consulted a physician. Conclusion: COVID-19 infection and vaccination can affect the menstrual cycle in women. It is important to be aware of the menstrual changes after COVID-19 infection and vaccination and to warn and inform women about this issue.

The effect of iatrogenic subclinical hyperthyroidism on anxiety, depression and quality of life in differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Background/aim: Overt thyroidism is known to cause neuropsychiatric disorders but studies on subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH) are limited. Subclinical hyperthyroidism induction by administering L-Thyroxine (LT4) is the standard treatment method in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) follow-up. Our aim was to investigate whether anxiety, depression and quality of life are affected in DTC patients followed-up with exogenous SCH. Materials and methods: The patients were divided into exogenous SCH by LT4-DTC (n = 127), euthyroid-DTC (n = 66) and exogenous euthyroid-benign thyroid noduüle (BTN) who underwent thyroidectomy for benign thyroid pathology (n = 85) groups. Results: The rate of moderate/severe anxiety was significantly higher in SCH-DTC than euthyroid-BTN group (27.5%, n = 35 vs. 9.4%, n = 8) (P = 0.001). TSH levels and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) scores were significantly negatively correlated(P = 0.009 r = ­0.16). Free T4 and BAI were significantly positively correlated (P = 0.04 r = 0.4). The groups were similar in terms of depression severity (P = 0.15). Subclinical hyperthyroid-DTC group scored significantly lowerthan euthyroid-BTN group in all scales of SF-36 quality of life survey. Conclusion: LT4-induced SCH, which is a part of traditional DTC treatment, can exacerbate the anxiety symptoms in patients and disrupt their quality of life, depending on the level of fT4.

Thyroid Nodules Are More Prevalent in Subjects with Colon Polyps, Independent of Insulin Resistance.

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal polyps and thyroid nodules are common disorders linked to hyperinsulinemia and metabolic syndrome (Mets). The direct association between these two diseases is not clear. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of thyroid nodules in subjects with and without colorectal polyps. The secondary aim was to establish the prevalence of Mets and its parameters in both disorders and to determine if insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are common underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and five subjects with colorectal polyps (71 males, 34 females) and 68 controls (28 males, 40 females) were enrolled. The parameters of Mets together with TSH, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance levels were calculated. We performed thyroid ultrasonography in all participants. RESULTS: The prevalence of Mets was similar in the colorectal polyp and control groups (37.1 vs. 37.3%, p = 0.982). The prevalence of Mets was nonsignificantly higher in subjects with a documented thyroid nodule compared to subjects without a thyroid nodule (43.0 vs. 32.6%, p = 0.205). The prevalence of thyroid nodules in subjects with colorectal polyps was significantly higher than in subjects without polyps (52.9 vs. 35.3%, p = 0.017). Compared to subjects with no colorectal polyps, we established a significant increase in the odds of having thyroid nodules (OR 2.05; 95% CI: 1.097-3.860, p = 0.017). The presence of colorectal polyps and age in the adjusted model were established to be independent risk factors for having thyroid nodules (p = 0.025 and p = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results may support the presence of other common mechanisms in the development of these two pathologies other than insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia.

Do Statins Affect Thyroid Volume and Nodule Size in Patients with Hyperlipidemia in a Region with Mild-to-Moderate Iodine Deficiency? A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the antiproliferative pleiotropic effects of statins on thyroid function, volume, and nodularity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and six hyperlipidemic patients were included in this prospective study. The 69 patients in the statin groups received atorvastatin (16 received 10 mg and 18 received 20 mg) or rosuvastatin (20 received 10 mg and 15 received 20 mg). The 37 patients in the control group, assessed as not requiring drugs, made only lifestyle changes. Upon admission and after 6 months, all patients were evaluated by ultrasonography as well as for lipid variables (total cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) and thyroid function and structure. RESULTS: After 6 months, no differences in thyroid function, thyroid volume, the number of thyroid nodules, or nodule size were observed in the statin and control groups. In a subgroup analysis, total thyroid volume had decreased more in patients receiving 20 mg of rosuvastatin than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Maximum nodule size had decreased more in those receiving 10 mg of rosuvastatin (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest an association between rosuvastatin treatment and smaller thyroid volume and maximum nodule diameter; this could be attributable to the antiproliferative effects of statin therapy on the thyroid.

