Association of Early Pregnancy Free and Total Triiodothyronine With the Subsequent Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectiveTo estimate the association of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and total triiodothyronine (TT3) in early pregnancy and subsequent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk and define appropriate TT3 thresholds for GDM screening.MethodsThis investigation is a hospital-based cohort study of pregnant women submitted to a universal thyroid function test before 24 weeks of gestation. GDM was diagnosed according to a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. The association of maternal high FT3 and TT3 levels in early pregnancy with the risk of GDM was estimated using logistic regression. The potential nonlinear association was probed by the restricted cubic spline curve method.ResultsA total of 27 184 pregnant women and 3073 GDM cases were included in the analysis. FT3 and TT3 were associated with an increased subsequent risk of GDM in a nonlinear fashion. The adjusted odds ratios were 1.59 (95% confidence interval, 1.50-1.68) and 2.80 (95% confidence interval, 2.46-3.18) for FT3 and TT3 continuous levels, respectively. Associations were strong in euthyroid women, showed heterogeneity in women with mild thyroid dysfunction, and lacked in patients with overt hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The TT3 thresholds of 1.5 and 2.0 ng/mL between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation and 1.6 and 2.1 ng/mL for 13 to 23 weeks of gestation effectively distinguished the subsequent risk of GDM.ConclusionThe increased FT3 and TT3 levels in early pregnancy were associated with a subsequent higher risk of GDM. These findings provide measures for early detection and potential prevention of GDM.     

Euthyroid Sick Syndrome as a Prognostic Indicator of COVID-19 Pulmonary Involvement,Associated With Poorer Disease Prognosis and Increased Mortality

ObjectiveThe prevalence of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) and its association with the prognosis of COVID-19 and mortality in patients with lung involvement in COVID-19 have not yet been elucidated.MethodsClinical and laboratory data of patients with COVID-19 with or without ESS were collected retrospectively and analyzed on admission. All subjects were admitted to the Department of Internal Diseases and Clinical Pharmacology at Bieganski Hospital between December 2020 and April 2021.ResultsIn total, 310 medical records of patients with COVID-19 were analyzed retrospectively. Among 215 enrolled patients, 82 cases of ESS were diagnosed. The patients with ESS had higher pro-inflammatory factor levels, longer hospitalizations, and a higher risk of requiring high-flow nasal oxygen therapy or intubation than the patients without ESS. The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that the patients with ESS had a lower probability of survival when computed tomography showed ≤50% parenchymal involvement compared with that in patients without ESS. However, no differences in mortality were noted in those with more than 50% parenchymal involvement. The survival curve showed that ESS was associated with a higher risk of mortality during hospitalization.ConclusionESS is closely associated with a poor prognosis, including longer hospitalizations, more frequent intubation, transfer to the intensive care unit, and a higher mortality rate in patients with COVID-19. ESS is a potential prognostic predictor of survival, regardless of lung involvement in COVID-19.     

The Effect and Potential Mechanism Analysis of Growth Hormone–Secreting Pituitary Adenomas on Thyroid Function

ObjectiveCurrent studies on the effect of high growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 on thyroid function are inconsistent. The aim was to explore the effect and potential mechanism of high GH/IGF-1 on thyroid function by analyzing the changes of thyroid function in patients with growth hormone–secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA).MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical data of 351 patients with GHPA who were first admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 2015 to 2022 were collected to analyze the relationship between high GH/IGF-1 levels and thyroid function.ResultsGH was negatively correlated with total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). IGF-1 was positively correlated with total triiodothyronine (TT3), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and FT4 and negatively correlated with TSH. Insulin-like growth factor–binding protein (IGFBP)-3 was positively correlated with TT3, FT3, and FT3:FT4 ratio. The FT3, TT3, TSH, and FT3:FT4 ratio of patients with GHPA and diabetes mellitus (DM) were significantly lower than those with GHPA but without DM. With the increase of tumor volume, thyroid function gradually decreased. GH and IGF-1 were correlated negatively with age in patients with GHPA.ConclusionThe study emphasized the complex interaction between the GH and the thyroid axes in patients with GHPA and highlighted the potential effect of glycemic status and tumor volume on thyroid function.     

