Increased Risk of Radioiodine Treatment Failure Associated with Graves Disease Refractory to Methimazole

Objective: Iodine 131 (I-131) radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy has been the preferred treatment for Graves disease in the United States; however, trends show a shift toward antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy as first-line therapy. Consequently, this would favor RAI as second-line therapy, presumably for ATD refractory disease. Outcomes of RAI treatment after first-line ATD therapy are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate treatment failure rates and potential risk factors for treatment failure, including ATD use prior to RAI treatment.Methods: A retrospective case control study of Graves disease patients (n = 200) after I-131 RAI therapy was conducted. Treatment failure was defined as recurrence or persistence of hyperthyroidism in the follow-up time after therapy (mean 2.3 years). Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate potential risk factors associated with treatment failure.Results: RAI treatment failure rate was 16.5%. A majority of patients (70.5%) used ATD prior to RAI therapy, predominantly methimazole (MMI) (91.9%), and approximately two-thirds of patients used MMI for >3 months prior to RAI therapy. Use of ATD prior to RAI therapy (P = .003) and higher 6-hour I-123 thyroid uptake prior to I-131 RAI therapy (P<.001) were associated with treatment failure. MMI use >3 months was also associated with treatment failure (P = .002).Conclusion: More patients may be presenting for RAI therapy after failing first-line ATD therapy. MMI use >3 months was associated with RAI treatment failure. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between long-term first-line ATD use and RAI treatment failure.     

Long-Term Outcomes of Radioiodine Therapy for Juvenile Graves Disease with Emphasis on Subsequently Detected Thyroid Nodules: A Single Institution Experience from Japan

Objective: To investigate the long-term outcomes of radioiodine therapy (RIT) for juvenile Graves disease (GD) and the ultrasonographic changes of the thyroid gland.Methods: All of 117 juvenile patients (25 males and 92 females, aged 10 to 18 &lsqb;median 16] years) who had undergone RIT for GD at our clinic between 1999 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Each RIT session was delivered on an outpatient basis. The maximum ¹³¹I dose per treatment was 13.0 mCi, and the total ¹³¹I dose per patient was 3.6 to 29.8 mCi (median, 13.0 mCi). ¹³¹I administration was performed once in 89 patients, twice in 26, and three times in 2 patients. Ultrasonography of the thyroid gland was regularly performed after RIT. The duration of follow-up after the initial RIT ranged from 4 to 226 (median 95) months.Results: At the latest follow-up more than 12 months after RIT (n = 111), the patients' thyroid functions were overt hypothyroidism (91%), subclinical hypothyroidism (2%), normal (5%), or subclinical hyperthyroidism (2%). New thyroid nodules were detected in 9 patients, 4 to 17 years after initial RIT. Patients with newly detected thyroid nodules underwent RIT with lower doses of ¹³¹I and had larger residual thyroid volumes than those without nodules. None of the patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer or other malignancies during the follow-up period.Conclusion: Over a median follow-up period of 95 months (range, 4 to 226 months), RIT was found to be effective and safe in juvenile GD. However, cumulative evidence from further studies is required to confirm the long-term safety of RIT for juvenile GD.Abbreviations: ATD = antithyroid drug; GD = Graves disease; KI = potassium iodide; LT4 = levothyroxine; MMI = methimazole; PTU = propylthiouracil; RAIU = radio-active iodine uptake; RIT = radioiodine therapy; ^99mTc = technetium-99m; TSH = thyrotropin     

Gender Influences the Clinical Presentation and Long-Term Outcome of Graves Disease

