Rheumatic Disease Autoantibodies in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD) such as Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) may have non-organ specific autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and rheumatoid factor (RF). AIM: To study the prevalence of rheumatic autoantibodies in a group of ATD patients without known rheumatic diseases and to evaluate its association with the patients' epidemiological and treatment profiles. To follow positive non-organ specific autoantibody-positive ATD individuals to investigate whether they will develop a rheumatic disorder. METHODS: A sample of 154 ATD patients (70 HT and 84 GD; mean age 45.3 ± 14.2) had determination of ANA by immunofluorescence, using hep-2 cells as substrate, extractable nuclear antigen profile by ELISA kits and RF by latex agglutination. Epidemiological and treatment profiles were obtained through chart review. These patients were followed for the mean period of 5 years, between 2010 and 2015. RESULTS: Positive ANA was found in 17.5% (27/154) of the patients: anti-Ro/SS-A in 4/154 (2.5%); anti-RNP in 4/154 (2.5%), and anti-La/SS-B in 3/154 (1.9%). None had anti-Sm antibodies. RF was detected in 12/154 (7.7%) of ATD patients and was more common in older individuals (p = 0.007). There was a positive association between the presence of RF and ANA (p = 0.03; OR 3.89; 95% CI 1.1-13.3). None of the patients with positive autoantibodies developed clinical rheumatic diseases during the period of observation. CONCLUSION: We found rheumatic autoantibodies in 17.5% of ATD patients without rheumatic diseases. None of them were associated with the appearance of clinical rheumatic disorder during the period of 5 years.

Thyroid and Breast Cancer in 2 Sisters With Monoallelic Mutations in the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) Gene.

The presence of a bidirectional risk for metachronous carcinomas among women with thyroid and breast cancer is well established. However, the underlying risk factors remain poorly understood. Two sisters developed papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) at age 32 and 34 years, followed by ductal carcinoma of the breast at 44 and 42 years. The 2 children of the younger sister developed ataxia-telangiectasia; the son also developed lymphoblastic lymphoma and his sister died secondary to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). They were found to be compound heterozygous for ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene mutations (c.3848T>C, p.L1283P; and c.802C>T, p.Q268X). Exome sequencing of the 2 sisters (mother and aunt of the children with ataxia-telangiectasia) led to the detection of the pathogenic monoallelic ATM mutation in both of them (c.3848T>C; minor allele frequency [MAF] < 0.01) but detected no other variants known to confer a risk for PTC or breast cancer. The findings suggest that monoallelic ATM mutations, presumably in conjunction with additional genetic and/or nongenetic factors, can confer a risk for developing PTC and breast cancer.

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.

Genotype and phenotype landscape of MEN2 in 554 medullary thyroid cancer patients: the BrasMEN study.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease caused by RET gene germline mutations that is characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) associated with other endocrine tumors. Several reports have demonstrated that the RET mutation profile may vary according to the geographical area. In this study, we collected clinical and molecular data from 554 patients with surgically confirmed MTC from 176 families with MEN2 in 18 different Brazilian centers to compare the type and prevalence of RET mutations with those from other countries. The most frequent mutations, classified by the number of families affected, occur in codon 634, exon 11 (76 families), followed by codon 918, exon 16 (34 families: 26 with M918T and 8 with M918V) and codon 804, exon 14 (22 families: 15 with V804M and 7 with V804L). When compared with other major published series from Europe, there are several similarities and some differences. While the mutations in codons C618, C620, C630, E768 and S891 present a similar prevalence, some mutations have a lower prevalence in Brazil, and others are found mainly in Brazil (G533C and M918V). These results reflect the singular proportion of European, Amerindian and African ancestries in the Brazilian mosaic genome.

[Thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer: Brazilian consensus]. / Nódulos de tireóide e câncer diferenciado de tireóide: consenso brasileiro.