A Case Report of Concurrent Graves' Disease and Subacute Thyroiditis Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: An Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome (ASIA).

BACKGROUND: The response against adjuvants in vaccines is presented as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome (ASIA). In this case report, we presented both SAT and Graves' disease in a patient as ASIA following the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old woman was admitted to the endocrinology outpatient clinic with the complaint of neck pain following the second dose of the BNT162B2 SARS-CoV-2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine. On physical examination, her thyroid gland was tender on palpation. Her thyroid function tests were compatible with hyperthyroidism, and inflammatory markers were high. In the thyroid ultrasonography (US) examination, we observed bilateral diffuse hypoechoic areas in the thyroid gland and increased vascularity in some parts of the thyroid. Anti-thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAB) were positive. Overall, we considered concurrent subacute thyroiditis (SAT) and Graves' disease. CONCLUSION: The present study may be the first report to evaluate SAT and Graves' disease as ASIA following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Clinicians should be aware of possible vaccine-related complications.

A Case Report of Conversion from Hashimoto's Thyroiditis to Graves' Disease in Type 1 Diabetic Patient Following the COVID-19 Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: A considerable number of COVID-19 vaccines became available following the outbreak. Yet, various inflammatory and autoimmune complications have been reported following vaccination. We aimed to report the case of a type 1 diabetic patient converting from Hashimoto's thyroiditis to Graves' disease after the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine, thought to trigger an autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA syndrome). CASE PRESENTATION: A thirty-one-year-old female patient with type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto's thyroiditis applied to our clinic with complaints of palpitations, anxiety, and weight loss one month after the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine (2 doses of CoronaVac + 2 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech). She was receiving levothyroxine 50 mcg/day. When her thyroid function tests showed thyrotoxicosis, we initially considered thyroxine-related exogenous thyrotoxicosis. However, we considered Graves' disease upon persisting thyrotoxicosis despite thyroxine withdrawal, positive serum TSH receptor antibody titers, and other imaging findings. Therefore, various autoimmune and inflammatory events have been reported after the COVID-19 vaccination. Adjuvants in vaccines can trigger autoimmune events, which lead to ASIA syndrome. COVID-19 vaccines may cause increased TSH receptor antibody levels or change the balance in the activity of blocking and stimulating antibodies, which may cause a conversion from Hashimoto's to Graves' disease. CONCLUSION: This was the first case report where the patient experienced a conversion from Hashimoto's to Graves' disease after COVID-19 vaccination, which may ultimately be related to ASIA syndrome. Yet, more data is needed to elucidate such a relationship, and patients should closely be checked regularly after four doses of vaccination.

The Experience of our Center in Patients Undergoing Insulin Degludec/ Insulin Aspart Co-formulation Therapy.

AIM: A co-formulation containing insulin degludec and insulin aspart (IDegAsp) is available for the treatment of diabetes in Turkey. We aimed to evaluate the clinical results of switching to IDegAsp treatment for Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 217 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with IDegAsp and having follow-up data were included. The patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 switched from basal insulin to IDegAsp, group 2 switched from twice-daily premixed insulin regimen to IDegAsp, and group 3 switched from intensive and thrice-daily premixed insulin regimen to IDegAsp. Groups were evaluated in terms of changes in insulin dose, the number of injections, and changes in HbA1c. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 7.5 ± 4.4 months. The mean age was 62.8 ± 12.9 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 15.3 ± 8 years. There was a significant decrease in HbA1c and glucose (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). HbA1c was significantly reduced in group 1 (p < 0.0001) while insulin dose and the number of injections increased (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). HbA1c, insulin dose, and the number of injections in group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p < 0.0001, respectively, and p < 0.0001, p = 0.043, p < 0.0001, respectively) were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: This study includes real-life experiences involving a remarkable number of patients in the literature. IDegAsp treatment provided effective blood glucose regulation and caused a significant decrease in the insulin dose and the number of injections, resulting in increased quality of life among those who had to receive twice or more insulin injections.

