Endocrine
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The adequate extent of surgery for 1-4 cm low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is unclear. Our objective was to analyze the applicability of the 2015 ATA Guidelines recommendation 35B (R35) for the management low-risk PTC. ⋯ The appropriate management of low-risk PTC is unclear. Adherence to ATA R35 could lead to a huge increase in reinterventions when a TL is performed, though the need for them would be questionable. In our sample, more than half of patients (57.5%) who may undergo a TL for a seemingly low-risk PTC would have required a second operation to satisfy international guidelines, until better preoperative diagnostic tools become available.
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Our study aimed to map endocrine toxicity spectrum of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ⋯ Our study shows rising reporting frequencies of endocrinopathies caused by ICIs, especially aggravated in combination therapy. Clinicians should be early aware of latent endocrine toxicity and different onset time of endocrinopathies when implementing ICI therapies.
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This study investigated trends in chronic glucocorticoid (GC) use in South Korea, and determined the association between chronic GC use and 5-year all-cause mortality. ⋯ Numbers of chronic GC users gradually increased during 2002-2015; chronic GC use increased risks of 5-year all-cause mortality in the general adult South Korean population. This association was more evident among high-dose GC users (>5 mg/day of prednisolone). The risk of disease-specific mortality among chronic GC users was increased in those with musculoskeletal, infectious and parasitic, and respiratory diseases.
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The universal applicability of levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy for the treatment of hypothyroidism has been questioned in recent years. Indeed, it is now clear that about 10-15% of LT4-treated hypothyroid patients are dissatisfied with their treatment. It is plausible that this subset of hypothyroid patients may need T3 + T4 combined therapy to restore peripheral euthyroidism. ⋯ In addition, whole-genome association studies are expanding our knowledge of other genes of the thyroid hormone (TH) pathway that affect serum TH levels. To target the right population for the T3 + T4 combined therapy, the next step is to translate these new findings into prospective trials. Hopefully, this will pave the way to personalized therapy for each hypothyroid patient.
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Observational Study
Generic levothyroxine initiation and substitution among Medicare and Medicaid populations: a new user cohort study.
Generic levothyroxine has been approved and available since 2004 but its substitution remains controversial. Therefore, the objective was to examine patterns of and identify factors associated with initiation and substitution of generic levothyroxine treatment. ⋯ Patient demographic factors and health service utilizations are associated with generic levothyroxine initiation and substitution. Educational outreach programs targeted to increase generic levothyroxine use and prescription savings should be tailored based on different patient populations.