Objective: The outcome of antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment for Graves disease (GD) is difficult to predict. In this study, we investigated whether male gender, besides other factors usually associated with a poor outcome of ATD treatment, may affect disease presentation and predict the response to medical treatment in subjects with GD.Methods: We studied 294 patients with a first diagnosis of GD. In all patients, ATD treatment was started. Clinical features, thyroid volume, and eye involvement were recorded at baseline. Serum levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and TSH-receptor antibodies (TRAb) were measured at baseline and during the follow-up. Treatment outcome (FT4, FT3, and TSH serum levels and further treatments for GD after ATD withdrawal) was evaluated.Results: When compared to women, men showed a significantly larger thyroid volume and a higher family positivity for autoimmune diseases. During ATD, the mean serum levels of TSH, FT4, FT3, and TRAb did not differ between groups. Within 1 year after ATD discontinuation, relapse of hyperthyroidism was significantly more frequent in men than in women. Within the 5-year follow-up period, the prevalence of men suffering a late relapse was higher compared with that of women. The outcome at the end of the 5-year follow-up period was significantly associated with gender and TRAb levels at disease onset.Conclusion: Male patients with GD have a poorer prognosis when submitted to medical treatment with ATDs. A larger goiter at presentation and a stronger genetic autoimmune background might explain this gender difference in patients with GD.Abbreviations:ATD = antithyroid drugFT3 = free triiodothyronineFT4 = free thyroxineGD = Graves diseaseGO = Graves orbitopathyRAI = radioiodineTRAb = thyroid-stimulating hormone-receptor antibodyTSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone     

Effect of Post-Surgical Rai Therapy on Parathyroid Function in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Objective: Radiotherapy with radioactive iodine (RAI) has become a common treatment for postsurgical differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of RAI therapy following surgery on the function of the parathyroid glands in DTC patients.Methods: A total of 81 DTC patients who received RAI therapy after surgery were enrolled in the study. The size of the residual thyroid was detected by technetium-99m (^99mTc)-pertechnetate thyroid scan (^99mTc thyroid scan) before RAI therapy. The iodine uptake ability of residual thyroid was evaluated by iodine-131 (¹³¹I) whole-body scan (WBS). All patients were treated with an activity of 3.7 GBq (100 mCi) ¹³¹I. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were evaluated at 1 day before treatment, and at 1 month and 3 months after treatment.Results: The results show that there was no statistically significant difference in blood PTH level observed (P>.05) between 3 time points (pre-treatment, 1 month post-treatment and 3 months post-treatment). The serum calcium and phosphorus did not change significantly (P>.05), but serum magnesium level was elevated after treatment (P<.05). There were no significant differences between PTH changes and sex, age, scores of ^99mTc thyroid scan, scores of ¹³¹I WBS, Tumor (T) stage, and Node (N) stage.Conclusion: RAI therapy following surgery did not significantly affect parathyroid function in DTC patients.Abbreviations: ATA = American Thyroid Association; DTC = differentiated thyroid carcinoma; FT3 = free triiodothyronine; FT4 = free thyroxine; 131I = iodine-131; PTH = parathyroid hormone; RAI = radioiodine; 99mTc = Technetium-99m; TG = thyroglobulin; TNM = Tumor Node Metastasis; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone; WBS = whole-body scan     

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Positivity is Associated With Relapse-Free Survival Following Antithyroid Drug Treatment for Graves Disease

Objective: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by production of autoantibodies directed against the thyroid gland. Thyrotropin-receptor antibodies (TRAbs) are clearly pathogenic, but the role of thyroidperoxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) in Graves disease is unknown.Methods: We retrospectively studied whether TPOAb positivity reduced risk of relapse following antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment in newly diagnosed Graves disease.Results: During follow-up of 204 patients with TRAb-positive Graves disease, 107 (52%) relapsed following withdrawal of ATD. Mean age was 40.0 years, and 82% were female. The average duration of ATD treatment was 23.5 months and was not different between patients who relapsed and those with sustained remission. Absence of TPOAbs significantly increased risk of Graves relapse (odds ratio, 2.21). Male sex and younger age were other factors significantly associated with increased risk of relapse.Conclusion: TPOAb positivity significantly improves the odds of remission following ATD treatment in newly diagnosed Graves’ disease.     

Risk Factors for Nonremission and Progression-Free Survival after I-131 Therapy in Patients with Lung Metastasis from Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Single-Institute,Retrospective Analysis in Southern China