Subacute THYROiditis Related to SARS-CoV-2 VAccine and Covid-19 (THYROVAC Study): A Multicenter Nationwide Study.

CONTEXT: The aims of the study are to compare characteristics of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) related to different etiologies, and to identify predictors of recurrence of SAT and incident hypothyroidism. METHODS: This nationwide, multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 53 endocrinology centers in Turkey. The study participants were divided into either COVID-19-related SAT (Cov-SAT), SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related SAT (Vac-SAT), or control SAT (Cont-SAT) groups. RESULTS: Of the 811 patients, 258 (31.8%) were included in the Vac-SAT group, 98 (12.1%) in the Cov-SAT group, and 455 (56.1%) in the Cont-SAT group. No difference was found between the groups with regard to laboratory and imaging findings. SAT etiology was not an independent predictor of recurrence or hypothyroidism. In the entire cohort, steroid therapy requirement and younger age were statistically significant predictors for SAT recurrence. C-reactive protein measured during SAT onset, female sex, absence of antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) positivity, and absence of steroid therapy were statistically significant predictors of incident (early) hypothyroidism, irrespective of SAT etiology. On the other hand, probable predictors of established hypothyroidism differed from that of incident hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: Since there is no difference in terms of follow-up parameters and outcomes, COVID-19- and SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related SAT can be treated and followed up like classic SATs. Recurrence was determined by younger age and steroid therapy requirement. Steroid therapy independently predicts incident hypothyroidism that may sometimes be transient in overall SAT and is also associated with a lower risk of established hypothyroidism.

Lymphoproliferative disorders in individuals with chronic hepatitis B and C in the Turkish population.

The aims of this cohort study were to evaluate the association of malignant lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and to compare the results with those in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A total of 3,873 patients with chronic liver disease who were seen consecutively in the Liver Disease Outpatient Clinic between January 2001 and July 2007 were assessed retrospectively. The frequency of malignant lymphoproliferative disorders including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in these patients was investigated. Of the total, 1,999 patients had chronic hepatitis B infection (male/female: 1,226/773, mean age: 45.1 ± 13.2 years), 978 had chronic hepatitis C infection (male/female: 437/541, mean age: 53.8 ± 13.7 years), and the remaining 896 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (male/female: 450/446, mean age: 50.8 ± 11.2 years). A malignant lymphoproliferative disorder was identified in 13 patients (male/female: 9/4, mean age: 52.8 ± 16.8 years) with chronic viral hepatitis, while no case of malignant lymphoproliferative disorder was identified in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (P = 0.048). Among the patients with malignant lymphoproliferative disorders, seven had chronic hepatitis B infection and six had chronic hepatitis C infection; 11 had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and two had chronic lymphocytic leukemia. All non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cases were B-cell lymphoma. Based on the data obtained in this investigation, the association with malignant lymphoproliferative disorders in chronic viral hepatitis seems to be high as compared to that occurring in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

A Case Report of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes Arising After Isotretinoin Treatment: Real Association or Coincidence? A Hypothesis on Pathophysiology.

