Management of thyroid disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak: a position statement from the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM)

ABSTRACT This position statement was prepared to guide endocrinologists on the best approach to managing thyroid disorders during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The most frequent thyroid hormonal findings in patients with COVID-19, particularly in individuals with severe disease, are similar to those present in the non-thyroidal illness syndrome and require no intervention. Subacute thyroiditis has also been reported during COVID-19 infection. Diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism during the COVID-19 pandemic may follow usual practice; however, should avoid frequent laboratory tests in patients with previous controlled disease. Well-controlled hypo and hyperthyroidism are not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severity. Newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism during the pandemic should be preferably treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), bearing in mind the possibility of rare side effects with these medications, particularly agranulocytosis, which requires immediate intervention. Definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism (radioiodine therapy or surgery) may be considered in those cases that protective protocols can be followed to avoid COVID-19 contamination or once the pandemic is over. In patients with moderate Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) not at risk of visual loss, glucocorticoids at immunosuppressive doses should be avoided, while in those with severe GO without COVID-19 and at risk of vision loss, intravenous glucocorticoid is the therapeutic choice. Considering that most of the thyroid cancer cases are low risk and associated with an excellent prognosis, surgical procedures could and should be postponed safely during the pandemic period. Additionally, when indicated, radioiodine therapy could also be safely postponed as long as it is possible.

Management of thyroid disorders during the COVID-19 outbreak: a position statement from the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (SBEM).

This position statement was prepared to guide endocrinologists on the best approach to managing thyroid disorders during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The most frequent thyroid hormonal findings in patients with COVID-19, particularly in individuals with severe disease, are similar to those present in the non-thyroidal illness syndrome and require no intervention. Subacute thyroiditis has also been reported during COVID-19 infection. Diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism during the COVID-19 pandemic may follow usual practice; however, should avoid frequent laboratory tests in patients with previous controlled disease. Well-controlled hypo and hyperthyroidism are not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severity. Newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism during the pandemic should be preferably treated with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), bearing in mind the possibility of rare side effects with these medications, particularly agranulocytosis, which requires immediate intervention. Definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism (radioiodine therapy or surgery) may be considered in those cases that protective protocols can be followed to avoid COVID-19 contamination or once the pandemic is over. In patients with moderate Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) not at risk of visual loss, glucocorticoids at immunosuppressive doses should be avoided, while in those with severe GO without COVID-19 and at risk of vision loss, intravenous glucocorticoid is the therapeutic choice. Considering that most of the thyroid cancer cases are low risk and associated with an excellent prognosis, surgical procedures could and should be postponed safely during the pandemic period. Additionally, when indicated, radioiodine therapy could also be safely postponed as long as it is possible.

Alteraciones tiroideas en la infancia y en la adolescencia. Parte 1: hipertiroidismo / Thyroid disorders in childhood and adolescence. Part 1: Hyperthyroidism

El hipertiroidismo es el cuadro clínico resultante del exceso de hormonas tiroideas debido a hiperfunción glandular. Es una enfermedad rara en niños y adolescentes, pero con una alta morbilidad. La causa más frecuente es la enfermedad de Graves. El objetivo de esta publicación es realizar una revisión y actualización del hipertiroidismo infantojuvenil para guiar su detección y derivación temprana al endocrinólogo pediatra. Debe ser considerado cuando el niño o adolescente presente síntomas asociados a esta patología y bocio de grado variable. Se confirma con el perfil bioquímico característico.El tratamiento consiste, inicialmente, en bloquear los efectos del exceso de hormonas tiroideas con betabloqueantes y, además, disminuir su producción con drogas antitiroideas como primera elección. Ante efectos secundarios a su administración, recidivas o ausencia de remisión de la enfermedad, se optará por el tratamiento definitivo: yodo radioactivo o cirugía con el objetivo de lograr el hipotiroidismo o eutiroidismo

Hyperthyroidism is a serious and rare disorder in childhood characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Graves disease is the most common cause. The objective of this paper is to review and update hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents aiming to guide its early detection and referral to the pediatric endocrinologist. The disease should be suspected if typical symptoms and goiter are present and has to be confirmed with the characteristic biochemical profile. Initially, treatment to block the effect of the thyroid excess is needed. Antithyroid drugs are the recommended first-line treatment to diminish hormone production. Alternative treatments, such us radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy, are considered in cases of adverse effects to drugs, relapse or non-remission of the disease, in order to achieve hypothyroidism or euthyroidism.