Chromogranin A in a Cohort of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas: Usefulness at Diagnosis and as an Early Biomarker of Recurrence

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of chromogranin A (CgA) in the management of patients with pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the charts of 132 patients with confirmed PHEOs/PGLs (PPGLs) followed at our medical center. CgA was measured in 80 patients at diagnosis. The exclusion criteria removed 19 of these patients. Five patients with relapses were also analyzed.ResultsOur cohort of 61 patients included 34 PHEOs, 14 head and neck PGLs, and 13 thoracoabdominal PGLs. CgA levels were elevated in 53 of 61 patients (86.9%) at diagnosis: 33 of 34 (97.1%) PHEOs, 9 of 14 (64.3%) head and neck paragangliomas, and 11 of 13 (84.6%) thoracoabdominal paragangliomas. For 8 of 13 (61.5%) nonfunctional PPGLs (5 head and neck paragangliomas and 3 thoracoabdominal paragangliomas), increased CgA levels showed potential as a tumor marker during follow-up. Of 10 patients with malignant PPGLs, only 1 had normal CgA levels (10.0%). Among 54 patients with PPGLs who underwent genetic testing, elevated CgA levels were positive in 73.7% of patients carrying a germline genetic variant (pathogenic and of unknown significance) versus 91.4% of patients without a known germline variant. We also report 5 PPGL cases with increased CgA levels as the first detectable marker of tumoral recurrence or progression preceding other biochemical markers or imaging.ConclusionCgA is a sensitive marker for the diagnosis of PHEO (97.1%) and thoracoabdominal paraganglioma (84.6%). CgA may be useful in the follow-up of nonfunctional PGLs and may also play a complementary role in the early detection of recurrence in secreting PPGLs.     

Sick Euthyroid Syndrome on Presentation of Patients With COVID-19: A Potential Marker for Disease Severity

ObjectivePrecise risk stratification and triage of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are essential in the setting of an overwhelming pandemic burden. Clinical observation has shown a somewhat high prevalence of sick euthyroid syndrome among patients with COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of free triiodothyronine (FT3) at the clinical presentation of COVID-19 for disease severity and death.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was based on electronic medical records. The study was conducted at Sheba Medical Centre, a tertiary hospital where several acute and chronic wards have been dedicated to the treatment of patients with COVID-19. The primary outcome measure was death during hospitalization; secondary outcomes included hospitalization in intensive care, mechanical ventilation, and length of hospitalization.ResultsOf a total of 577 polymerase chain reaction-positive patients with COVID-19 hospitalized between February 27 and July 30, 2020, 90 had at least 1 measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and FT3 within 3 days of presentation. After applying strict exclusion criteria, 54 patients were included in the study. Patients in the lowest tertile of FT3 had significantly higher rates of mortality (40%, 5.9%, and 5.9%, P = .008), mechanical ventilation (45%, 29.4%, and 0.0%; P = .007) and intensive care unit admission (55%, 29.4%, and 5.9%, P = .006). In multivariate analyses adjusted for age, Charlson comorbidity index, creatinine, albumin, and white blood cell count. FT3 remained a significant independent predictor of death.ConclusionFT3 levels can serve as a prognostic tool for disease severity in the early presentation of COVID-19.     