BACKGROUND: Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is the most common form of adult-onset autoimmune diabetes. Isotretinoin is a very effective treatment for severe acne. There are various reports on the effect of isotretinoin on autoimmunity. We present a case of LADA, probably related to isotretinoin treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this case was the second case of LADA that occurred after isotretinoin treatment. Here we discuss a hypothesis on the pathophysiology of how isotretinoin can induce LADA. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old female was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) one month after the end of a nine-month isotretinoin treatment period. At the time of diagnosis, the patient's fasting blood glucose level was 257 mg/dL and HbA1c level was 10.3%. Then, she was followed-up for T2DM for two years. Since the patient did not comply with classical T2DM characteristics and C-peptide level was 0.4 ng/ml (0.78-5.18), autoantibody test was performed. The patient was found positive for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (>2000 IU/mL). Her oral antidiabetic drug treatment was discontinued and insulin degludec and insulin aspart therapy was started. Three months after this adjustment, HbA1c level decreased to 7.2%. Except 25-hydroxycholecalciferol which was low (10.9 ng/mL), all other laboratory parameters were within normal range. CONCLUSION: Isotretinoin is known to have some immunomodulating effects. There are some case reports on the relationship between isotretinoin and autoimmune diseases. The negative immune environment that developed due to the long-standing moderate-severe VitD deficiency may have taken a turn toward autoimmunity upon isotretinoin treatment. This hypothesis on how isotretinoin can cause autoimmune diabetes needs to be validated.

Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Elastography and Ultrasonographic Findings of Achilles Tendon in Patients With and Without Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the elastographic features of Achilles tendon with Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse in patients with and without diabetic neuropathy. METHODS: According to the presence of peripheral neuropathy, 45 patients with type 2 diabetes were divided into 2 subgroups. Those with peripheral neuropathy were defined as group I (22 patients) and those without peripheral neuropathy were defined as group II (23 patients). A total of thirty age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched healthy individuals were selected as controls. All participants underwent both ultrasonographic and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse elastographic examination in order to evaluate Achilles Tendon thickness and stiffness. RESULTS: Achilles tendon thicknesses were similar between groups (p=0.991). Achilles tendon thicknesses of both patient groups were significantly higher than the control group (group I vs control p=0.01; group II vs control p=0.006). Stiffness values of Achilles tendons were similar between the control group and group II (p=0.993). Shear Wave Velocity was significantly lower in group I than group IIand control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients with neuropathy have thicker and softer Achilles tendon while the elasticity of Achilles tendon in diabetic patients without neuropathy is similar to the healthy controls. Softening of the Achilles tendon may be an early sign of diabetic foot and reveal the patients with a risk of diabetic foot.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Posttransplant Diabetes Mellitus After Kidney Transplantation: Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Posttransplant diabetes mellitus may severely affect the short-term and long-term outcomes of grafts and patient survival in kidney transplant recipients. The annual incidence rate of posttransplant diabetes mellitus ranges from 4% to 25%. In this study, our aim was to determine the possible risk factors in patients diagnosed with this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 1975 to May 2019, our transplant team performed 3012 kidney transplant procedures at different units within Baskent University Transplantation Centers. We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who were diagnosed with posttransplant diabetes mellitus between 2010 and 2019. The diagnosis was made according to the 2001 American Diabetes Association criteria (fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL [7 mmol/L] in 2 measurements or random blood glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL [11.1 mmol/L] within 12 months posttransplant). RESULTS: For this study, 400 patients (292 male, 108 female) with end-stage renal disease and without diabetes met the initial inclusion criteria; 270 received hemodialysis, 26 received peritoneal dialysis, and 104 underwent preemptive kidney transplant. In this patient group, 62 patients (15.5%) developed post-transplant diabetes mellitus. When we compared patients who developed and did not develop posttransplant diabetes mellitus, cause of end-stage renal disease, dialysis type and duration, type of donor (living or deceased), and graft survival posttransplant were similar between groups. Baseline fasting plasma glucose level was significantly higher in patients who developed posttransplant diabetes mellitus (90 vs 85 mg/dL; P = .034). Patients who developed the disease were significantly older. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, recipient age was the only risk factor for posttransplant diabetes mellitus. Older recipients should be examined more carefully for posttransplant diabetes mellitus, and less diabetogenic immunosuppressive drugs may be preferred.

