Vincenzo Triggiani

Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction and the Risk of Heart Failure Events An Individual Participant Data Analysis From 6 Prospective Cohorts

Background— American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for the diagnosis and management of heart failure recommend investigating exacerbating conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, but without specifying the impact of different thyroid-stimulation hormone (TSH) levels. Limited prospective data exist on the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and heart failure events. Methods and Results— We performed a pooled analysis of individual participant data using all available prospective cohorts with thyroid function tests and subsequent follow-up of heart failure events. Individual data on 25 390 participants with 216 248 person-years of follow-up were supplied from 6 prospective cohorts in the United States and Europe. Euthyroidism was defined as TSH of 0.45 to 4.49 mIU/L, subclinical hypothyroidism as TSH of 4.5 to 19.9 mIU/L, and subclinical hyperthyroidism as TSH <0.45 mIU/L, the last two with normal free thyroxine levels. Among 25 390 participants, 2068 (8.1%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 648 (2.6%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism. In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, risks of heart failure events were increased with both higher and lower TSH levels (P for quadratic pattern <0.01); the hazard ratio was 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–1.26) for TSH of 4.5 to 6.9 mIU/L, 1.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.84–3.23) for TSH of 7.0 to 9.9 mIU/L, 1.86 (95% confidence interval, 1.27–2.72) for TSH of 10.0 to 19.9 mIU/L (P for trend <0.01) and 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.95) for TSH of 0.10 to 0.44 mIU/L and 1.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.72) for TSH <0.10 mIU/L (P for trend=0.047). Risks remained similar after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion— Risks of heart failure events were increased with both higher and lower TSH levels, particularly for TSH ≥10 and <0.10 mIU/L.Background— American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for the diagnosis and management of heart failure recommend investigating exacerbating conditions such as thyroid dysfunction, but without specifying the impact of different thyroid-stimulation hormone (TSH) levels. Limited prospective data exist on the association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and heart failure events. Methods and Results— We performed a pooled analysis of individual participant data using all available prospective cohorts with thyroid function tests and subsequent follow-up of heart failure events. Individual data on 25 390 participants with 216 248 person-years of follow-up were supplied from 6 prospective cohorts in the United States and Europe. Euthyroidism was defined as TSH of 0.45 to 4.49 mIU/L, subclinical hypothyroidism as TSH of 4.5 to 19.9 mIU/L, and subclinical hyperthyroidism as TSH <0.45 mIU/L, the last two with normal free thyroxine levels. Among 25 390 participants, 2068 (8.1%) had subclinical hypothyroidism and 648 (2.6%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism. In age- and sex-adjusted analyses, risks of heart failure events were increased with both higher and lower TSH levels ( P for quadratic pattern <0.01); the hazard ratio was 1.01 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–1.26) for TSH of 4.5 to 6.9 mIU/L, 1.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.84–3.23) for TSH of 7.0 to 9.9 mIU/L, 1.86 (95% confidence interval, 1.27–2.72) for TSH of 10.0 to 19.9 mIU/L ( P for trend <0.01) and 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.95) for TSH of 0.10 to 0.44 mIU/L and 1.94 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.72) for TSH <0.10 mIU/L ( P for trend=0.047). Risks remained similar after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion— Risks of heart failure events were increased with both higher and lower TSH levels, particularly for TSH ≥10 and <0.10 mIU/L. # Clinical Perspective {#article-title-42}

Prognostic role of sub-clinical hypothyroidism in chronic heart failure outpatients

BACKGROUND It has been suggested that low thyroid hormones levels may be associated with increased mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. AIM To evaluate the prognostic role of thyroid function deficiency in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS We evaluated 338 consecutive outpatients with stable CHF receiving conventional therapy, all of whom underwent a physical examination, electrocardiography and echocardiography. Blood samples were drawn to assess renal function, and Na+, hemoglobin, NT-proBNPs, fT3, fT4 and TSH levels. Patients with hyperthyroidism were excluded. RESULTS During the follow-up (15+/-8 months), heart failure progression was observed in 79 patients (including 18 who died of heart failure after hospitalisation and six who underwent transplantation). Univariate regression analysis showed that TSH (p<0.0001), fT3 (p<0.0001), fT4 (p=0.016) and fT3/fT4 (p<0.0001) were associated with heart failure progression but multivariate analysis showed that only TSH considered as a continuous variable (p = 0.001) as well as subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH > 5.5 mUI/l; p=0.014) remained significantly associated with the events. CONCLUSIONS In CHF patients TSH levels even slightly above normal range are independently associated with a greater likelihood of heart failure progression. This supports the need for prospective studies aimed at clarifying the most appropriate therapeutic approach to sub-clinical hypothyroidism in such patients.