Thyroid nodules are a common manifestation of thyroid diseases. It is estimated that approximately 10% of adults have palpable thyroid nodules with the frequency increasing throughout life. The major concern on nodule evaluation is the risk of malignancy (5-10%). Differentiated thyroid carcinoma accounts for 90% of all thyroid malignant neoplasias. Although most patients with cancer have a favorable outcome, some individuals present an aggressive form of the disease and poor prognostic despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. Here, a set of clinical guidelines for the evaluation and management of patients with thyroid nodules or differentiated thyroid cancer was developed through consensus by 8 member of the Department of Thyroid, Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia. The participants are from different reference medical centers within Brazil, to reflect different practice patterns. Each committee participant was initially assigned to write a section of the document and to submit it to the chairperson, who revised and assembled the sections into a complete draft document, which was then circulated among all committee members for further revision. All committee members further revised and refined the document. The guidelines were developed based on the expert opinion of the committee participants, as well as on previously published information.

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.

High prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and nodular thyroid disease in patients on hemodialysis.

Chronic kidney disease has been known to affect thyroid hormone metabolism. Low serum levels of T3 and T4 are the most remarkable laboratorial findings. A high incidence of goiter and nodules on thyroid ultrasonography has been reported in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our objective is to evaluate the prevalence of laboratorial and morphologic alterations in the thyroid gland in a cohort of patients with ESRD on hemodialysis (HD). Sixty-one patients with ESRD on HD were selected and compared with 43 healthy subjects matched by age, gender, and weight. Patients were submitted to thyroid ultrasonography. T3, free T4 (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone, antithyroglobulin, and antithyroperoxidase antibodies were measured. The mean age of patients with ESRD was 47.4 ± 12.3 and 61% were women. ESRD was mainly caused by hypertensive nephrosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy. Mean thyroid volume, as determined by ultrasonography, was similar in both groups. Patients with ESRD had more hypoechoic nodules when compared with the control group (24.1% vs. 7.9%, P = 0.056). Mean serum FT4 and T3 levels were significantly lower in patients with ESRD, and subclinical hypothyroidism was more prevalent in patients with ESRD (21.82% vs. 7.14% control group, P = 0.04). Titers of antithyroid antibodies were similar in both groups. ESRD was associated with a higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and lower levels of T3 and FT4. Almost a quarter of patients showed thyroid nodules >10 mm. Periodic ultrasound evaluation and assessment of thyroid function are recommended in patients with ESRD on HD.

[Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma]. / Carcinoma indiferenciado de tireóide.

Well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (TC), as papillary and follicular carcinoma, usually follows a relatively benign course after total thyroidectomy and thyroid remnant ablation with 131I. In contrast, anaplastic TC or undifferentiated TC, also derived from the thyroid follicular epithelium, refers to one of the more aggressive human malignancies, which have lost most or all characteristics of the tissue from which it originated. Rapid tumor growth presages early mortality unless combined therapy is aggressively pursued. Definitive curative approach does not exist for most patients. The best approach is still aggressive surgery combined with the associated use of new chemotherapies associated with local external beam radiotherapy.

[Use of lithium carbonate for the treatment of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis]. / O uso de carbonato de lítio no tratamento da tireotoxicose induzida por amiodarona.

Among the amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunctions, thyrotoxicosis is the most troublesome and with the highest rate of morbidity and mortality. Treatment consists in the use of a high dose of anti-thyroid drugs and steroids in an isolated form or in combination. Association of several other drugs have been proposed for the treatment of refractory cases. In this study we report the case of a 40 y.o. patient, with a history of idiopatic dilated miocardiopathy, who developed severe amioradone-induced thyrotoxicosis after heart transplantation. Since the patient did not respond to an initial treatment consisting of a high dose of anti-thyroid drugs combined with steroids, a low dose of lithium carbonate was added for a short period of time, which resulted in normalization of the thyroid function. In this case, the addition of lithium carbonate to the two other drugs resulted in a successful and safety therapy in controlling amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis.

Hyperthyroidism due to secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin in a patient with metastatic choriocarcinoma.

