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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jan 2024Preconception evaluation of couples wishing to conceive is an important step toward a healthy pregnancy and it is especially important in people with a chronic condition... (Review)
Review
Preconception evaluation of couples wishing to conceive is an important step toward a healthy pregnancy and it is especially important in people with a chronic condition or at genetic risk. The most common endocrine disorders in women at reproductive age are those involving the thyroid gland and it is well recognized that hyperthyroidism (HT), over-function of the thyroid gland, is associated with risks of maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. The aim of this paper is to review the latest evidence regarding the components of preconception counseling in women with HT that contemplate a pregnancy. We also want to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of periconceptional counseling in improving pregnancy outcomes and avoid maternal and fetal complications related to thyroid dysfunction. In women with Graves' disease seeking pregnancy, it is essential to discuss all the treatment options along with the associated risks and benefits. Extensive prospective studies are still needed to understand the implications of current recommended strategies for the management of HT in preconception and during pregnancy.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Antithyroid Agents; Pregnancy Complications; Hyperthyroidism; Graves Disease; Counseling
PubMed: 38399522
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020234 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024SARS-CoV-2 could trigger multiple immune responses, leading to several autoimmune diseases, including thyroid diseases. Many cases of thyroid diseases caused by COVID-19...
BACKGROUND
SARS-CoV-2 could trigger multiple immune responses, leading to several autoimmune diseases, including thyroid diseases. Many cases of thyroid diseases caused by COVID-19 infection have been reported. Here, we describe the disease development of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease after COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
The clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of five different patients with autoimmune thyroid disease after COVID-19 infection were reported.
RESULTS
Female patients with primary autoimmune thyroid disease which have been stable for many years were reported. One month after COVID-19 infection, the disease has undergone different evolution. Case 1, a patient with history of long-term stable Hashimoto's thyroiditis, suddenly suffered from Graves disease after COVID-19 infection. Case 2, a patient with history of long-term stable Hashimoto's thyroiditis with thyroid nodules, suddenly suffered from Graves disease after infection. Case 3, a patient with history of long-term stable Graves disease, suddenly suffered from worsening after infection. The above three cases showed thyroid-stimulating antibodies were enhanced. Case 4, a patient with history of previous hypothyroidism had an increase in thyroid-related antibody (TPOAb and TRAb) activity after infection, followed by a marked worsening of hypothyroidism. Case 5, a patient with no history of thyroid disease suddenly developed controllable "thyrotoxicosis" after infection, suggesting the diagnosis of painless thyroiditis.
CONCLUSION
The five case reports show a different development of the primary autoimmune thyroid disease after COVID-19 infection. The change in the trend of thyroid disease is closely related to the immune response induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
PubMed: 38384412
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1303855 -
European Thyroid Journal Apr 2024Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common condition with a global estimated prevalence of 60 million cases, and the most common cardiac complication of hyperthyroidism,... (Review)
Review
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common condition with a global estimated prevalence of 60 million cases, and the most common cardiac complication of hyperthyroidism, occurring in 5-15% of overtly hyperthyroid patients. Additionally, subclinical hyperthyroidism and high-normal free T4 have been associated with an increased risk in the development of AF. Hyperthyroidism-related AF is a reversible cause of AF, and the majority of patients spontaneously revert to sinus rhythm in 4-6 months during or after restoration of euthyroidism. Therefore, restoring thyroid function is an indispensable element in hyperthyroidism-related AF management. Rate control with beta-blockers consists another first-line therapy, reserving rhythm control in cases of persistent hyperthyroidism-related AF. It is still controversial whether hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor of stroke in nonvalvular AF. As a result, initiating anticoagulation should be guided by the clinical thromboembolic risk score CHA2DS2-VASc score in the same way it is applied in patients with non-hyperthyroidism-related AF. Treatment with the novel direct oral anticoagulants appears to be as beneficial and may be safer than warfarin in patients with hyperthyroidism-related AF. In this review, we address the epidemiology, prognosis, and diagnosis of hyperthyroidism-related AF, and we discuss the management strategies and controversies in patients with hyperthyroidism-related AF.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Anticoagulants; Risk Assessment; Hyperthyroidism; Prognosis
PubMed: 38377675
DOI: 10.1530/ETJ-23-0254 -
Cureus Jan 2024Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a self-limiting inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland with distinct symptoms and a predictable outcome. During the current COVID-19...
Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a self-limiting inflammatory condition of the thyroid gland with distinct symptoms and a predictable outcome. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, there have been multiple isolated reports of SAT either during the active viral illness or following recovery. Here, we report two such cases of COVID-19 infection presenting with SAT. A 65-year-old male presented with a two-week history of anterior neck pain, odynophagia, high-grade fever (38.9°C), sweating, palpitations, and tremulousness. At physical examination, the patient presented with a slightly increased heart rate and a tender and enlarged thyroid on palpation. Laboratory examination showed high C-reactive protein levels, with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and thyroid function tests were suggestive of thyrotoxicosis. Ultrasonography showed a heterogeneous thyroid gland with ill-defined hypoechoic areas, and thyroid scintigraphy showed reduced uptake, confirming the diagnosis of SAT. In another case, a 52-year-old male presented with fever, cough, and myalgias, and was diagnosed with mild COVID-19 pneumonia, and managed conservatively. After two weeks, the patient had a recurrence of high-grade fever, odynophagia, palpitations, and tremors. Examination revealed tachycardia, hyperhidrosis, and a tender and enlarged thyroid on palpation. Thyroid function tests revealed low thyroid-stimulating hormone, with normal total T4 and total T3. Ultrasonography examination showed a heterogeneous thyroid gland with bilateral ill-defined hypoechoic areas. In our systematic review, including 103 SAT cases, it has been suggested that SAT should be recognized as an uncommon extra-pulmonary clinical manifestation of COVID-19 infection and clinicians need to be aware of the association. Pending larger multicentric studies, management of the condition has to be on a case-by-case basis.
PubMed: 38374864
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52611 -
Cureus Jan 2024Subclinical thyrotoxicosis (SCH) is characterized by normal serum thyroid hormone levels and low thyrotropin levels. The impact of this condition on the skeletal system...
BACKGROUND
Subclinical thyrotoxicosis (SCH) is characterized by normal serum thyroid hormone levels and low thyrotropin levels. The impact of this condition on the skeletal system may vary depending on its cause, yet the relationship is not fully comprehended in premenopausal women. Studies are scarce about its effects on bone health in our population.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers in premenopausal women with SCH and determine if any differences exist based on the condition's etiology.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ramaiah Medical College involving 36 participants for one year and six months after approval from the Ethics Committee. The carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen in blood and BMD were measured at the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L4) and femoral neck by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic v 2.0, Hologic, Massachusetts, U.S.). Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (Released 2011; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results: The mean age of the study population was 35.2 ± 7.2 years. The etiology was Graves' disease [n=11 (33.3%)], iatrogenic [n=14(38.8%)], toxic adenoma [n=6 (15.1%)], and multi-nodular goiter [n=5 (15.1%)]. The mean BMI was 23.5 ± 3.8 kg/m, and the mean levels of corrected calcium, phosphorus, and 25 hydroxy-vitamin D were 9.12 ± 0.25 mg/dl, 2.95 ± 0.34 mg/dl, and 29.4 ± 6.4 ng/ml, respectively. The mean BMD at hip and spine was 0.81 ±0.16 g/cm and 0.92±0.08 g/cm respectively. The mean Z-score was (-0.02 ± 0.8) and (-0.92± 0.08) at the hip and spine. No significant difference was observed in the BMD at the hip (p = 0.14) or spine (p = 0.44) between the endogenous and exogenous subclinical thyrotoxic subgroups. At the same time, the carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
In our cross-sectional study of premenopausal women with SCH, BMD at the hip or spine as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry did not reveal any significant reduction. The subclinical thyrotoxic state may not have an adverse effect on bone health in premenopausal females with sufficient levels of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D in the short term.
PubMed: 38374858
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52610 -
Cureus Jan 2024The flip from hyperthyroidism (HT), as observed in Graves' disease (GD) cases, to hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's disease (HD) has been widely recognized and...
The flip from hyperthyroidism (HT), as observed in Graves' disease (GD) cases, to hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto's disease (HD) has been widely recognized and documented. However, the converse is infrequently observed. The observed phenomenon is likely attributed to the major role played by thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAbs) in this alternating disease pattern and a substantial reduction in thyroid tissue mass that could be stimulated by these antibodies. Therefore, here we present a case of one middle-aged individual experiencing this transitional switch from hypothyroidism to GD. A 42-year-old male patient diagnosed with HD-related hypothyroidism for two years has remained stable with levothyroxine medication since diagnosis. However, his symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, such as anxiety, weight loss, and palpitations, had appeared during his follow-up time at the clinic. Physical examination revealed mild exophthalmos, which confirmed HT by thyroid function test results. The possibility of levothyroxine-induced HT was initially considered, although the observed symptoms failed to ameliorate despite the reduction and discontinuation of levothyroxine. The diagnosis of GD was confirmed after subsequent examination, and a follow-up was carried out. This particular case study underscores a distinctive correlation that carries substantial implications for the diagnosis and treatment of GD. The consideration of this shift is warranted in cases where HT continues to exist despite the reduction or cessation of levothyroxine treatment. The diagnosis is established through antibody titers and a radioiodine uptake scan. Treatment choice is based on the illness's stage and the patient's and care provider's preferences. In the initial phase, anti-thyroid medications may be employed. It is imperative to conduct regular follow-ups on these patients due to the potential transient nature of this clinical condition.