[Thyroid disorders in childhood and adolescence. Part 1: Hyperthyroidism]. / Alteraciones tiroideas en la infancia y en la adolescencia. Parte 1: hipertiroidismo.

Hyperthyroidism is a serious and rare disorder in childhood characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Graves disease is the most common cause. The objective of this paper is to review and update hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents aiming to guide its early detection and referral to the pediatric endocrinologist. The disease should be suspected if typical symptoms and goiter are present and has to be confirmed with the characteristic biochemical profile. Initially, treatment to block the effect of the thyroid excess is needed. Antithyroid drugs are the recommended first-line treatment to diminish hormone production. Alternative treatments, such us radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy, are considered in cases of adverse effects to drugs, relapse or non-remission of the disease, in order to achieve hypothyroidism or euthyroidism.

El hipertiroidismo es el cuadro clínico resultante del exceso de hormonas tiroideas debido a hiperfunción glandular. Es una enfermedad rara en niños y adolescentes, pero con una alta morbilidad. La causa más frecuente es la enfermedad de Graves. El objetivo de esta publicación es realizar una revisión y actualización del hipertiroidismo infantojuvenil para guiar su detección y derivación temprana al endocrinólogo pediatra. Debe ser considerado cuando el niño o adolescente presente síntomas asociados a esta patología y bocio de grado variable. Se confirma con el perfil bioquímico característico. El tratamiento consiste, inicialmente, en bloquear los efectos del exceso de hormonas tiroideas con betabloqueantes y, además, disminuir su producción con drogas antitiroideas como primera elección. Ante efectos secundarios a su administración, recidivas o ausencia de remisión de la enfermedad, se optará por el tratamiento definitivo: yodo radioactivo o cirugía con el objetivo de lograr el hipotiroidismo o eutiroidismo.

Hijos de madres con enfermedad de Basedow Graves / Newborn of mothers with Graves' disease

Resumen: Introducción: La causa más frecuente de hipertiroidismo congénito es la enfermedad de Basedow Graves (EG) materna, en la que anticuerpos anti receptor de hormona tiroestimulante (TSH) (TRAb) atraviesan la placenta estimulando al receptor de TSH fetal y/o neonatal para producir hormonas ti roideas. La disfunción tiroidea en estos pacientes se confirma con el aumento de las concentraciones de tiroxina (T4) y triyodotironina (T3) acompañado de niveles de TSH suprimida. Objetivos: Carac terizar la evolución clínica y bioquímica de los recién nacidos (RN) hijos de madres con EG, y sugerir recomendaciones respecto al tratamiento y seguimiento. Material y Método: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura usando la base de datos MEDLINE, identificando artículos que incluyeran más de 30 RN de madres con EG y describieran su evolución. Se agregaron además revisiones del tema enfati zando la evaluación y manejo de los hijos de madres con EG. Resultados: Se incluyeron 9 estudios de cohorte que incorporaron 790 embarazadas. Hubo heterogeneidad entre los trabajos; un porcentaje variable de los hijos desarrolló tirotoxicosis neonatal, la que fue más frecuente cuando las madres presentaron concentraciones elevadas de TRAb. El tratamiento de los RN se inició según diferentes criterios. La literatura recomienda tratar los casos de hipertiroidismo clínico y considerarlo en casos de hipertiroidismo bioquímico. Conclusión: Los hijos de madres con EG y TRAb elevados deben ser evaluados por la probabilidad de desarrollar tirotoxicosis neonatal. Se sugiere controlar función tiroidea periódicamente durante el primer mes de vida y tratar los pacientes con hipertiroidismo clínico y bioquímico.