Objective: Prognostic factors related to progression-free survival (PFS) have not received much attention in the literature regarding iodine-131 (¹³¹I) therapy for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and lung metastases. We sought to explore the factors associated with PFS and nonremission in a group of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and pulmonary metastases at initial diagnosis and to investigate the impact of ¹³¹I therapy on pulmonary function and peripheral blood counts in the same cohort of patients.Methods: The medical records of 1,050 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated at the Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University from January 2006 to January 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 107 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Results: Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that age ≥45 years and ¹³¹I nonavidity were independent risk factors for disease progression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pulmonary nodule size ≥1 cm and ¹³¹I nonavidity were the strongest risk factors predicting nonremission. Varying cumulative ¹³¹I dosage had no association with posttreatment pulmonary function or peripheral blood cell counts.Conclusion: Similar to earlier studies, our results confirm that ¹³¹I nonavidity was associated with an increased risk of disease progression and greater odds of nonremission. In addition, patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and lung metastases with pulmonary nodules ≥1 cm had a reduced likelihood of achieving remission. Furthermore, special attention is needed when monitoring patients over 45 years at a higher risk of disease progression.Abbreviations:CI = confidence intervalDTC = differentiated thyroid cancer¹⁸F-FDG = fluoro-18 fluorodeoxyglucoseFEF = forced expiratory flowFTC = follicular thyroid cancerFVC = forced vital capacityGR = granulocytesHb = hemoglobinHR = hazard ratio¹³¹I = iodine-131LN = lymph nodeOR = odds ratioOS = overall survivalPET/CT = positive positron emission tomography/computed tomographyPFS = progression-free survivalPT = partial thyroidectomyPTC = papillary thyroid cancerRAI = radioactive iodineRBC = red blood cellTg = thyroglobulinTgAb = thyroglobulin antibodyTSH = thyroid-stimulating hormoneTT = total thyroidectomyWBC = white blood cellsWBS = whole body scan     

Discussion on radioactive iodine treatment of hyperthyroidism and the risk of induced cancer

Iodine-131 (¹³¹I, radioiodine) has been used for over eight decades for the treatment of Graves’ disease, either as initial therapy or following failure of thionamides, as well as for the treatment of autonomous thyroid nodules. ¹³¹I treatment is simple to administer, effective, and relatively inexpensive. Recently, there has been some turmoil after a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reported an increased risk of cancer from ¹³¹I treatment. The impact was of short duration however, as the paper received severe criticisms from many nuclear medicine physicians as well as from endocrinologists. Here we explain why that paper's conclusions are doubtful. We also review the major data on the topic of ¹³¹I therapy of hyperthyroidism and the risk of cancer.     

Prognosis of High-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients with Pre-Ablation Stimulated TG <1 NG/ML

Objective: The prevalence of undetectable pre-ablation stimulated thyroglobulin (s-Tg) and its clinical implications in high-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients remain poorly described. We investigated the rate of tumor recurrence in PTC patients initially classified as high risk but with pre-ablation s-Tg <1 ng/mL and negative anti-Tg antibody (TgAb).Methods: In order to have a follow-up period of at least 5 years for each patient, PTC patients consecutively seen at our department from May 2008 to June 2013 with the following characteristics were selected: (i) classified as American Thyroid Association high risk on the basis of tumor histopathologic features; (ii) submitted to adjuvant ¹³¹I therapy after total thyroidectomy; (iii) a postoperative pre-ablation s-Tg <1 ng/mL and negative TgAb.Results: Among 767 high-risk PTC patients submitted to adjuvant ¹³¹I therapy, 69 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-seven patients (97.1%) were diagnosed as classical PTC, and the remaining 2 patients (2.9%) were diagnosed as follicular variant PTC. When evaluated 9 to 12 months after ¹³¹I therapy, 67 patients (97.1%) were classified as excellent response. Two (2.9%) patients had an s-Tg >1 ng/mL (<3 ng/mL) in the absence of apparent disease, as detected by imaging methods (indeterminate response). During a median follow-up duration of 5.6 years, recurrence was observed in only 2 (2.9%) patients. The 67 (97.1%) patients without tumor recurrence were not submitted to any additional therapy, and all had a suppressed Tg <1 ng/mL in the last assessment.Conclusion: High-risk PTC patients with pre-ablation s-Tg <1 ng/mL and negative TgAb had a favorable prognosis.Abbreviations: CT = computed tomography; L-T4 = levothyroxine; PTC = papillary thyroid cancer; SPECT/CT = single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography; s-Tg = stimulated thyroglobulin; T4 = thyroxine; TgAb = anti-thyroglobulin antibody; US = ultrasound     