PubMed: 38374853
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52598 -
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and... 2023Thyrotoxicosis is not uncommon after immunization. It is known as 'autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome by adjuvants (ASIA syndrome)' and is caused by immunological...
INTRODUCTION
Thyrotoxicosis is not uncommon after immunization. It is known as 'autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome by adjuvants (ASIA syndrome)' and is caused by immunological reaction to adjuvants. However, there is insufficient information on thyrotoxicosis after COVID-19 vaccination in the Indian subcontinent.
AIMS/OBJECTIVES
To investigate the spectrum of thyrotoxicosis after COVID-19 immunization.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
A single-centre retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care academic institute in India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We studied the clinical symptoms, biochemical markers, imaging characteristics and treatment of every patient who was diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis within 60 days of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
RESULTS
Following COVID-19 vaccination, we diagnosed ten people (mean age 39.9 years, range 22-63 years) with thyrotoxicosis [Graves' disease (GD, -6) and subacute thyroiditis (SAT, -4)]. The typical duration for symptoms to appear was 2 to 60 days. The majority of patients (-9) received the COVISHIELD™ vaccine, whereas only one received the COVAXIN vaccine. After vaccination, two patients with GD developed mildly severe Graves' orbitopathy, with symptoms emerging two days and sixty days later, respectively. Anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole or carbimazole) were required for all GD patients. All SAT patients were treated conservatively with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and had positive outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
SAT, GD and GO may occur as a manifestation of ASIA syndrome, following immunization with COVISHIELD™ and COVAXIN. Despite the obvious benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, clinicians should be aware of any potential autoimmune and inflammatory thyroid problems.
PubMed: 38371178
DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_202_23 -
Cureus Jan 2024Thyrotoxicosis can exhibit overlapping symptoms of psychosis in the general population. Each of these pathologies has well-established workups and management. Rare...
Thyrotoxicosis can exhibit overlapping symptoms of psychosis in the general population. Each of these pathologies has well-established workups and management. Rare presentations of thyroiditis and psychosis in the postpartum state have been seen in case studies mostly, but data on the prevalence of postpartum psychosis in association with postpartum thyroiditis are not available. Here, we present a unique case of a patient with a history of bipolar disorder who originally presented with postpartum thyroiditis that was worked up and managed appropriately. However, on follow-up, the patient was found to have progressed into prominent psychosis. Both thyroiditis and psychosis were managed individually with full remission upon discharge and is doing well today. The co-occurrence of postpartum psychosis and thyroiditis presents a unique challenge for timely diagnosis and management. We present a case of a young woman initially diagnosed with postpartum thyroiditis needing further management of postpartum psychosis due to persistent symptoms. Clinical presentation supported with a prior history of mood disorder increases the likelihood of these diagnoses together.
PubMed: 38361668
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52357 -
Acta Endocrinologica (Bucharest,... 2023Maternal antibodies in cases of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis may be transferred to the baby via the transplacental route, leading to transient hyperthyroidism or...
OBJECTIVES
Maternal antibodies in cases of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis may be transferred to the baby via the transplacental route, leading to transient hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. The development of hyperthyroidism in one sibling and hypothyroidism in the other, however, is an extremely rare condition. We present two siblings, one with transient neonatal hyperthyroidism and the other with transient neonatal hypothyroidism, born to a euthyroid mother who was being treated for Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A term male baby was evaluated due to tachycardia, high fT4 and low TSH. Following a diagnosis of Neonatal thyrotoxicosis, the patient was started on methimazole and propranolol treatments. The doses were gradually reduced and methimazole was stopped in the 5 month of treatment. A male baby was referred with elevated TSH identified in the neonatal screening program, with TSH >100 mIU/L and fT4 7.5 pmol/l (N: 12-22) found in a venous blood sample. The patient was started on 50 µg/day LT4, which was gradually decreased and stopped when the baby was 5.5 months old.
CONCLUSION
It should be kept in mind that antibodies may change character in mothers with autoimmune thyroiditis, and may cause different clinical pictures in babies in different pregnancies.
PubMed: 38356967
DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2023.386 -
Clinical Case Reports Feb 2024Thyroid storm represents a critical and life-threatening complication from hyperthyroidism, with a notable mortality risk. Limited literature reports have explored the...
Thyroid storm represents a critical and life-threatening complication from hyperthyroidism, with a notable mortality risk. Limited literature reports have explored the correlation between thyroid storm and peri-myocarditis, although the precise pathophysiological underpinnings remain unclear. The pathophysiology of how thyroid storm and peri-myocarditis are associated is not clearly understood; however, unfavorable prognostic factors include atrial fibrillation and recurrent thyrotoxicosis. Here, we present a case concerning recurrent peri-myocarditis concomitant with a thyroid storm.
PubMed: 38352917
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8533