A 26-year-old pregnant woman presenting with repeated episodes of vaginal bleeding, weight loss, and shortness of breath was diagnosed with choriocarcinoma with metastases to both lungs. Chorionic gonadotropin levels (hCG) were >2.5 x 10(6)mU/mL. Consistent with hCG-induced subclinical hyperthyroidism, she had a suppressed TSH of 0.037 mU/L (0.49 - 4.67), a T4 of 18.1 microg/dL (4.9 - 10.7), and T3 of 136 ng/dL (45 - 137). Chemotherapy with a combined regimen with etoposide, methotrexate, and dactinomycine was started. The initial course was complicated by urosepsis with respiratory distress requiring endotracheal intubation for 3 days. She then improved rapidly, and her thyroid function tests were within normal limits by day 12. Six months later, after ten cycles of chemotherapy, the patient was in remission without signs of residual tumor or hCG-induced paraneoplastic activity.

[Thyroid hormone resistance syndrome]. / Síndrome de resistência ao hormônio tireoidiano.

Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) is a syndrome characterized by elevated serum thyroid hormone (TH) levels and elevated or inappropriately normal thyrotropin levels. In general, patients exhibit TH resistance in the pituitary and peripheral tissues. The phenotype of RTH is variable; the affected individuals are clinically euthyroid or even hypothyroid depending on the severity of the mutation, the variable hyposensitivity to TH among individuals as well as in different tissues. In almost all cases the genetic basis of RTH lies in mutation of the carboxyl-terminus of the ss-thyroid hormone receptor. RTH is a dominant disorder, except in one family; most individuals are heterozygous for the mutant allele. New standard techniques and genetically engineered mouse model systems have increased our understanding on TH receptor action, in particular, how mutant thyroid receptors from RTH patients can block wild-type thyroid receptor function (dominant negative activity), and how the mutant receptors can differently affect various tissues and individuals.

Screening of celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease from Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in adults with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) from the endocrinology outpatient setting in a university hospital in Southern Brazil. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From the years 2007 to 2011, 254 patients with ATD were enrolled consecutively, Grave's disease was diagnosed in 143 (56.3%) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 111 (43.7%) of them. All patients answered a questionnaire related to symptoms that could be associated with CD and serum samples to screen for IgA anti-endomysial (EmA-IgA) were collected. EmA-IgA-positive patients were offered upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy of duodenum. RESULTS: A total of 254 patients were included; 222 (87.4%) female, mean age 45.4 ± 13.43 years (18 to 79 years). EmA-IgA was positive in seven patients (2.7%) and five done endoscopy with biopsy. Of these, three diagnosis of CD was confirmed (1.2%). All the three patients with CD had higher EmA-IgA titration, were female and had Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Like other patients with ATD, CD patients had nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn and gastric distention. In our study, one in each 85 patients confirmed the diagnosis of CD. CONCLUSION: We found a prevalence of 1.2% (1:85) of confirmed CD among Brazilian patients with ATD. Although some IgA-EmA positive patients had Graves' disease and one was male, all three patients with confirmed CD were female and had Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer: update on the Brazilian consensus.

Thyroid nodules are frequent findings, especially when sensitive imaging methods are used. Although thyroid cancer is relatively rare, its incidence is increasing, particularly in terms of small tumors, which have an uncertain clinical relevance. Most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer exhibit satisfactory clinical outcomes when treatment is appropriate, and their mortality rate is similar to that of the overall population. However, relapse occurs in a considerable fraction of these patients, and some patients stop responding to conventional treatment and eventually die from their disease. Therefore, the challenge is how to identify the individuals who require more aggressive disease management while sparing the majority of patients from unnecessary treatments and procedures. We have updated the Brazilian Consensus that was published in 2007, emphasizing the diagnostic and therapeutic advances that the participants, representing several Brazilian university centers, consider most relevant in clinical practice. The formulation of the present guidelines was based on the participants' experience and a review of the relevant literature.

Treating primary hypothyroidism with weekly doses of levothyroxine: a randomized, single-blind, crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: Compliance to levothyroxine treatment in hypothyroidism is compromised by daily schedule, and a weekly dose may be an alternative. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover study. Fourteen females were assigned to daily or weekly doses of LT4. After six weeks, they switched regimens. Thyroid parameters were measured at baseline, and after 42 and 84 days. Echocardiogram and hyperthyroidism symptoms were evaluated before and four hours after LT4 intake. RESULTS: In the weekly dose treatment, fT4 levels were higher after taking LT4, and lower seven days after the last dose; by the 6(th) week there was a small decrease in T3 levels. TSH remained unchanged and there were no hyperthyroidism symptoms or echocardiographic manifestations. CONCLUSION: Weekly dose leads to transient increases in fT4, without hyperthyroidism or cardiac symptoms. That approach seems to be a safe alternative for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Screening of celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease from Southern Brazil / Pesquisa de doença celíaca em pacientes com doença autoimune de tireoide do sul do Brasil