Frequency of Thyroid Hormone Replacement After Lobectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation after therapeutic lobectomy for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study enrolled adult patients with low-risk DTC confirmed using surgical pathology who underwent therapeutic lobectomy at a single institution from January 2016 through May 2020. The outcome measures were postoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and the initiation of LT4. The predictors of a postoperative TSH level of >2 mU/L and initiation of LT4 were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsPostoperative TSH levels were available for 115 patients (91%), of whom 97 (84%) had TSH levels >2 mU/L after thyroid lobectomy. Over a median follow-up of 2.6 years, a postoperative TSH level of >2 mU/L was associated with older age (median 52 vs 37 years; P = .01), higher preoperative TSH level (1.7 vs 0.85 mU/L; P < .001), and primary tumor size of <1 cm (38% vs 11%, P = .03). Multivariate analysis revealed that only preoperative TSH level was an independent predictor of a postoperative TSH level of >2 mU/L (hazard ratio [HR] 1.53, P = .003). Among patients with a postoperative TSH level of >2 mU/L, 66 (68%) were started on LT4 at a median of 74 days (interquartile range 41-126) after lobectomy, with 51 (77%) undergoing at least 1 subsequent dose adjustment to maintain compliance with current guidelines.ConclusionMore than 80% of the patients who underwent therapeutic lobectomy for DTC developed TSH levels that were elevated beyond the recommended range, and most of these patients were prescribed LT4 soon after the surgery.     

A Model Combining Testosterone,Androstenedione and Free Testosterone Index Improved the Diagnostic Efficiency of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

ObjectiveHyperandrogenism is frequently observed in patients with polycystic ovary (PCO). The purpose of this study was to develop an easy-to-use tool for predicting polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to evaluate and compare the value of androstenedione (Andro) and other hormone indicators in the diagnosis of patients with hyperandrogenic PCOS.MethodsThis study included 139 women diagnosed with hyperandrogenic PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria and 74 healthy control women from Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital. The serum hormone levels of the patients and controls were measured using a chemiluminescence immunoassay and incorporated for further analysis.ResultsTotal testosterone (TT), Andro, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and free androgen index (FAI) were significantly higher in the PCOS group than the control group. Further, Andro, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), TT, FAI, and LH/FSH in the hyperandrostenedione group were higher than the normal Andro group. The Youden index was the highest for Andro (0.65), with 81.82% sensitivity and 83.16% specificity. Correlation analysis showed that FSH, LH, TT, FAI, insulin sensitivity index, and LH/FSH were positively correlated with Andro, while fasting blood glucose and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose were negatively correlated with Andro.ConclusionsThe model using Andro, TT, and FAI may help to identifying women with undiagnosed PCOS. Serum Andro is a meaningful biomarker for hyperandrogenism in PCOS patients and may further aid disease diagnosis.     

Residual Pyramidal Lobe Increases Stimulated Thyroglobulin and Decreases Endogenous Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Stimulation in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of pyramidal lobe remnants after total thyroidectomy (TT) and the effect on stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg).MethodsThe study included 1740 differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients who were followed up by our center. The department database was searched to identify DTC patients with residual pyramidal lobe after TT. All postoperative technetium-99m pertechnetate thyroid scintigraphy images were re-evaluated for pyramidal lobe residue. Serum stimulated Tg and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels measured within the first 6 months after TT were retrieved from the database.ResultsPyramidal lobe residue was detected in 10.4% of the patients who underwent TT. Evidence of the pyramidal lobe was present on preoperative ultrasonography in 1.6% of the patients with residual pyramidal lobe. Stimulated Tg in patients with pyramidal lobe residue was significantly higher than that in patients without residue (P = .01). Endogenous stimulated TSH in patients with residual pyramidal lobe was significantly lower than that in patients without residue (P = .036). In 5.7% of patients with pyramidal lobe residue, a TSH level of >30 mIU/L was not achieved, which was a significantly higher rate than that in patients without pyramidal lobe residue (P = .034) and is the level required for maximum radioiodine uptake.ConclusionPyramidal lobe residue was found in almost 10% of DTC patients. The pyramidal lobe is often missed on preoperative ultrasonography. Residual pyramidal lobe increased stimulated Tg and decreased endogenous stimulated TSH. Residual pyramidal lobe may complicate the follow-up of DTC patients.     

