Short-term overt hypothyroidism affect on lipids after thyroxine-withdrawal in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of short-term overt hypothyroidism on lipids after thyroxine-withdrawal in patients with iatrogenically induced hypothyroidism before radioiodine treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Methods: Thirty patients with a history of differentiated thyroid carcinoma on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-suppressive thyroxine replacement therapy were studied. Blood sample were taken before and 4 weeks after withdrawal of thyroxine substitution. Venous blood was drawn after an overnight fast and analyzed for serum free T4 (FT4), free T3 (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB). Fifty healthy people matched for age and gender were controls. Their blood samples were taken only once. Results: After thyroxine-withdrawal, the patients presented with increased serum TSH and low serum FT4 and FT3 levels compared with controls. Serum TG, TC, LDL, HDL, ApoB and Lp(a) increased after thyroxine withdrawal, reaching statistical significant differences with previous evaluation. However, when compared to euthyroid controls, only TC, LDL and ApoB were increased when patients were hypothyroidism. No changes were observed in ApoA1 in patients during thyroxine withdrawal, or when comparing the values observed in patients to those of euthyroid controls. Conclusion: TG, TC, LDL, HDL, ApoB and Lp(a) were increased during short-term overt hypothyroidism.

Fetomaternal Outcome in Maternal Hypothyroidism Complicating Pregnancies at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital

Background: Thyroid disorders are the most common endocrine disorders in pregnancy accounting for 10% of subclinical hypothyroidism in all pregnancies. Screening for hypothyroidism is essential in all pregnant women, especially in Nepal, a low-income region where women have an increased risk of developing iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Hence this study is to analyze fetomaternal outcomes in maternal hypothyroidism complicating pregnancies. Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out at Paropakar Maternity and Women Hospital, a tertiary center located in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Subjects of this study were 330 antenatal women with a singleton pregnancy with hypothyroidism admitted for delivery in the obstetrics ward, and informed consent was obtained. Women were chosen irrespective of age, parity, residency, and socioeconomic status. Women with multiple pregnancies and any preexisting medical disorders including heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension were excluded. Routine hematological parameters and estimations of T3, T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were conducted. Patients with hypothyroidism were divided into overt and subclinical and were subsequently assessed for maternal and fetal complications. The occurrence of maternal outcomes and perinatal outcomes were recorded. Result: Out of 470 total hypothyroid cases, 330 were enrolled in the study and the remaining 140 were excluded. In our study, the incidence of hypothyroidism in pregnancy was 2.11% with 1.7% of subclinical hypothyroidism and 0.31% of overt hypothyroidism. The mean age of the patient was >30 years with 53.3% (n = 176) primigravida. Mostly 70.3% (n = 232) from rural areas. Pre-Eclampsia, gestational diabetes abruptio placenta, and postpartum hemorrhage were the adverse maternal outcome with a higher percentage of these in overt hypothyroidism which was statistically significant. Concerning fetal outcome APGAR score <6 in 5 min, Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), NICU admission, neonatal Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), Intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), and congenital anomaly were found with a higher percentage in overt hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Since the impact of hypothyroidism on fetomaternal morbidities have been identified so screening for hypothyroidism to be included as a routine screening test and should be treated accordingly to improve maternal and fetal outcome.