Frequency of Flame Sensor Activation in Public Places after Administration of Radioactive Iodine to Treat Graves Disease: A Recent Survey

Objective: Ultraviolet (UV)-perception-type flame sensors detect gamma rays emitted from iodine 131 (¹³¹I). Explaining the possibility of flame sensor activation to patients when they receive ¹³¹I to treat Graves disease or other ablative purposes is important. We investigate the current situation of flame sensor activation after radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy.Methods: A total of 318 patients (65 males and 253 females) with Graves disease who received RAI therapy at our clinic between November 2007 and June 2014 participated in this study. Patients were given both written and oral explanations regarding the possibility of flame sensor activation. Participants were surveyed with a questionnaire. The following question was asked: “Did the fire alarm (flame sensor) go off when you used a restroom in places like shopping centers within a few days after your isotope therapy?” To those who answered “yes,” we asked where the fire alarm had gone off.Results: Of the 318 patients, 19 (6.0%) answered “yes,” 2 of whom were male while 17 were female. Of the 299 (94.0%) patients who answered “no,” 63 were male and 236 were female. As to the place of restroom sensor activation, shopping centers were reported by 9 patients; supermarkets by 5; airports by 2; and a bookstore, the Kyushu Shinkansen (bullet train), and a hospital by 1 each.Conclusion: Explaining to patients the possibility of flame sensor activation after RAI therapy is important to avoid some complications, especially in security-sensitive areas.Abbreviations:¹³¹I = iodine 131RAI = radioactive iodineUV = ultra-violet     

Two Cases of Thyroid Storm-Associated Cholestatic Jaundice

ObjectiveTo describe the association of the rare and serious complication of jaundice with severe thyrotoxicosis, a potentially lethal endocrine disorder.MethodsWe report the clinical, laboratory, and pathologic findings of 2 cases of severe jaundice (total bilirubin levels: 35.2 mg/dL in case 1 and 42 mg/dL in case 2) associated with thyroid storm in the absence of a history of liver disease, thionamide exposure, or congestive heart failure. We also present other relevant reports available in the literature.ResultsCase 1 was a 38-year-old woman who presented with nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pruritus, and frequent nonbloody diarrhea. She was transferred to our institution because of worsening hyperbilirubinemia. Case 2 was a 35-year-old woman admitted to a community hospital with thyroid storm and jaundice. Upon transfer to our institution, the patient was unconscious, mechanically ventilated, and in atrial fibrillation. In case 2, liver biopsy results revealed diffuse hepatocellular ballooning with intrahepatic cholestasis with mild portal lymphocytic infiltration. Both patients presented with severe cholestatic jaundice in the absence of congestive heart failure; underlying liver disease (infectious or autoimmune); or previous exposure to thionamides, other hepatotoxic agents, or complementary and alternative medications. In both cases, jaundice responded to therapy with antithyroid medications. Both patients eventually underwent thyroidectomy with complete resolution of the jaundice.ConclusionThe data strongly suggest that in these patients, the hepatic dysfunction was primarily due to hyperthyroidism. These cases indicate that the mere presence of hyperbilirubinemia during severe thyrotoxicosis should not per se delay the use of potentially life-saving thionamides once a thorough evaluation for other causes of liver disease has been completed. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:476-480)     

A 2017 Survey of the Clinical Practice Patterns in the Management of Relapsing Graves Disease

Objective: Previous surveys from different world regions have demonstrated variations in the clinical management of Graves disease (GD). We aimed to investigate the clinical approach to GD relapse among endocrinologists.Methods: Electronic questionnaires were e-mailed to all members of the Israeli Endocrine Society. Questionnaires included demographic data and different scenarios regarding treatment and follow-up of patients with GD relapse.Results: The response rate was 49.4% (98/198). For a young male with GD relapse, 68% would restart antithyroid drug (ATD) (98% methimazole), while 32% would refer to radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. Endocrinologists who treat >10 thyroid patients a week tended to choose ATDs over RAI (P = .04). In the case of GD relapse with ophthalmopathy, 50% would continue ATDs, whereas 22.4% would recommend RAI treatment and 27.6% surgery. Most endocrinologists (56%) would continue ATDs for 12 to 24 months. Seventy-five percent would monitor complete blood count and liver function (39% for the first month and 36% for 6 months), and 44% would recommend a routine neck ultrasound. In a case of thyrotoxicosis due to a 3-cm hot nodule, most endocrinologists (70%) would refer to RAI ablation, 46.4% without and 23.7% with a previous fine-needle aspiration. No significant differences were found regarding gender, year of board certification, or work environment.Conclusion: Our survey demonstrates diverging patterns in the diagnosis and management of GD relapse that correlate well with previous surveys from other countries on GD-naïve patients and a less than optimal adherence to recently published clinical guidelines.Abbreviations: ATA = American Thyroid Association; ATD = antithyroid drug; CBC = complete blood count; GD = Graves disease; GO = Graves ophthalmopathy; LFT = liver function test; MMI = methimazole; PTU = propylthiouracil; RAI = radioactive iodine; TSI = thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin     