Characteristics and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Hyperthyroidism

ObjectiveThis study aimed to comprehensively assess the characteristics and risk factors of hyperthyroidism with pulmonary hypertension (PH).MethodsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 315 consecutive patients with hyperthyroidism admitted to the endocrinology department of Tongji Hospital from February 2016 to December 2017. PH was defined as a pulmonary arterial systolic pressure above 35 mm Hg measured by echocardiography.ResultsAmong the 315 patients, 208 were females, the median age was 42 (30-51) years, and the median disease duration was 12 (3-48) months. Thirty-five percent (111/315) of patients were identified with PH. Patients with hyperthyroidism and PH showed significantly higher serum concentrations of free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine, thyroid receptor antibodies, total bilirubin (TB), direct and indirect bilirubin, lower serum levels of hemoglobin and creatinine, and more severe cardiac load (P < .05 for each) compared with patients without PH. Levels of serum FT4, free triiodothyronine, thyroid receptor antibodies, and thyroid peroxidase antibody were different among groups of patients with different levels of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (P < .05 for each). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that serum FT4 (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P = .004) and TB (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.06; P = .030) were independent risk factors for PH in patients with hyperthyroidism.ConclusionElevated serum FT4 and TB levels may be independent risk factors for PH in patients with hyperthyroidism and valuable indicators for the identification and treatment of patients with PH and hyperthyroidism.     

The Evaluation of Low- and High-Dose Steroid Treatments in Subacute Thyroiditis: A Retrospective Observational Study

ObjectiveThe optimal steroid regimen in the treatment of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is controversial. This study aims to compare low- and high-dose steroid regimens in the treatment of SAT.MethodsA single-center, retrospective observational cohort study with up to 1 year of follow-up was conducted. A total of 44 patients in the 16-mg methylprednisolone (MPS) group and 47 patients in the 48-mg MPS group were enrolled. Clinical and laboratory findings from the time of diagnosis to 1-year of the follow-up were assessed. Treatment response, recurrence, and hypothyroidism (HPT) rates were evaluated.ResultsClinical symptoms, sedimentation rates, C-reactive protein, and thyroid hormone levels of the patients were similar in the 2 groups. Recovery was achieved in all patients at the end of the treatments; however, treatment duration needed to be extended for 6 (13.6%) and 1 (2.1%) of the patients in the 16-mg and 48-mg MPS groups, respectively. The 48-mg MPS group had a higher SAT recurrence rate than the 16-mg MPS group (P = .04). Logistic regression analysis suggested that a lower thyroid-stimulating hormone level at the end of the treatment was a predictor of recurrence (β = –0.544, P = .014, 95% CI: 0.376-0.895). While the transient HPT rate was 10 (21.3%) and 10 (22.7%) in the 48-mg and 16-mg MPS groups, respectively, a permanent HPT developed in 5 (10.6%) of patients in the 48-mg MPS and 3 (6.8%) in the 16-mg MPS group. The permanent and transient HPT rates were determined to be similar in the low- and high-dose groups (P > .05).ConclusionLow-dose steroid therapy may be sufficient to achieve a complete recovery and better outcomes in SAT.     

Hyperglycemia is Associated With Increased Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between hyperglycemia in the presence and absence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsThe study included 133 patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) at an urban academic quaternary-care center between March 10 and April 8, 2020. Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of DM and early-onset hyperglycemia (EHG), defined as a blood glucose >180 mg/dL during the first 2 days after ICU admission. The primary outcome was 14-day all-cause in-hospital mortality; also examined were 60-day all-cause in-hospital mortality and the levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, procalcitonin, and lactate.ResultsCompared to non-DM patients without EHG, non-DM patients with EHG exhibited higher adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality at 14 days (HR 7.51, CI 1.70-33.24) and 60 days (HR 6.97, CI 1.86-26.13). Non-DM patients with EHG also featured higher levels of median C-reactive protein (306.3 mg/L, P = .036), procalcitonin (1.26 ng/mL, P = .028), and lactate (2.2 mmol/L, P = .023).ConclusionAmong critically ill COVID-19 patients, those without DM with EHG were at greatest risk of 14-day and 60-day in-hospital mortality. Our study was limited by its retrospective design and relatively small cohort. However, our results suggest the combination of elevated glucose and lactate may identify a specific cohort of individuals at high risk for mortality from COVID-19. Glucose testing and control are important in individuals with COVID-19, even those without preexisting diabetes.     