Short-Term Effect of Hypergastrinemia Following Esomeprazole Treatment On Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs reduce gastric acid secretion and lead to an increase in serum gastrin levels. Many preclinical and some clinical researches have established some positive effects of gastrin or PPI therapy on glucose regulation. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the short term effects of esomeprazole on glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, the presence of an association between this effect and gastrin levels was evaluated. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled and grouped as intervention (n=16) and control (n=16). The participants in the intervention group were prescribed 40 mg of esomeprazole treatment for three months. At the beginning of the study and at the 3rd month, HbA1c level (%) and gastrin levels (pmol/L) of participants were assessed. Then, the groups were compared in terms of their baseline and 3rd month values. RESULTS: In the intervention group, the mean gastrin level increased significantly from 34.3±14.4 pmol/L to 87.4±43.6 pmol/L (p<0.001). The mean HbA1c level was similar to the pre-treatment level (6.3±0.7% vs. 6.4±0.9%, p=0.441). There were no statistically significant differences in all parameters of the control group. The majority of individuals were on metformin monotherapy (65.6 %). The subgroup analysis of metformin monotherapy revealed that, in intervention group, there was a significant increase in gastrin levels (39.9±12.6 vs. 95.5±52.5, p=0.026), but the HbA1c levels did not change (6.0±0.4 % vs. 5.9±0.6 %, p=0.288); and in control group, gastrin levels did not change (37.5 ± 26.7 vs. 36.1 ±23.3, p=0.367), but there was an increase in HbA1c levels (6.1 ± 0.50 vs. 6.4 ± 0.60, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that esomeprazole has no extra benefit for the controlled diabetic patient in three months. However, in only the metformin-treated subgroup, esomeprazole may prevent the rise in HbA1c level.

Effects of short term mild L-Thyroxine suppression therapy on myocardial functions, and its assessment with tissue Doppler imaging.

BACKGROUND: While adverse effects of overt hyperthyroidism on the cardiovascular system are well-known, the effects of subclinical hyperthyroidism are not clear. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of short term mild L-thyroxine (LT4) suppression therapy on myocardial functions in a group of premenopausal women with goiter, by using echocardiographic methods and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). METHODS: Sixteen participants with goiter received LT4 suppression therapy to keep TSH levels between 0.1-0.4 µIU/mL. After baseline and 1st month assessment, 6-weeks follow-up were scheduled until 6th month assessment to adjust the medication dose during study period. All TSH levels decreased below 0.4 µIU/mL by the end of first month and stayed below this level throughout study period. At the beginning of the study and at month 6, the thyroid ultrasonography, Holter monitorization test, stress test, electrocardiograms and echocardiograms of participants were assessed. This was followed by a comparison of baseline and 6th month data. RESULTS: Baseline and 6th month 2-D echocardiography measurements of participants revealed that mean left ventricle diameter in diastole (4.1±0.3 vs 3.8±0.2 mm) and posterior wall thickness in diastole (0.9±0.1 vs. 0.8±0.1 mm) decreased (P<0.05); while stroke volume (41.9±9.9 vs. 48±8.2), stroke volume index (25.6±5.4 vs. 29.4±4.7), cardiac output (3.5±1.4 vs. 3.9±0.9) and cardiac index (2.2±0.8 vs. 2.4±0.5) increased (P<0.05). Other 2D echocardiography parameters did not change significantly. The pulse wave Doppler examination, stress test and Holter monitorization of participants did not reveal any difference between baseline and 6th month measurements. No statistically significant difference was observed in measurements of TDI except decreased septum S velocity. CONCLUSIONS: Short term mild LT4 suppression treatment did not cause systolic or diastolic dysfunction, or conduction defect in the heart; therefore may be safe in premenopausal females with not known cardiac disease.