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease (CD) in adults with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) from the endocrinology outpatient setting in a university hospital in Southern Brazil. Subjects and methods: From the years 2007 to 2011, 254 patients with ATD were enrolled consecutively, Grave’s disease was diagnosed in 143 (56.3%) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 111 (43.7%) of them. All patients answered a questionnaire related to symptoms that could be associated with CD and serum samples to screen for IgA anti-endomysial (EmA-IgA) were collected. EmA-IgA-positive patients were offered upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy of duodenum. Results: A total of 254 patients were included; 222 (87.4%) female, mean age 45.4 ± 13.43 years (18 to 79 years). EmA-IgA was positive in seven patients (2.7%) and five done endoscopy with biopsy. Of these, three diagnosis of CD was confirmed (1.2%). All the three patients with CD had higher EmA-IgA titration, were female and had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Like other patients with ATD, CD patients had nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, such as heartburn and gastric distention. In our study, one in each 85 patients confirmed the diagnosis of CD. Conclusion: We found a prevalence of 1.2% (1:85) of confirmed CD among Brazilian patients with ATD. Although some IgA-EmA positive patients had Graves’ disease and one was male, all three patients with confirmed CD were female and had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(6):625-9 .

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a prevalência de doença celíaca (DC) em adultos com doenças autoimunes de tireoide (DAT) que foram atendidos em um serviço de endocrinologia de um hospital universitário do sul do Brasil. Sujeitos e métodos: Entre os anos de 2007 a 2011, 254 pacientes com DAT foram consecutivamente incluídos, sendo 143 (56,3%) desses diagnosticados com doença de Graves e 111 (43,7%) com doença de Hashimoto. Todos os pacientes responderam a um questionário relatando sintomas que poderiam ser associados com DC, e amostras de soro para a pesquisa de anticorpo antiendomisial (EmA-IgA) foram coletadas. Os pacientes com sorologia positiva foram encaminhados para endoscopia gastrointestinal com biópsia duodenal. Resultados: No total, 254 pacientes foram incluídos, sendo 222 (87,4%) mulheres com média de idade 45,4 ± 13,43 anos (18 a 79 anos). EmA-IgA foi positivo em sete (2,7%) pacientes e cinco fizeram endoscopia com biópsia. Desses, três (1,2%) tiveram o diagnóstico de DC confirmada. Todos os três pacientes com DC apresentaram altos títulos de EmA-IgA, eram mulheres e tinham doença de Hashimoto. Assim como outras pacientes com DAT, os pacientes celíacos tinham sintomas gastrointestinais inespecíficos, como queimação e distensão gástrica. Em nosso estudo, um em cada 85 pacientes com DAT tiveram o diagnóstico de DC confirmado. Conclusão: Em nosso estudo, foi observada prevalência de 1,2% (1:85) de DC confirmada entre os pacientes com DAT, sendo todas mulheres e com doença de Hashimoto. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2014;58(6):625-9 .