Utility of Epinephrine Levels in Determining Adrenal Vein Cannulation During Adrenal Venous Sampling for Primary Aldosteronism

ObjectiveIn patients with primary aldosteronism, adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is performed to determine the presence of unilateral or bilateral adrenal disease. During AVS, verification of catheter positioning within the left adrenal vein (AV) and the right AV by comparison of AV and inferior vena cava (IVC) cortisol levels can be variable. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of AV epinephrine levels in assessing successful AV cannulation.MethodsThis was a single institution, retrospective review of patients who underwent AVS with cosyntropin stimulation for primary aldosteronism between 2009 and 2018. Successful cannulation of the AV was defined by an AV/IVC cortisol ratio selectivity index (SI) ≥3:1. Epinephrine thresholds to predict catheter placement in the AV were determined using logistic regression. The calculated epinephrine thresholds were compared with previously published thresholds.ResultsAVS was performed on 101 consecutive patients and, based on the SI, successful cannulation of the left AV and right AV occurred in 98 (97%) and 91(90%) patients, respectively. The calculated optimal epinephrine threshold to predict AV cannulation was 364 pg/mL (sensitivity, 92.1%; specificity, 94.6%) and the calculated optimal AV/IVC epinephrine ratio threshold was 27.4, (sensitivity, 92.1%; specificity, 91.3%). Among the 14 patients with failed AV cannulation, 3 patients would have been considered to have successful AVS using AV epinephrine levels >364 pg/mL and AV/IVC epinephrine ratio >27.4 thresholds.ConclusionObtaining 2 right AV samples routinely as well as AV and IVC epinephrine levels during AVS could prevent unnecessary repeat AVS in patients with failed AV cannulation based on cortisol-based SI <3:1.     

Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in locally advanced stage II-III gastric cancer: A single-centre retrospective study

BackgroundPD-1 blockade has been shown to have promising efficacy and acceptable safety profiles in advanced and metastatic gastric cancer; however, the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade-based immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) remain uncertain.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients with LAGC who received neoadjuvant treatment followed by D2 radical resection at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from 2019 to 2021. The primary aim was to investigate the difference in pathological response rates between neoadjuvant PD-1 immunotherapy plus chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. Multivariable models for pathological complete response (pCR) were constructed to investigate the factors that facilitate pCR. Trial registration: QYFYWZLL27406.ResultsA total of 77 patients were included in the analysis, among whom 34 (44.2%) received neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade immunotherapy plus chemotherapy. A higher pCR rate was observed in the neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade immunotherapy plus chemotherapy group (8 of 34, 23.5% vs. 2 of 43, 4.7%, P=0.019). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of pCR revealed neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade plus chemotherapy regimen promoted pCR (OR 12.95, P=0.016). Regarding safety, 76.5% (26 of 34) of patients in the PD-1 blockade plus chemotherapy group and 76.7% (33 of 43) of patients in the chemotherapy group experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), and grade 3 or worse adverse events were 29.4% (10 of 34) and 34.9% (15 of 43), respectively.ConclusionNeoadjuvant PD-1 blockade plus chemotherapy induced a higher pCR rate than neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the combined therapy was tolerable in LAGC patients.     