Microcalcifications and Psammoma Bodies in Thyroid Tumors

Microcalcifications are a highly specific sign of malignancy being frequently detected in papillary or medullary cancers, while only 5% of nodular goiters and 3-4% of adenomas show this feature on thyroid sonogram. They correspond to clusters of psammoma bodies at cytological or histological examination. The microphotographs of cytological smears show psammoma bodies as 50 to 70 < m round-shaped calcific concretions with a glassy appearance, concentrically laminated.

Role of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, carnitine, vitamins, phytochemicals and trace elements in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications.

Nowadays, the treatment of diabetes mellitus is based on the variable use and combination of diet, antidiabetic oral agents (metformin, sulphanylureas, glynides, acarbose and thiazolidinediones) and insulin or its analogs, depending on the type of diabetes and the needs of the patient. The prevention and treatment of chronic micro- and macrovascular complications, on the other hand, is based on the achievement and maintenance of an optimal glycaemic control and requires the combined use of adjunctive therapy such as antihypertensive drugs and cholesterol-lowering medications. Furthermore, several herbal preparations and dietary supplements, such as antioxidants, essential fatty acids, lipid metabolism activators, vitamins and trace elements, are advertised and prescribed to patients as a useful adjuvant to a diabetic diet and conventional medications in order to improve glycaemic control and reduce the impact of chronic complications. In this regard, we have attempted to review the current concepts dealing with the usefulness of these complementary therapies in treating diabetic patients.

A long diagnostic delay in patients with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia: a questionnaire-based retrospective study

BackgroundThe difficulty in establishing a timely correct diagnosis is a relevant matter of concern for several rare diseases. Many rare-disease-affected patients suffer from considerable diagnostic delay, mainly due to their poor knowledge among healthcare professionals, insufficient disease awareness among patients’ families, and lack of promptly available diagnostic tools. Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal-dominantly inherited vascular dysplasia, affecting 1:5,000-10,000 patients. HHT is characterized by high variability of clinical manifestations, which show remarkable overlapping with several common diseases.AimTo perform a detailed analysis concerning the diagnostic time lag occurring in patients with HHT, defined as the time period spanning from the first clinical manifestation to the attainment of a definite, correct diagnosis.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to the HHT patients previously recruited from 2000 and 2009. Clinical onset, first referral to a physician for disease manifestations, and first correct diagnosis of definite HHT were collected. Eventual misdiagnosis at first referral and serious complications occurring throughout the time elapsing between disease onset and definite diagnosis were also addressed.ResultsIn the 233 respondents, the clinical onset of disease occurred at an age of 14.1 yrs, while the age of first referral and the age of first definite diagnosis of HHT were 29.2 yrs and 40.1 yrs, respectively. Only 88/233 patients received a correct diagnosis at first counseling. Thus, the diagnostic time lag, represented by the time elapsing from disease onset and first definite diagnosis of HHT, proved to be 25.7 yrs. Twenty-two patients suffered from severe complications during this time interval. The diagnostic delay was significantly longer (p < 0.001) in index patients (first patients who attained definite HHT diagnosis in a given family) than in non-index patients (relative of index patients). The diagnostic time lag was also significantly associated with education grade (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur data report for the first time a systematic inquiry of diagnostic delay in HHT showing that patients receive a definite diagnosis only after nearly three decades from disease onset. Concerted efforts are still to be made to increase awareness of this disease among both families and physicians.

Role of Iodine, Selenium and Other Micronutrients in Thyroid Function and Disorders

Micronutrients, mostly iodine and selenium, are required for thyroid hormone synthesis and function. Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones and its deficiency is considered as the most common cause of preventable brain damage in the world. Nowadays about 800 million people are affected by iodine deficiency disorders that include goiter, hypothyroidism, mental retardation, and a wide spectrum of other growth and developmental abnormalities. Iodine supplementation, under form of iodized salt and iodized vegetable oil, produced dramatic improvements in many areas, even though iodine deficiency is still a problem not only for developing countries. In fact, certain subpopulations like vegetarians may not reach an adequate iodine intake even in countries considered iodine-sufficient. A reduction in dietary iodine content could also be related to increased adherence to dietary recommendations to reduce salt intake for preventing hypertension. Furthermore, iodine intakes are declining in many countries where, after endemic goiter eradication, the lack of monitoring of iodine nutrition can lead to a reappearance of goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders. Three different selenium-dependent iodothyronine deiodinases (types I, II, and III) can both activate and inactivate thyroid hormones, making selenium an essential micronutrient for normal development, growth, and metabolism. Furthermore, selenium is found as selenocysteine in the catalytic center of enzymes protecting the thyroid from free radicals damage. In this way, selenium deficiency can exacerbate the effects of iodine deficiency and the same is true for vitamin A or iron deficiency. Substances introduced with food, such as thiocyanate and isoflavones or certain herbal preparations, can interfere with micronutrients and influence thyroid function. Aim of this paper is to review the role of micronutrients in thyroid function and diseases.