Abstract: Introduction: The most frequent cause of congenital hyperthyroidism is maternal Graves' disease (GD), in which thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibodies (TRAb) cross the placenta and stimulate the fetal and/or neonatal TSH receptor to produce thyroid hormones. Thyroid dys function in these patients is confirmed by increased thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels accompanied by suppressed TSH levels. Objective: To characterize the clinical and biochemical evo lution of newborns of mothers with GD and to suggest recommendations regarding treatment and follow-up. Material and Method: A literature review using the MEDLINE database was made, iden tifying scientific articles that included more than 30 neonates of mothers with GD and described their evolution. In addition, a review of the topic with an emphasis on the evaluation and management of these patients was included. Results: Nine cohort studies were included, with a total of 790 pregnant women. There was high heterogeneity among the studies. A variable percentage of newborns deve loped neonatal thyrotoxicosis, which was more frequent in those patients whose mothers had high levels of TRAb. The treatment of newborns was initiated according to different criteria. The literature recommends treating cases of clinical hyperthyroidism and considers it in cases of biochemical hy perthyroidism. Conclusion: Children of mothers with GD and high TRAb should be evaluated due to the likelihood of developing neonatal thyrotoxicosis. It is suggested to monitor thyroid function periodically during the first month of life and treat patients with clinical and biochemical hyper thyroidism.

[Newborn of mothers with Graves' disease]. / Hijos de madres con enfermedad de Basedow Graves.

INTRODUCTION: The most frequent cause of congenital hyperthyroidism is maternal Graves' disease (GD), in which thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibodies (TRAb) cross the placenta and stimulate the fetal and/or neonatal TSH receptor to produce thyroid hormones. Thyroid dys function in these patients is confirmed by increased thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels accompanied by suppressed TSH levels. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical and biochemical evo lution of newborns of mothers with GD and to suggest recommendations regarding treatment and follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A literature review using the MEDLINE database was made, iden tifying scientific articles that included more than 30 neonates of mothers with GD and described their evolution. In addition, a review of the topic with an emphasis on the evaluation and management of these patients was included. RESULTS: Nine cohort studies were included, with a total of 790 pregnant women. There was high heterogeneity among the studies. A variable percentage of newborns deve loped neonatal thyrotoxicosis, which was more frequent in those patients whose mothers had high levels of TRAb. The treatment of newborns was initiated according to different criteria. The literature recommends treating cases of clinical hyperthyroidism and considers it in cases of biochemical hy perthyroidism. CONCLUSION: Children of mothers with GD and high TRAb should be evaluated due to the likelihood of developing neonatal thyrotoxicosis. It is suggested to monitor thyroid function periodically during the first month of life and treat patients with clinical and biochemical hyper thyroidism.

[Clinical features of patients with Basedow Graves disease seen at a university hospital]. / Caracterización de pacientes controlados por enfermedad de Basedow Graves en un hospital universitario.

BACKGROUND: Basedow Graves disease (BGD) is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. The characteristics of patients seen at a university hospital may differ from those described in the general population. AIM: To describe the clinical features of patients with BGD seen at a university hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of medical records of all patients seen at our hospital between 2009 and 2014 with the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism or BGD. Clinical features, laboratory results and treatments were recorded. RESULTS: We reviewed clinical records of 272 patients; 15 had to be excluded due to incomplete data. BGD was present in 77.9% (n = 212). The mean age of the latter was 42 years (range 10-81) and 76% were women. Ninety six percent were hyperthyroid at diagnosis and thyroid stimulating hormone was below 0.1 mIU/L in all patients. Median free thyroxin and triiodothyronine levels were 3.26 ng/dl and 3.16 ng/ml, respectively. Thyrotropin-receptor antibodies were positive in 98.5% and 85.7% had positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Graves orbitopathy (GO) was clinically present in 55% of patients. Of this group, 47% had an active GO, 26% had a moderate to severe disease and 7.8% had sight-threatening GO. As treatment, 26% received radioiodine, 44% anti-thyroid drugs exclusively, 28% underwent thyroidectomy and 2% did not require therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients, we observed a greater frequency of severe eye disease and a high rate of surgical management. This finding could be explained by referral to highly qualified surgical and ophthalmological teams.