Hyperthyroidism due to Coexistence of Graves’ Disease and Struma Ovarii

ObjectiveTo report an unusual case of persistent thyrotoxicosis after treatment of Graves’ disease, because of coexistence of struma ovarii.MethodsWe report the clinical history, imaging studies, laboratory and pathologic data, and treatment in a patient with persistent hyperthyroidism after surgical treatment of Graves’ disease. In addition, we discuss some aspects of the pathogenesis of hyperthyroidism due to functioning struma ovarii.ResultsA 42-year-old woman underwent near-total thyroidectomy for treatment of Graves’ disease. Post-operatively, hyperthyroidism was still present. Methimazole was administered again, and performance of a ¹³¹I whole-body scan demonstrated a focus of intense uptake in the pelvis. Pelvic ultrasonography revealed a mass (11 by 8 by 7.1 cm) arising from the right ovary, with both solid and cystic components. Abdominal surgical exploration was performed, and the final histologic diagnosis was struma ovarii. The symptoms of hyperthyroidism diminished, and 3 weeks postoperatively, the thyroid hormone levels were in the hypothyroid range.ConclusionIn patients with refractory hyperthyroidism after thyroid surgical treatment, radioiodine scanning should be performed to diagnose or exclude the functioning profile of ovarian masses. (Endocr Pract. 2007;13:274-276)     

Apport de l’iode 131 dans le traitement de la maladie de Basedow dans le service de médecine nucléaire de l’hôpital Ibn Sina de Rabat

One hundred and twenty-nine Grave's Basedow diseases in any gender and variable age patients, coming from several cities of Morocco, were randomized in a study of radio-iodine treatment who took place at the nuclear medicine department of Ibn Sina Hospital (Rabat, Morocco) during the period (from January 2001 to December 2008). The radio-iodine treatment was a first, second or third option and radio-iodine activities delivered varied (from 222 to 555 MBq 6 to 15 mCi) according to the age, the thyroid volume, the degree of hyperthyroidism and socio-economical situation. The high amounts of ¹³¹I were reserved especially to the patients who live far and whose socio-economic level is low with an aim of quickly obtaining an easily controllable state of hypothyroidism by a substitute treatment. The results showed that: (1) 57.36% of patients reverted to euthyroïdism (n = 74) with a patient having received two ¹³¹I cures. The second cure was justified by recurrence of hyperthyroidism after the first cure; (2) 34.88% passed in hypothyroidism (n = 45) with three patients having received two cures of ¹³¹I, the second cure was justified by recurrence of hyperthyroidism after the first cure in two patients and by the persistence of the hyperthyroidism after the first cure for the third patient. The average time of passage in hypothyroidism was 4.5 months; (3) 7.76% had remained in hyperthyroidism after the radioactive iodine treatment. Finally, 92.24% of our patients treated by radioactive iodine had passed in euthyroïdism or hypothyroidism against 7.76% whose hyperthyroidism had persisted or occurred.     

