Conversion to Graves disease from Hashimoto thyroiditis: a study of 24 patients

ABSTRACT Objective: The conversion of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) to hyperthyroidism due to thyrotropin receptor antibodies is intriguing and considered rare. The contribution of TSH receptor blocking antibodies (TRAb), which may be stimulators (TSAb) or blockers (TBAb), is suspected. We describe clinical and biological variables in a series of patients switching from Hashimoto's thyroiditis to Grave's disease. Subjects and methods: Retrospective case study of 24 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis followed during 48 ± 36 months that developed later Graves' disease (GD). These variables were analysed in the hypo and hyperthyroid phase: age, sex, initial TSH, free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), anti-TPO, TBII antibodies, parietal cell autoantibodies, time between hypo and hyperthyroidism, thyroid volume and levothyroxine doses (LT). Results: In HT, mean TSH was 9.4 ± 26.1 UI/L and levothyroxine treatment was 66.2 ± 30.8 µg/day. The switch to GD was observed 38 ± 45 months after HT diagnosis. As expected, we found significant differences on TSH, FT3, FT4 and TBAb levels. Three out of 14 patients had parietal cell autoantibodies. In two of these three cases there was an Helicobacter pylori infection. There were no significant differences between HT and GD groups with respect to thyroid volume. Conclusions: To our knowledge, large series documenting the conversion of HT to GD are scarce. Although rare, this phenomenon should not be misdiagnosed. Suspicion should be raised whenever thyroxine posology must be tapered down during the follow-up of HT patients. Further immunological and genetic studies are needed to explain this unusual autoimmune change.

Conversion to Graves disease from Hashimoto thyroiditis: a study of 24 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The conversion of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) to hyperthyroidism due to thyrotropin receptor antibodies is intriguing and considered rare. The contribution of TSH receptor blocking antibodies (TRAb), which may be stimulators (TSAb) or blockers (TBAb), is suspected. We describe clinical and biological variables in a series of patients switching from Hashimoto's thyroiditis to Grave's disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective case study of 24 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis followed during 48 ± 36 months that developed later Graves' disease (GD). These variables were analysed in the hypo and hyperthyroid phase: age, sex, initial TSH, free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), anti-TPO, TBII antibodies, parietal cell autoantibodies, time between hypo and hyperthyroidism, thyroid volume and levothyroxine doses (LT). RESULTS: In HT, mean TSH was 9.4 ± 26.1 UI/L and levothyroxine treatment was 66.2 ± 30.8 µg/day. The switch to GD was observed 38 ± 45 months after HT diagnosis. As expected, we found significant differences on TSH, FT3, FT4 and TBAb levels. Three out of 14 patients had parietal cell autoantibodies. In two of these three cases there was an Helicobacter pylori infection. There were no significant differences between HT and GD groups with respect to thyroid volume. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, large series documenting the conversion of HT to GD are scarce. Although rare, this phenomenon should not be misdiagnosed. Suspicion should be raised whenever thyroxine posology must be tapered down during the follow-up of HT patients. Further immunological and genetic studies are needed to explain this unusual autoimmune change.

[Home parenteral nutrition: a consensus document of experts from Andalucia and Extremadura]. / Documento de consenso de expertos de Andalucía y Extremadura sobre la nutrición parenteral domiciliaria.

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a technique that has allowed the survival in the community of those patients with serious diseases resulting in an intestinal failure that made their nutrition impossible by other methods. It is indicated if there is a documented intestinal failure (understood by the reduction of the intestinal function to the minimum to the point that intravenous supplementation is required to maintain health and/or growth) with impossibility for oral or enteral exclusive nutrition, provided that there is the possibility of managing the patient at home and that there is no short-term survival expectancy. It requires taking into account the patient's quality of life, family environment and the capacity of the patient and/or their caregivers to be trained for HPN therapy. In low prevalence health topics, as intestinal failure, where the available scientific evidence is of poor quality, consensus documents add value in decision-making. Furthermore, HPN is a complex process and, although there is extensive experience in its application and even clinical practice guidelines, in daily practice there are uncertainties about its suitability, usefulness, rational use and associated costs. For this reason, this document of consensus has been carried out, using the GRADE method. With this document we intend to define our position with regard to the current use of HPN in our country and answer several controversial questions related to this treatment.