Predictors of Hypothyroidism Following Empirical Dose Radioiodine in Toxic Thyroid Nodules: Real-Life Experience

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the factors predicting hypothyroidism after radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment in patients with toxic adenoma and toxic multinodular goiter.MethodsWe retrospectively collected the data of 237 patients with toxic multinodular goiter or toxic adenoma who had consecutively received RAI treatment between 2014 and 2020 at 2 medical centers. Patients who received the second RAI treatment and whose medical records could not be accessed were excluded from the study. Finally, 133 patients were included in the study. RAI was administered at an empirical dose of 15 or 20 mCi.ResultsThe median age of the 133 participants was 69 years (interquartile range, 62-75 years), and 64.7% of the participants were women. A total of 42.1% of the patients had toxic adenoma, whereas 57.9% of patients had toxic multinodular goiter. The median follow-up was 24 months (interquartile range, 11-38 months). During the follow-up, 61.7% of patients became euthyroid, 30.8% developed hypothyroidism, and 7.5% remained hyperthyroid. The median month of hypothyroidism onset was 4 months (interquartile range, 2-9 months). Regression analysis revealed 2 factors that could predict hypothyroidism: thyroid-stimulating hormone (odds ratio, 2.548; 95% CI, 1.042-6.231; P = .04) and thyroid volume (odds ratio, 0.930; 95% CI, 0.885-0.978; P = .005).ConclusionOverall, 30.8% of the cases developed hypothyroidism after the RAI treatment. Approximately 78% of hypothyroidism developed within the first 10 months. The risk of hypothyroidism was higher in patients with higher thyroid-stimulating hormone and smaller thyroid volume.     

Inpatient Perioperative Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis Due to Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors – Lessons From a Case Series and Strategies to Decrease Incidence

ObjectiveTo identify clinical characteristics and factors associated with the development of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA), and develop suitable strategies to reduce such events.MethodsElectronic health record (EHR) data were extracted to identify all patients between December 1, 2013, and March 30, 2021, who underwent surgical procedures and had been prescribed a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) before these procedures. The resulting list was streamlined to a subset of patients who either had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) listed as a hospital diagnosis, postoperative serum bicarbonate ≤ 16 mmol/L, or postoperative serum pH ≤ 7.20. Clinical documentation and laboratory data were reviewed to determine the patients with eDKA.ResultsA total of 2183 procedures conducted on 1307 patients, met the inclusion criteria with the majority (1726, 79.1%) being nonemergent patients. Among 1307 patients, 625 (47.8%) were prescribed empagliflozin, 447 (34.2%) canagliflozin, 214 (16.4%) dapagliflozin, and 21 (1.6%) ertugliflozin, respectively. A total of 8 incidences pertaining to eDKA were noted for 8 unique patients; 5 had undergone emergency surgery whereas 3 had undergone nonemergent procedures. In the 3 nonemergent cases, only 1 patient had received counseling to stop the SGLT2i 3 days before the procedure. In perioperative patients who were prescribed an SGLT2i over 6 years, the incidence of eDKA was 0.17% and 1.1% for nonemergent and emergent procedures, respectively.ConclusionEuglycemic DKA was rare in patients undergoing nonemergent procedures, likely because of preoperative instructions to stop their SGLT2i 3 days before the procedure. Euglycemic DKA was more likely to occur in patients undergoing emergency surgery when the SGLT2i could not be prophylactically stopped.     

Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: An Efficacy and Safety Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT).MethodsOur study enrolled 25 patients who were treated with RFA for pHPT from September 2015 to January 2020. The serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium, and phosphate levels were tested within 1 week before RFA and at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after ablation. The ablation areas were evaluated using ultrasound at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA. Postoperative complications, including voice hoarseness, hematoma, postoperative pain, incision infections, hypoparathyroidism, and hypocalcemia, were recorded.ResultsA total of 25 patients with pHPT (mean age, 53.9 ± 10.9 years; 22 women and 3 men) with 29 enlarged parathyroid glands were treated with RFA. Of the 25 patients, 22 were treated in 1 session and 3 were treated in 2 sessions. Serum iPTH and calcium levels decreased significantly on day 1 after RFA (all P < .05). A total of 21 patients had normal levels of serum iPTH and calcium after RFA, with a cure rate of 84%. At the 12-month follow-up, 26 treated parathyroid glands exhibited a volume reduction rate of >70%. There were only a few minor complications, including 4 cases of postoperative pain (in 4 of the 25 patients [16%]) and 1 case of mild postoperative transient hypocalcemia (in 1 of the 25 patients [4%]).ConclusionUltrasound-guided RFA is an effective and safe technique for the treatment of carefully selected patients with pHPT. However, larger sample size and longer follow-up are still needed to further confirm its clinical value.     