Caracterización de pacientes controlados por enfermedad de Basedow Graves en un hospital universitario / Clinical features of patients with Basedow Graves disease seen at a university hospital

Background: Basedow Graves disease (BGD) is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. The characteristics of patients seen at a university hospital may differ from those described in the general population. Aim: To describe the clinical features of patients with BGD seen at a university hospital. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of all patients seen at our hospital between 2009 and 2014 with the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism or BGD. Clinical features, laboratory results and treatments were recorded. Results: We reviewed clinical records of 272 patients; 15 had to be excluded due to incomplete data. BGD was present in 77.9% (n = 212). The mean age of the latter was 42 years (range 10-81) and 76% were women. Ninety six percent were hyperthyroid at diagnosis and thyroid stimulating hormone was below 0.1 mIU/L in all patients. Median free thyroxin and triiodothyronine levels were 3.26 ng/dl and 3.16 ng/ml, respectively. Thyrotropin-receptor antibodies were positive in 98.5% and 85.7% had positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Graves orbitopathy (GO) was clinically present in 55% of patients. Of this group, 47% had an active GO, 26% had a moderate to severe disease and 7.8% had sight-threatening GO. As treatment, 26% received radioiodine, 44% anti-thyroid drugs exclusively, 28% underwent thyroidectomy and 2% did not require therapy. Conclusions: In this group of patients, we observed a greater frequency of severe eye disease and a high rate of surgical management. This finding could be explained by referral to highly qualified surgical and ophthalmological teams.

TeleCondutas: hipertireoidismo / TeleGuides: hyperthyroidism

Hipertireoidismo é o excesso de função da glândula tireoide. É a principal causa de tireotoxicose, que, por sua vez, é a manifestação clínica do excesso de hormônios tireoidianos. O hipertireoidismo é mais comum em mulheres do que em homens (razão de 5:1), tendo como principais causas a Doença de Graves (60 % a 80% dos casos), etiologia típica em mulheres jovens com idade entre 20 a 40 anos, e o bócio multinodular tóxico (10 % a 30% dos casos), mais frequente em idosos. O adenoma tóxico e as tireoidites são menos comuns (1%). Hipertireoidismo e tireotoxicose também podem ser induzidos por medicamentos como amiodarona, interferon, levotiroxina e lítio. A doença deve ser investigada em pacientes com manifestações clínicas, não havendo recomendação para rastreamento populacional. Informações sobre tireotoxicose induzida por levotiroxina (TSH reduzido em paciente que faz uso de levotiroxina) podem ser obtidas no material TeleCondutas Hipotireoidismo. Esta guia apresenta informação que orienta a conduta para casos de hipertiroidismo no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde, incluindo: sinais e sintomas, diagnóstico do hipertireoidismo, tratamento do hipertireoidismo, tratamento do hipertireoidismo subclínico, hipertireoidismo na gestação, encaminhamento para serviço especializado.

Adenoma tóxico de Plummer: relato de caso / Toxic adenoma of Plummer: case report

O termo hipertireoidismo refere-se ao aumento da síntese e liberação dos hormônios tireoidianos pela glândula tireoide. O bócio multinodular toxico e o adenoma toxico constituem as principais causas do hipertireoidismo no paciente idoso e são frequentes em regiões com ingestão insuficiente de iodo...