La nutrición parenteral en domicilio (NPD) es una técnica que ha permitido la supervivencia en la comunidad de aquellos pacientes con enfermedades graves resultantes en un fallo intestinal que hacía imposible su nutrición por otros métodos. Esta está indicada si existe un fallo intestinal documentado (entendido como la reducción de la función intestinal al mínimo hasta el punto de que se requiere suplementación intravenosa para mantener la salud y/o el crecimiento) con imposibilidad para la nutrición exclusiva por vía oral/enteral, posibilidad de manejo del enfermo en el domicilio y que no exista una expectativa corta de supervivencia, teniendo en cuenta la calidad de vida del paciente, el entorno familiar y la capacidad del paciente y/o de sus cuidadores de entrenamiento para la terapia de NPD.En los problemas de salud poco prevalentes, como es el fallo intestinal, en los cuales la evidencia científica disponible es de baja calidad, los documentos de consenso/expertos aportan valor en la toma de decisiones. Se suma a ello que la NPD es un proceso muy complejo y, a pesar de que existe una amplia experiencia en su aplicación e incluso guías de práctica clínica, en la práctica diaria se plantean incertidumbres acerca de su conveniencia, utilidad, uso racional y costes asociados. Por este motivo se ha realizado este documento de consenso, utilizando el método GRADE, con el que pretendemos definir nuestra posición con respecto al uso actual de la NPD en nuestro país y dar respuesta a una serie de preguntas que generan controversia en relación a este tratamiento.

Documento de consenso de expertos de Andalucía y Extremadura sobre la nutrición parenteral domiciliaria / Home parenteral nutrition: a consensus document of experts from Andalucia and Extremadura

La nutrición parenteral en domicilio (NPD) es una técnica que ha permitido la supervivencia en la comunidad de aquellos pacientes con enfermedades graves resultantes en un fallo intestinal que hacía imposible su nutrición por otros métodos. Esta está indicada si existe un fallo intestinal documentado (entendido como la reducción de la función intestinal al mínimo hasta el punto de que se requiere suplementación intravenosa para mantener la salud y/o el crecimiento) con imposibilidad para la nutrición exclusiva por vía oral/enteral, posibilidad de manejo del enfermo en el domicilio y que no exista una expectativa corta de supervivencia, teniendo en cuenta la calidad de vida del paciente, el entorno familiar y la capacidad del paciente y/o de sus cuidadores de entrenamiento para la terapia de NPD. En los problemas de salud poco prevalentes, como es el fallo intestinal, en los cuales la evidencia científica disponible es de baja calidad, los documentos de consenso/expertos aportan valor en la toma de decisiones. Se suma a ello que la NPD es un proceso muy complejo y, a pesar de que existe una amplia experiencia en su aplicación e incluso guías de práctica clínica, en la práctica diaria se plantean incertidumbres acerca de su conveniencia, utilidad, uso racional y costes asociados. Por este motivo se ha realizado este documento de consenso, utilizando el método GRADE, con el que pretendemos definir nuestra posición con respecto al uso actual de la NPD en nuestro país y dar respuesta a una serie de preguntas que generan controversia en relación a este tratamiento (AU)

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a technique that has allowed the survival in the community of those patients with serious diseases resulting in an intestinal failure that made their nutrition impossible by other methods. It is indicated if there is a documented intestinal failure (understood by the reduction of the intestinal function to the minimum to the point that intravenous supplementation is required to maintain health and/or growth) with impossibility for oral or enteral exclusive nutrition, provided that there is the possibility of managing the patient at home and that there is no short-term survival expectancy. It requires taking into account the patient’s quality of life, family environment and the capacity of the patient and/or their caregivers to be trained for HPN therapy. In low prevalence health topics, as intestinal failure, where the available scientific evidence is of poor quality, consensus documents add value in decision-making. Furthermore, HPN is a complex process and, although there is extensive experience in its application and even clinical practice guidelines, in daily practice there are uncertainties about its suitability, usefulness, rational use and associated costs. For this reason, this document of consensus has been carried out, using the GRADE method. With this document we intend to define our position with regard to the current use of HPN in our country and answer several controversial questions related to this treatment (AU)