Modifications of the immune responsiveness in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis: Evidence for a systemic immune alteration

Hashimotos thyroiditis, the most common form of autoimmune thyroid disease, is characterised by lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid gland, gradual destruction of the organ and production of thyroid specific auto antibodies (antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies). There are evidences that cast doubt on the pathogenetic role of these antibodies in thyroid autoimmunity. It is very likely that cellular destruction is mediated by other cellular mechanisms, such as auto reactive T-lymphocytes, natural killer and cytokines. However, other studies performed in animal models have led to the conclusion that organ specific autoimmune thyroiditis should be regarded as a polygenic disease with a penetrance that is strongly influenced by environmental factors. According to our recent results, patients affected by autoimmune thyroiditis exhibited a decreased percentage of NK and CD25 + bearing cells significantly in comparison to normal controls. Altogether these data indicated that in the patients with autoimmune thyroid disease a certain degree of peripheral immune deficiency was present.

Possible Role of Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance in Lower Vitamin D Levels in Overweight and Obese Patients

A cohort of 66 healthy overweight and obese patients, 53 women and 13 men were examined. Waist circumference and fasting 25(OH)D, insulin, glucose, lipid (cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride), C-reactive protein (CRP), and complement 3 (C3), and 4 (C4) serum concentrations were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMAIR). Results. 25(OH)D levels showed a significant negative correlation with BMI (P < 0.01), waist circumference (P < 0.05), fasting insulin (P < 0.01), HOMAIR (P < 0.01), triglycerides (P < 0.01), CRP (P < 0.01), C3 (P < 0.05), and C4 (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analyses were performed with 25(OH)D as the dependent variable and BMI (or waist circumferences), fasting insulin (or HOMAIR), triglycerides, and CRP (or C3 or C4) as independent variables. Only insulin or HOMAIR maintained a significant independent association with 25(OH)D levels, whereas vitamin D did not maintain a significant independent association with CRP or C3 or C4 concentrations. Conclusions. The present study, performed in overweight and obese subjects, shows that 25(OH)D levels are negatively associated with inflammatory parameters such as CRP and C3 and C4 levels, but not independently of BMI, body fat distribution, insulin levels, or insulin resistance. Our results suggest that hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance are directly responsible for decrease of 25(OH)D levels in obesity.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Cognitive Dysfunction in the Elderly

While overt hypothyroidism is associated with reversible dementia in the elderly, the relationship of subclinical hypothyroidism with cognition remains a controversial issue. Our aim was to investigate the correlation between subclinical hypothyroidism and cognition in the elderly, with particular reference to long term memory and selective attention. We selected 337 outpatients (177 men and 160 women), mean age 74.3 years, excluding the subjects with thyroid dysfunction and those treated with drugs influencing thyroid function. The score of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was significantly lower in the group of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism than in euthyroid subjects (p<0.03). It was observed that patients with subclinical hypothyroidism had a probability about 2 times greater (RR = 2.028, p<0.05) of developing cognitive impairment. Prose Memory Test (PMT) score resulted significantly lower in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism (p<0.04). Considering the Matrix Test (MT) score, the performance was slightly reduced in subclinical hypothyroidism (NS). Furthermore, TSH was negatively correlated with MMSE (p<0.04), PMT (p<0.05) and MT score (NS). No correlation was found between FT4 and FT3 and MMSE, PMT and MT score. In the elderly, subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with cognitive impairment, and its impact on specific aspects of cognition (long term memory and selective attention) is less evident.

Obesity and Heart Failure

Epidemiological studies have recently shown that obesity, and abdominal obesity in particular, is an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF). Higher cardiac oxidative stress is the early stage of heart dysfunction due to obesity, and it is the result of insulin resistance, altered fatty acid and glucose metabolism, and impaired mitochondrial biogenesis. Extense myocyte hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis are early microscopic changes in patients with HF, whereas circumferential strain during the left ventricular (LV) systole, LV increase in both chamber size and wall thickness (LV hypertrophy), and LV dilatation are the early macroscopic and functional alterations in obese developing heart failure. LV hypertrophy leads to diastolic dysfunction and subendocardial ischemia in obesity, and pericardial fat has been shown to be significantly associated with LV diastolic dysfunction. Evolving abnormalities of diastolic dysfunction may include progressive hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction, and various degrees of eccentric and/or concentric LV hypertrophy may be present with time. Once HF is established, overweight and obese have a better prognosis than do their lean counterparts with the same level of cardiovascular disease, and this phenomenon is called “obesity paradox”. It is mainly due to lower muscle protein degradation, brain natriuretic peptide circulating levels and cardio-respiratory fitness than normal weight patients with HF.