Clinical and molecular analysis of thyroid hypoplasia: a population-based approach in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is mainly due to developmental abnormalities leading to thyroid dysgenesis (TD). TD encompasses very distinct morphologic subtypes of disease. This study examined and compared the phenotype in TD variants and searched for genetic alterations in sporadic thyroid hypoplasia (TH), the most misdiagnosed form of CH. This was a longitudinal study over a 14-year period (1990-2004). METHODS: A continuous series of 353 children with TD was identified using thyroid function tests [thyroxine (T4) and TSH], scintigraphy, and ultrasound as diagnostic tools. Individual phenotypes were analyzed in 253 children with TD. Mutations in the most likely candidate genes were studied in 35 cases of TH. RESULTS: The overall birth prevalence of permanent CH was 1:4795. Ectopy represented 37% of all cases of permanent primary CH, dyshormonogenesis 28%, agenesis 24%, hypoplasia 10%, and hemiagenesis 1%. The lowest screening T4 level and the highest TSH level were in the agenetic group, followed by TH. The TH group had an improvement in the thyroid function showing less-severe phenotype with aging. In the molecular analysis, one patient was identified with a mutation in the PAX8 gene (155G>C; R52P); four patients had a heterozygous G>C substitution in position -569; two patients showed a (234C>A; P52T) or (2181C>G; D727E) polymorphic variants of the TSH-R gene; and one patient presented a novel heterozygous nonsynonymous substitution, 293G>A; S98N, in the NKX2.5 gene. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CH was within the previously reported range of 1:3000-4000. Ectopy was the most common etiology. Clinical analysis revealed distinct hormonal patterns in TH subgroup when compared with other variants of TD, with genetic abnormalities identified only in few cases in the TSH-R, PAX8, and NKX2.5 genes.

Thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer: update on the Brazilian consensus / Nódulo tireoidiano e câncer diferenciado de tireoide: atualização do consenso brasileiro

Thyroid nodules are frequent findings, especially when sensitive imaging methods are used. Although thyroid cancer is relatively rare, its incidence is increasing, particularly in terms of small tumors, which have an uncertain clinical relevance. Most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer exhibit satisfactory clinical outcomes when treatment is appropriate, and their mortality rate is similar to that of the overall population. However, relapse occurs in a considerable fraction of these patients, and some patients stop responding to conventional treatment and eventually die from their disease. Therefore, the challenge is how to identify the individuals who require more aggressive disease management while sparing the majority of patients from unnecessary treatments and procedures. We have updated the Brazilian Consensus that was published in 2007, emphasizing the diagnostic and therapeutic advances that the participants, representing several Brazilian university centers, consider most relevant in clinical practice. The formulation of the present guidelines was based on the participants' experience and a review of the relevant literature.

Nódulos tireoidianos são muito frequentes, sobretudo quando se empregam métodos sensíveis de imagem. Embora o câncer seja proporcionalmente raro, sua incidência vem aumentando, especialmente de tumores pequenos, cuja evolução clínica é incerta. A maioria dos pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado de tireoide evolui bem quando adequadamente tratada, com índices de mortalidade similares à população geral. Por outro lado, um percentual não desprezível apresenta recidivas e alguns eventualmente não respondem às terapias convencionais, evoluindo para óbito. Assim, o desafio é distinguir os pacientes merecedores de condutas mais agressivas e, ao mesmo tempo e não menos importante, poupar a maioria de tratamentos e procedimentos desnecessários. Atualizamos o Consenso Brasileiro publicado em 2007, ressaltando os avanços diagnósticos e terapêuticos que os participantes, de diferentes Centros Universitários do Brasil, consideram mais relevantes para prática clínica. A elaboração dessas diretrizes foi baseada na experiência dos participantes e revisão da literatura pertinente.

Treating primary hypothyroidism with weekly doses of levothyroxine: a randomized, single-blind, crossover study / Tratamento de hipotiroidismo primário com doses semanais de levotiroxina: um estudo randomizado, unicego, crossover

OBJECTIVE: Compliance to levothyroxine treatment in hypothyroidism is compromised by daily schedule, and a weekly dose may be an alternative. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover study. Fourteen females were assigned to daily or weekly doses of LT4. After six weeks, they switched regimens. Thyroid parameters were measured at baseline, and after 42 and 84 days. Echocardiogram and hyperthyroidism symptoms were evaluated before and four hours after LT4 intake. RESULTS: In the weekly dose treatment, fT4 levels were higher after taking LT4, and lower seven days after the last dose; by the 6th week there was a small decrease in T3 levels. TSH remained unchanged and there were no hyperthyroidism symptoms or echocardiographic manifestations. CONCLUSION: Weekly dose leads to transient increases in fT4, without hyperthyroidism or cardiac symptoms. That approach seems to be a safe alternative for the treatment of hypothyroidism.