Adenoma tóxico de Plummer: relato de caso / Toxic adenoma of Plummer: case report

O termo hipertireoidismo refere-se ao aumento da síntese e liberação dos hormônios tireoidianos pela glândula tireoide. O bócio multinodular toxico e o adenoma toxico constituem as principais causas do hipertireoidismo no paciente idoso e são frequentes em regiões com ingestão insuficiente de iodo...(AU)

The Brazilian consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism: recommendations by the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increased synthesis and release of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis refers to the clinical syndrome resulting from excessive circulating thyroid hormones, secondary to hyperthyroidism or due to other causes. This article describes evidence-based guidelines for the clinical management of thyrotoxicosis. OBJECTIVE: This consensus, developed by Brazilian experts and sponsored by the Department of Thyroid Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, aims to address the management, diagnosis and treatment of patients with thyrotoxicosis, according to the most recent evidence from the literature and appropriate for the clinical reality of Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After structuring clinical questions, search for evidence was made available in the literature, initially in the database MedLine, PubMed and Embase databases and subsequently in SciELO - Lilacs. The strength of evidence was evaluated by Oxford classification system was established from the study design used, considering the best available evidence for each question. RESULTS: We have defined 13 questions about the initial clinical approach for the diagnosis and treatment that resulted in 53 recommendations, including the etiology, treatment with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine and surgery. We also addressed hyperthyroidism in children, teenagers or pregnant patients, and management of hyperthyroidism in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and various other causes of thyrotoxicosis. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical diagnosis of hyperthyroidism usually offers no difficulty and should be made with measurements of serum TSH and thyroid hormones. The treatment can be performed with antithyroid drugs, surgery or administration of radioactive iodine according to the etiology of thyrotoxicosis, local availability of methods and preferences of the attending physician and patient.

Embolização de artérias tireoidianas como opção terapêutica para o hipertireoidismo: série de casos / Thyroid arterial embolization as a therapeutic option for hyperthyroidism: a case series

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a resposta da embolização arterial tireoidiana como terapêutica para o hipertireoidismo primário.MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Cinco mulheres com falha ao tratamento farmacológico com tionamida foram submetidas a vaso-oclusão em três artérias dominantes tireoidianas (avaliadas por ultrassonografia Doppler e arteriografia) e acompanhadas até 8 semanas após o procedimento (três acompanhadas até 16 semanas) com ultrassonografia Doppler, calcemia, função tireoidiana e controle clínico.RESULTADOS: Nenhuma alcançou remissão permanente de doença após 8 semanas. Houve recidiva de hipertireoidismo em 24 semanas, mesmo com redução do volume tireoidiano de 49,5 ± 15,2% em 16 semanas. Não encontramos complicações, mas radioiodo foi necessário após 24 semanas em três das pacientes acompanhadas.CONCLUSÃO: Nas pacientes que concluíram o protocolo, a vaso-oclusão arterial com polivinil álcool nas três artérias dominantes permitiu redução volumétrica do bócio, entretanto, foi ineficiente em controlar o hipertireoidismo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic response to thyroid arterial embolization for primary hyperthyroidism.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five women whose pharmacological treatment with thionamides failed to control Graves' disease were submitted to embolization of three dominant thyroid arteries (following assessment with ultrasound Doppler and arteriography) and followed-up at the 1st, 8th and 16th weeks after the procedure, with ultrasound Doppler, calcium blood test, thyroid function test and clinical examination. Three of the patients completed 16-week follow-up.RESULTS: None of the patients achieved permanent remission after 8 weeks. Disease recurrence was observed at the 24th week, despite the decrease in thyroid volume (49.5 ± 15.2%) observed at the 16th week. Complications were not observed, but radioiodine therapy was required for three of the patients followed-up.CONCLUSION: Embolization of three dominant thyroid arteries with polyvinyl alcohol allowed reduction in goiter volume in the three patients who completed the protocol, but was not effective to control hyperthyroidism.