Clinical Thyroidology for the Public summarizes selected research studies discussed in the previous month’s issue of Clinical Thyroidology, an official publication of the American Thyroid Association. Editor-in-chief, Alan Farwell, MD, FACE
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Clinical Thyroidology for the Public Volume 14 Issue 12 (PDF file, 4.93 MB)
TABLE OF CONTENTS – Web Format
THYROID AND PREGNANCY
How does mothers’ low thyroid hormone level affect
pregnancy?
Severe hypothyroidism in pregnant women is known to cause problems in pregnancy. However, the effects of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) on pregnancy are unclear. This study aimed to study the effects of IMH on pregnancy outcomes.
Nazarpour S et al 2021 Effects of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia on adverse pregnancy outcomes. Arch Gynecol Obstet. Epub 2021 Sep 5. PMID: 34482473
THYROID AND PREGNANCY
Does iodine exposure in the mother lead to hypothyroidism in the baby?
Congenital hypothyroidism affects about 1 child for every 4000 newly born children. Iodine in the mother is important for the normal brain development of the baby. However, too much iodine may be harmful to the baby. This study was done to find out if there is a link between the amount of iodine in the mother and congenital hypothyroidism in children.
Yokomichi H et 2021 Mother’s iodine exposure and infants’ hypothyroidism: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study. Endocr J. Epub 2021 Aug 26. PMID: 34433732
THYROID CANCER
Thyroid cancer over-diagnosis is associated with increased socioeconomic development and urbanization
The number of patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer has increased significantly in the recent decades, while death from this cancer has remained stable at a low level. Over-diagnosis is defined as finding cancer that will never cause any symptoms and will not affect the quality of life and the overall survival of a person. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with thyroid cancer over-diagnosis across different regions in China.
Li M et al 2021 Mapping over-diagnosis of thyroid cancer in China. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 9:330-332. PMID: 33891886.
THYROID NODULES
Physician-reported use of thyroid ultrasound
In recent years there has been a marked increase in incidence of thyroid cancer. Much of this increase in diagnosis of thyroid cancer has been thought to be due to increased use of neck imaging studies, including ultrasound, leading to greater detection of nodules. This study sought to understand physician attitudes and practice patterns for ordering thyroid ultrasounds.
Chen DW et al 2020 Physician-reported misuse of thyroid ultrasonography. JAMA Surg 155:984–986. PMID: 32804996.
THYROID AND BRAIN FUNCTION
Do thyroid problems lead to decreased brain function or the onset of dementia?
Most clinical practice guidelines recommend that doctors order thyroid hormone blood tests when investigating their patients for dementia. However, the actual relationship between thyroid disease and brain function is still controversial. In the current study the authors try to answer whether or not thyroid problems are associated with decreased brain function and dementia.
van Vliet NA et al Thyroid Studies Collaboration 2021 Association of thyroid dysfunction with cognitive function: An individual participant data analysis. JAMA Intern Med. Epub 2021 Sep 7.
THYROID CANCER
What are the TSH targets for patients with thyroid cancer?
Active surveillance was introduced into the American Thyroid Association guidelines for the treatment of thyroid cancer in 2015, but many doctors who treat patients with thyroid cancer have not yet started to use it. The purpose of this study was to find out what motivates or prevents thyroid cancer doctors to use active surveillance.
Papaleontiou M et al. 2021 Thyrotropin suppression for papillary thyroid cancer: A physician survey study. Thyroid. Epub 2021 Apr 23. PMID: 33779292.ummary of the study
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