Thionamide-induced Agranulocytosis: A Retrospective Analysis of 36 Patients With Hyperthyroidism

ObjectiveAgranulocytosis is a rare but serious adverse drug reaction (ADR) of thionamide antithyroid drugs (ATDs). We explored the characteristics of ADRs in patients with hyperthyroidism.MethodsThis retrospective study included 3558 inpatients with Graves disease treated in a Class A Grade 3 hospital between 2015 and 2019. The clinical presentation and laboratory workup of patients with antithyroid drug (ATD)-induced agranulocytosis was analyzed.ResultsAgranulocytosis was thought to be caused by ATDs in 36 patients. The hospital length of stay was 12 (10-16) days, and hospitalization costs were approximately $2810.89 ($2156.50-$4164.67). The median duration of ATD therapy prior to agranulocytosis development was 30 (20-40) days. Fever (83.33%) and sore throat (75%) were the most common symptoms as early signs of agranulocytosis. The lowest neutrophil counts were 0.01 (0.00-0.03) × 10⁹/L and 0.14 (0.02-0.29) × 10⁹/L in the methimazole and propylthiouracil groups, respectively (P = .037). The recovery times of agranulocytosis were 9.32 ± 2.89 days and 5.60 ± 4.10 days in the methimazole and propylthiouracil groups, respectively (P = .016). Patients with severe agranulocytosis required a longer time to recover (P < .001) and had closer to normal serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels. The interval between the first symptom of agranulocytosis and ATD withdrawal was 1 (0-3) day.ConclusionsPatients with agranulocytosis needed a long hospital length of stay and incurred high costs. Methimazole was prone to causing a more serious agranulocytosis than propylthiouracil. High thyroid hormone was unlikely to play a role in adverse drug reactions. Patient education is important.     

碘131与他巴唑治疗甲状腺功能亢进症的临床疗效比较

目的:观察和比较碘131与他巴唑治疗甲状腺功能亢进症的临床疗效及安全性。方法:选取2012年1月至2016年1月于我院确诊并治疗的甲状腺功能亢进患者282例,根据随机数字表法分为碘131治疗组和药物治疗组,碘131治疗组采用131I进行治疗,药物治疗组采用他巴唑口服治疗。比较两组患者的临床疗效,治疗前后血清TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone,促甲状腺激素)、FT(free triiodothyronine,游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸)、FT4(free thyroxine concentration assay,血清游离甲状腺素)水平及TRAb(TRAB thyrotropin receptor antibodies,促甲状腺激素受体抗体)阳性率的变化及治疗期间不良反应的发生情况(心功能、肝功能、肾功能、甲状腺功能下降、白细胞减少),并对患者进行6个月的随访,记录和比较患者甲亢复发情况。结果:治疗后,碘131治疗组的总有效率为92.9%,显著高于药物治疗组(64.5%,P0.05);两组患者血清TSH水平较治疗前显著升高,而血清FT3、FT4水平及TRAb阳性率均较治疗前显著降低(P0.05),且碘131治疗组血清TSH水平明显高于碘131治疗组,而血清FT3、FT4水平及TRAb阳性率明显低于碘131治疗组(P0.05);碘131治疗组复发率及总不良反应发生率均明显低于药物治疗组(P0.05)。结论:碘131对甲状腺功能亢进症的疗效优于他巴唑口服治疗,可明显增加血清TSH水平,降低血清FT3、FT4水平及TRAb阳性率,且患者复发率及不良反应发生率均较低。     

甲亢低骨量患者131I治疗后干预治疗效果的评价

目的:研究甲亢低骨量患者131I治疗后干预治疗的效果。方法:对100例甲亢低骨量患者,随机分为两组:A组50例,131I治疗后口服钙尔奇D及罗盖全治疗;B组50例,131I治疗后骨质自然恢复。另设C组50例为正常对照组。于131I治疗前、治疗后3、6及12个月测定A、B两组骨密度(BMD),观察其骨质变化并评价治疗效果。结果:(1)A组随治疗时间延长BMD逐渐升高,具有一定的规律性,腰椎(L2-4)骨密度3个月提高明显(t=-2.111,P=0.04)且12个月时达到与C组无统计学差异(t=-2.290,P=0.202)。(2)B组3个月时腰椎BMD有所降低,12个月时升高明显(股骨颈t=-2.327,P=0.043;腰椎(L2-4)t=-2.798,P=0.000)。(3)6个月时两组腰椎骨密度改善幅度出现统计学差异(t=-2.416,P=0.018),12个月时差异显著(t=-3.259,P=0.002)。结论:131I联合钙尔奇D与罗盖全治疗甲亢低骨量患者,其恢复时间及疗效均用131I治疗,能有效防止骨量的进一步下降及减少骨质疏松症的发生。     