Hiperreactio luteinalis, una causa rara de hipertiroidismo en la gestación / Hyperreactio luteinalis, a rare cause of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy

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Implementación del protocolo hospitalario de insulinización subcutánea para pacientes no críticos en hospitales andaluces de tercer nivel / Implementation of subcutaneous insulin protocol for non-critically ill hospitalized patients in andalusian tertiary care hospitals

INTRODUCCIÓN: En 2009, la Sociedad Andaluza de Endocrinología y Nutrición diseñó un protocolo de insulinización subcutánea para pacientes hospitalizados no críticos («Protocolo de insulinización hospitalaria para el paciente no crítico» [PIH]), adoptado dentro del Sistema Sanitario Público Andaluz. OBJETIVOS: Analizar la implementación del PIH en hospitales de tercer nivel del Sistema Sanitario Público Andaluz. MÉTODO: Estudio multicéntrico descriptivo transversal en 8 hospitales andaluces de tercer nivel, mediante muestreo aleatorizado de pacientes ingresados ≥ 48 h, con DM (n = 306), en 5 servicios médicos (SM) y 2 quirúrgicos (SQ). La DM tipo 1, DM por trastornos específicos, soporte nutricional artificial, tratamiento esteroideo y gestación fueron criterios de exclusión. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 288 pacientes (varones 62,5%; 70,3 ± 10,3 años; 71,5% SM y 28,5% SQ). El régimen insulínico basal-bolus-corrección se instauró en el 55,9% (IC 95%: 50,5 - 61,2%); 63,1% SM vs. 37,8% SQ (p < 0,05). Las alternativas al régimen insulínico basal-bolus-corrección fueron: pautas móviles de insulina rápida (43,7%), dieta (31,3%), antidiabéticos orales (17,2%), premezclas (1,6%) y otras (6,2%). En pacientes tratados previamente con antidiabéticos orales, la dosis de insulina durante el ingreso fue 0,32 ± 0,1 UI/kg/día. En pacientes tratados previamente con insulina, la dosis de insulina durante el ingreso se incrementó en un 17% [-13-53] y en pacientes con terapia combinada, en 26,4% [-6-100]. Las pautas correctoras empleadas para < 40UI/día y 40-80UI/día fueron las recomendadas en el 72,2% y el 56,7%, respectivamente. Se solicitó HbA1c en el 23,6% (IC 95%: 18,8-28,8); 27,7% SM vs. 13,3% SQ (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Son recomendables estrategias para aumentar la implantación del PIH, especialmente en servicios quirúrgicos. Las pautas móviles de insulina rápida son la alternativa más frecuente al régimen insulínico basal-bolus-corrección. Es preciso fomentar la valoración del control metabólico al ingreso

INTRODUCTION: In 2009, the Andalusian Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition designed a protocol for subcutaneous insulin treatment in hospitalized non-critically ill patients (HIP). OBJECTIVE: To analyze implementation of HIP at tertiary care hospitals from the Andalusian Public Health System. Method A descriptive, multicenter study conducted in 8 tertiary care hospitals on a random sample of non-critically ill patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia (n = 306) hospitalized for ≥ 48 hours in 5 non-surgical (SM) and 2 surgical (SQ) departments. Type 1 and other specific types of diabetes, pregnancy and nutritional support were exclusion criteria. RESULTS: 288 patients were included for analysis (62.5% males; 70.3 ± 10.3 years; 71.5% SM, 28.5% SQ). A scheduled subcutaneous insulin regimen based on basal-bolus-correction protocol was started in 55.9% (95% CI: 50.5-61.2%) of patients, 63.1% SM vs. 37.8% SQ (P < .05). Alternatives to insulin regimen based on basal-bolus-correction included sliding scale insulin (43.7%), diet (31.3%), oral antidiabetic drugs (17.2%), premixed insulin (1.6%), and others (6.2%). For patients previously on oral antidiabetic drugs, in-hospital insulin dose was 0.32 ± 0.1 IU/kg/day. In patients previously on insulin, in-hospital insulin dose was increased by 17% [-13-53], and in those on insulin plus oral antidiabetic drugs, in-hospital insulin dose was increased by 26.4% [-6-100]. Supplemental insulin doses used for < 40IU/day and 40-80 IU/day were 72.2% and 56.7% respectively. HbA1c was measured in 23.6% of patients (95CI%: 18.8-28.8); 27.7% SM vs. 13.3% SQ (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Strategies are needed to improve implementation of the inpatient subcutaneous insulin protocol, particularly in surgical departments. Sliding scale insulin is still the most common alternative to insulin regimen based on basal-bolus-correction scheduled insulin. Metabolic control assessment during hospitalization should be encouraged

The lack of consensus in management of malignant struma ovarii.