OBJETIVO: Aderência ao tratamento do hipotiroidismo é comprometido pelo uso diário de levotiroxina, e doses semanais poderiam ser uma alternativa. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo randomizado, crossover. Quatorze mulheres foram selecionadas para receber LT4 diariamente ou semanalmente. Após seis semanas, houve inversão do regime de tratamento. Avaliações tireoideanas foram realizadas antes, após 42 e 84 dias. Avaliação de sintomas de hipertireoidismo e ecocardiograma foi realizada antes e após quatro horas de LT4. RESULTADOS: Com dose semanal, os níveis de fT4 foram mais elevados logo após a dose de LT4, e menores após sete dias; após seis semanas, houve diminuição de T3. TSH permaneceu inalterado e não houve manifestações ecocardiográficas ou de hipertireodismo. CONCLUSÃO: Dose semanal de LT4 leva à elevação de fT4, sem manifestações de hipertireoidismo, e parece ser uma alternativa segura para o tratamento do hipotireoidismo.

Nódulos de tireóide e câncer diferenciado de tireóide: consenso brasileiro / Thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer: brazilian consensus

Os nódulos tireoidianos constituem a principal manifestação clínica de uma série de doenças da tireóide com uma prevalência de aproximadamente 10 por cento na população adulta. O maior desafio é excluir o câncer da tireóide, que ocorre em 5 a 10 por cento dos casos. Os carcinomas diferenciados respondem por 90 por cento dos casos de todas as neoplasias malignas da tireóide. A maioria dos pacientes com carcinoma diferenciado apresenta, geralmente, um bom prognóstico quando tratada adequadamente, com índices de mortalidade similares à população geral. No entanto, alguns indivíduos apresentam doença agressiva, desafiando o conhecimento atual e ilustrando a complexidade do manejo dessa neoplasia. No presente trabalho, reunimos 8 membros do Departamento de Tireóide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia & Metabologia, para elaborarmos, por consenso, as diretrizes brasileiras no manejo dos nódulos tireoidianos e do câncer diferenciado da tireóide. Os membros participantes representam diferentes Centros Universitários do Brasil, refletindo diferentes abordagens diagnósticas e terapêuticas. Inicialmente, cada participante ficou responsável pela redação de determinado tema a ser enviado ao Coordenador, que, após revisão editorial e elaboração da primeira versão do manuscrito, enviou ao grupo para sugestões e aperfeiçoamentos. Quando concluído, o manuscrito foi novamente enviado e revisado por todos. A elaboração dessas diretrizes foi baseada na experiência dos participantes e revisão pertinente da literatura.

Thyroid nodules are a common manifestation of thyroid diseases. It is estimated that ~10 percent of adults have palpable thyroid nodules with the frequency increasing throughout life. The major concern on nodule evaluation is the risk of malignancy (5-10 percent). Differentiated thyroid carcinoma accounts for 90 percent of all thyroid malignant neoplasias. Although most patients with cancer have a favorable outcome, some individuals present an aggressive form of the disease and poor prognostic despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. Here, a set of clinical guidelines for the evaluation and management of patients with thyroid nodules or differentiated thyroid cancer was developed through consensus by 8 member of the Department of Thyroid, Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia. The participants are from different reference medical centers within Brazil, to reflect different practice patterns. Each committee participant was initially assigned to write a section of the document and to submit it to the chairperson, who revised and assembled the sections into a complete draft document, which was then circulated among all committee members for further revision. All committee members further revised and refined the document. The guidelines were developed based on the expert opinion of the committee participants, as well as on previously published information.

Carcinoma indiferenciado de tireóide / Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

O carcinoma diferenciado de tireóide, papilífero ou folicular, usualmente tem um curso relativo benigno após a tireoidectomia total e ablação de remanescentes tireoideanos com 131I. Em contraste, o carcinoma anaplásico de tireóide ou carcinoma indiferenciado de tireóide, também derivado do epitélio folicular tireoideano, é uma das neoplasias humanas mais agressivas, que perdeu a maioria ou todas as características do tecido de origem. Crescimento tumoral rápido é um presságio de mortalidade precoce a menos que se institua tratamento combinado agressivo. Não dispomos ainda de um tratamento que leva à cura definitiva para a maioria dos pacientes. A melhor conduta se constitui de um tratamento cirúrgico agressivo associado com a combinação de novos agentes quimioterápicos e radioterapia externa.