Time to Normalization and Sustainable Normal Serum Thyrotropin Concentrations in Patients with Hyperthyroidism: Comparison of Methimazole and Radioactive Iodine Treatments

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the “time to euthyroidism” and “time spent in euthyroidism” following methimazole (MMI) and radioactive iodine (RAI) treatments.MethodsThree hundred fifty-eight patients with hyperthyroidism, 178 who underwent long-term MMI treatment and 180 patients who underwent RAI treatment, were analyzed. The time to normalization of increased serum values of free thyroxine and triiodothyronine and suppressed serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values as well as the percentage of time that the thyroid hormone levels remained within normal ranges during a mean follow-up time of 12 years were compared.ResultsThe mean time to euthyroidism was 4.59 ± 2.63 months (range, 2-16 months) in the MMI group and 15.39 ± 12.11 months (range, 2-61 months) in the RAI group (P < .001). During follow-up, the percentage of time spent in euthyroidism was 94.5% ± 7.3% and 82.5% + 11.0% in the MMI and RAI groups, respectively (P < .001). Serum TSH values above and below the normal range were observed in 5.3% and 0.2% of patients, respectively, in the MMI group and 9.8% and 7.7% of patients, respectively, in the RAI group (P < .001). The time to euthyroidism and the percentage of time spent in euthyroidism in 40 RAI-treated patients with euthyroidism were similar to those in the MMI group and significantly shorter than those in the RAI-treated hypothyroid and relapsed subgroups. In patients who continued MMI therapy for >10 years, the percentage of time spent in euthyroidism was >99%.ConclusionIn our cohort of selected patients, MMI therapy was accompanied by faster achievement of the euthyroid state and more sustained normal serum TSH levels during long-term follow-up compared with RAI therapy.     

Application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Disease Activity in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy

ObjectiveTo evaluate magnetic resonance imaging parameters, T2 signal intensity ratios (SIRs), and normalized apparent diffusion coefficients (n-ADC) of the extraocular muscles (EOMs) in the identification of different stages of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and to find out the correlation of T2-SIRs and n-ADC values with disease changes after anti-inflammatory treatment.MethodsAltogether, 43 patients (86 orbits) were enrolled and classified into “active” or “inactive” stages by clinical activity score (CAS). Twenty-three (53.5%) patients received anti-inflammatory treatment and underwent a follow-up evaluation. Fifteen age- and gender-matched control participants (30 orbits) were included. T2-SIRs and n-ADC values of EOMs were calculated among GO and healthy controls and were correlated with CAS. Changes in these parameters were also evaluated before and after anti-inflammatory treatment.ResultsMean T2-SIRs and n-ADC values were both significantly higher in GO patients than in controls and higher in active GO than in inactive GO. In the inactive stage, n-ADC values of inferior rectus muscles were still higher than those in healthy controls. Both T2-SIRs and n-ADC values decreased after intravenous steroid pulse therapy. The cutoff value of pretreatment n-ADC was 1.780 to detect stages with specificity of 93.7% and sensitivity of 48.3% (P = .035).ConclusionT2-SIRs and n-ADC values are valuable magnetic resonance imaging indicators of the inflammatory activity in GO by detecting involvement of EOMs. They are also ideal tools to monitor the efficacy of anti-inflammatory treatment in patients with active stage GO. n-ADC values, when combined with CAS, can be promising predictive factors in the detection of stages of diseases.