Struma ovarii is a rare variant of teratoma characterized by the presence of thyroid tissue in more than 50%. Malignant transformation is rare (less than 5%) and the criteria to classify this condition have changed over time. Nowadays it must fulfill the histological categories of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Its treatment is controversial and there is no unanimous management. We present three cases of women with malignant struma ovarii, diagnosed by the surgical specimen.

Implementation of subcutaneous insulin protocol for non-critically ill hospitalized patients in andalusian tertiary care hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: In 2009, the Andalusian Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition designed a protocol for subcutaneous insulin treatment in hospitalized non-critically ill patients (HIP). OBJECTIVE: To analyze implementation of HIP at tertiary care hospitals from the Andalusian Public Health System. METHOD: A descriptive, multicenter study conducted in 8 tertiary care hospitals on a random sample of non-critically ill patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia (n=306) hospitalized for ≥48 hours in 5 non-surgical (SM) and 2 surgical (SQ) departments. Type 1 and other specific types of diabetes, pregnancy and nutritional support were exclusion criteria. RESULTS: 288 patients were included for analysis (62.5% males; 70.3±10.3 years; 71.5% SM, 28.5% SQ). A scheduled subcutaneous insulin regimen based on basal-bolus-correction protocol was started in 55.9% (95%CI: 50.5-61.2%) of patients, 63.1% SM vs. 37.8% SQ (P<.05). Alternatives to insulin regimen based on basal-bolus-correction included sliding scale insulin (43.7%), diet (31.3%), oral antidiabetic drugs (17.2%), premixed insulin (1.6%), and others (6.2%). For patients previously on oral antidiabetic drugs, in-hospital insulin dose was 0.32±0.1 IU/kg/day. In patients previously on insulin, in-hospital insulin dose was increased by 17% [-13-53], and in those on insulin plus oral antidiabetic drugs, in-hospital insulin dose was increased by 26.4% [-6-100]. Supplemental insulin doses used for<40 IU/day and 40-80 IU/day were 72.2% and 56.7% respectively. HbA1c was measured in 23.6% of patients (95CI%: 18.8-28.8); 27.7% SM vs. 13.3% SQ (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Strategies are needed to improve implementation of the inpatient subcutaneous insulin protocol, particularly in surgical departments. Sliding scale insulin is still the most common alternative to insulin regimen based on basal-bolus-correction scheduled insulin. Metabolic control assessment during hospitalization should be encouraged.

Anticuerpos antiGAD involucrados en la patogenia del síndrome del hombre rígido y su asociación con diabetes mellitus. A propósito de un caso / AntiGAD antibodies involved in the pathogenesis of stiff man syndrome and its association with diabetes mellitus. A case report

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Diagnóstico y tratamiento endocrinológico de las lesiones del área selar en la edad pediátrica / Endocrine diagnosis and treatment of sellar lesions in pediatric age