Management of Thyrotoxicosis: Preconception,Pregnancy, and the Postpartum Period

Objective: To review the diagnosis and management of thyrotoxicosis in women who are preconception, pregnant, and in the postpartum period.Methods: Literature review of English-language papers published between 1980 and 2018.Results: Overt thyrotoxicosis occurs in 0.2% of pregnancies and subclinical thyrotoxicosis in 2.5%. Hyperthyroidism in women of childbearing age most frequently is caused by Graves disease (GD). Gestational thyrotoxicosis, transient human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-mediated hyperthyroidism, may develop in the first trimester. In the first year following delivery, postpartum thyroiditis, which frequently includes a thyrotoxic phase, occurs in 5% of women. Hyperthyroidism from nodular autonomy is uncommon in women of childbearing age. It is essential to understand the underlying etiology for thyrotoxicosis in order to recommend appropriate treatment. Gestational thyrotoxicosis requires supportive care, without antithyroid drug therapy. GD may be treated with antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, or thyroidectomy. Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, and lactation have important implications for the choice of GD treatment. When thyrotoxicosis presents following delivery, postpartum thyroiditis must be differentiated from GD.Conclusion: The diagnosis and management of thyrotoxicosis in the peripregnancy period present specific challenges. In making management decisions, it is essential to weigh the risks and benefits of treatments not just for the mother but also for the fetus and for breastfed infants. A team approach to management is critical, with close collaboration among endocrinologists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and neonatologists.Abbreviations: GD = Graves disease; hCG = human chorionic gonadotropin; MMI = methimazole; PPT = postpartum thyroiditis; PTU = propylthiouracil; T3 = triiodothyronine; T4 = thyroxine; TBG = thyroxine-binding globulin; TRAb = TSH receptor antibody; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone     

放射性核素131I在甲亢治疗中的安全性与有效性

目的:探讨放射性核素~(131)I应用于甲亢治疗的安全性与有效性。方法:选择2013年8月到2016年2月选择在我院诊治的甲亢患者240例,根据随机信封抽签原则分为观察组与对照组各120例,对照组口服丙硫氧嘧啶片治疗,观察组在对照组治疗的基础上给予放射性核素~(131)I治疗,治疗观察3个月,记录治疗的安全性与有效性。结果:治疗后,观察组总有效率为96.7%,明显高于对照组的86.7%(P0.05)。观察组治疗后血清甲状腺激素水平明显低于治疗前及对照组(P0.05)。观察组治疗期间的甲减、粒细胞减少、肝脏损害、贫血等不良反应发生率为11.7%,对照组为10.8%,两组不良反应的发生率对比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:放射性核素~(131)I可使甲亢患者的甲状腺激素的分泌和合成显著减少,安全性及有效性均较高。     

Antithyroid drug therapy for Graves' hyperthyroidism: is long-term administration of a small maintenance dose necessary?

This retrospective study serves as an inquiry into the common practice of long-term administration of small maintenance doses of either methyl-mercaptoimidazole (MMI) or propylthiouracil (PTU) to Graves' hyperthyroid patients who became euthyroid with primary large doses of the same drugs. One hundred and two patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism treated with antithyroid drug (ATD) were studied. Sixty-one were treated with conventional long term therapy and 41 were treated with short-term therapy. Small maintenance doses of ATDs were not administered to the short-term therapy patients. The duration of long-term therapy was 28.6 +/- 20.2 months (from 12 to 48 months) and that of short-term therapy was 8.4 +/- 1.8 months (from 5 to 11). Post therapy and follow-up observation continued for 19.0 +/- 2.7 months (16-25 months) in both long-term and short-term patients. Of the 61 long-term therapy patients, 20 were relapsed and 41 (67.2%) continue to remain in remission. So too, of the 41 short-term therapy patients, 14 relapsed and 27 (65.9%) still remain in remission. There was no statistical difference between the long-term and short-term therapy group in age, sex, duration of symptoms before diagnosis, antithyroid antibodies, radioactive iodine uptake, free thyroid hormone levels or goiter size before treatment or in TBII levels at cessation of ATD. It is concluded that 'short-term ATD therapy' without a maintenance dose is sufficient and saves several months of the patient's and clinician's time.