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las lesiones selares son heterogéneas en su naturaleza y abordaje. No todas requieren cirugía. OBJETIVOS: Describir las formas de presentación de las lesiones selares y la presencia de endocrinopatías a lo largo de la evolución, así como resaltar la importancia de la valoración endocrinológica e identificar aquellas lesiones subsidiarias de tratamiento hormonal. Pacientes y métodos Estudio retrospectivo de los niños menores de 14 años remitidos a nuestro centro por lesiones selares durante 12 años. Se recogieron las siguientes variables: sexo, edad, naturaleza de la lesión, presentación clínica, tamaño, tratamiento primario y presencia de endocrinopatías. RESULTADOS: Se incluyen 45 pacientes (25 mujeres) con edades comprendidas desde los 3 meses hasta 13,5 años (media 7,2 ± 4,1) y un tiempo de seguimiento de 6,2 ± 3,7 años. Se conoce la naturaleza de la lesión en 39 casos, de los cuales 4 se han tratado eficazmente por Endocrinología: 3 prolactinomas con cabergolina, y una hiperplasia hipofisaria con levotiroxina. El motivo de consulta fueron síntomas de neuropatía y oftalmopatía en 25/45 casos, y de endocrinopatía en 13/45. El periodo de síntomas endocrinológicos previos fue de 12,6 ± 18,2 meses, frente a 2,6 ± 4,9 meses de los neurooftalmológicos (p = 0,012). En el momento del diagnóstico, 24/45 pacientes presentaban alguna endocrinopatía, ascendiendo a 37/45 al final del seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Las lesiones del área selar requieren un abordaje multidisciplinario. El estudio endocrinológico es imprescindible para identificar las que son subsidiarias de tratamiento hormonal. Los síntomas o signos de endocrinopatía pueden aparecer antes que los de neuropatía u oftalmopatía, por lo que es fundamental reconocerlos para adelantar el diagnóstico. La evaluación hormonal debe repetirse periódicamente a lo largo de la evolución

INTRODUCTION: Sellar masses are a heterogeneous group of lesions, both in nature and management. Not all of them require surgery. OBJECTIVES: To describe the presenting symptoms of sellar masses and endocrine abnormalities occurring during follow-up. To emphasize the significance of endocrine assessment, and to identify lesions amenable to hormonal treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the records of children under 14 years of age referred to our center for sellar lesions during a period of 12 years. Data collected included sex, age, nature of lesion, clinical presentation, size, treatment, and endocrine abnormalities. Results Forty-five patients (25 females) aged 7.2 ± 4.1 years (range 0.25-13.5) were enrolled. Follow-up time was 6.2 ± 3.7 years. Lesion nature was known in 39 cases, 4 of which were successfully treated at the Endocrinology Department: 3 prolactinomas (with dopamine agonist) and one thyrotroph cell hyperplasia (with levothyroxine). The most common presenting symptoms were neurological and/or visual (25/45), followed by endocrine conditions (13/45). Duration of endocrine and neuro-ophthalmic symptoms was 12.6 ± 18.2 months and 2.6 ± 4.9 months (p = 0.012), respectively. Some endocrine conditions were found in 24/45 patients at the initial evaluation and in 37/45 patients at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Management of sellar lesions requires a multidisciplinary effort. Endocrine tests are indispensable to identify lesions amenable to hormonal treatment. Endocrine disorders usually occurred before neurological and ophthalmological symptoms, and their identification may therefore allow for earlier diagnosis. Hormone assessment should be regularly performed during follow-up

Endocrine diagnosis and treatment of sellar lesions in pediatric age.

INTRODUCTION: Sellar masses are an heterogeneous group of lesions, both in nature and management. Not all of them require surgery. OBJECTIVES: To describe the presenting symptoms of sellar masses and endocrine abnormalities occurring during follow-up. To emphasize the significance of endocrine assessment, and to identify lesions amenable to hormonal treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the records of children under 14 years of age referred to our center for sellar lesions during 12 years. Data collected included sex, age, nature of lesion, clinical presentation, size, treatment, and endocrine abnormalities. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (25 females) aged 7.2 ± 4.1 years (range 0.25-13.5) were enrolled. Follow-up time was 6.2 ± 3.7 years. Lesion nature was known in 39 cases, 4 of which were successfully treated at the Endocrinology Department: 3 prolactinomas (with dopamine agonist) and one thyrotroph cell hyperplasia (with levothyroxine). The most common presenting symptoms were neurological and/or visual (25/45), followed by endocrine conditions (13/45). Duration of endocrine and neuro-ophthalmic symptoms was 12.6 ± 18.2 months and 2.6 ± 4.9 (P=.012), respectively. Some endocrine condition was found in 24/45 patients at the initial evaluation and in 37/45 patients at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Management of sellar lesions requires a multidisciplinary effort. Endocrine tests are indispensable to identify lesions amenable to hormonal treatment. Endocrine disorders usually occurred before neurological and ophthalmological symptoms, and their identification may therefore allow for earlier diagnosis. Hormone assessment should be regularly performed during follow-up.

Polineuropatía y diabetes mellitus de larga evolución / Polineuropathy and longstanding diabetes mellitus

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