Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
04:39
Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model
Published on: March 17, 2023
2.5K
Thyroid Disorders in Homozygous β-Thalassemia: Current Knowledge, Emerging Issues and Open Problems
Vincenzo De Sanctis1, Ashraf T Soliman2, Duran Canatan3
1Pediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Quisisana Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
Summary
Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients with β-thalassemia major (TM), with hypothyroidism affecting 4-29%. Factors like genotype and treatment influence this, and further research is needed on thyroid cancer and links to cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hematology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Thyroid function abnormalities are frequently observed in patients diagnosed with β-thalassemia major (TM).
- The reported prevalence of hypothyroidism in TM patients varies significantly (4%–29%), influenced by genetic, demographic, and treatment-related factors.
- Understanding thyroid hormone regulation, production, and action is crucial for interpreting thyroid function tests in TM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of thyroid diseases in patients with β-thalassemia major.
- To explore emerging issues and unresolved questions concerning thyroid disorders in TM patients.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of thyroid dysfunction in the context of TM management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on thyroid function in β-thalassemia major.
- Analysis of laboratory parameters including serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4).
- Discussion of diagnostic criteria for subclinical and secondary hypothyroidism.
Main Results:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism, characterized by elevated TSH and normal FT4, is commonly diagnosed in TM patients during their second decade of life.
- Primary hypothyroidism results from direct thyroid gland failure, while secondary hypothyroidism indicates issues with hypothalamic or pituitary stimulation.
- Variability in hypothyroidism frequency is linked to genotype, age, ethnicity, transfusion/chelation protocols, and treatment adherence.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid dysfunction is a significant comorbidity in β-thalassemia major patients.
- Further research is essential to investigate the incidence of thyroid cancer and the relationship between thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and hypercoagulable states in TM.
- Accurate interpretation of thyroid function tests requires consideration of laboratory-specific reference ranges and clinical context.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Ethical Issues
2.1K
Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
2.1K
01:27Emerging Adulthood
648
Jeffrey Arnett's concept of emerging adulthood offers a framework to understand the unique developmental stage between adolescence and full-fledged adulthood, generally from ages 18 to 25. This period is marked by extensive exploration and shifts in identity, relationships, and career choices, a process known in psychology as role experimentation. Emerging adulthood reflects the evolving cultural expectations surrounding adulthood and the dynamic process of personal transformation during...
648
01:23The Thyroid Gland
6.8K
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
6.8K
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
6.2K
The issues and trends in healthcare delivery are constantly changing. The COVID-19 pandemic is one recent issue that wreaked havoc on healthcare systems, causing a shortage of healthcare workers, high demand for medicines and supplies, and increased medical expenditure due to a lack of insurance. Other issues include rising healthcare costs and care fragmentation.
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
6.2K
02:18Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
19.3K
Intrinsically disordered proteins are a group of proteins that do not fold into specific three-dimensional structures. Their structural flexibility allows them to complement ordered proteins to perform functions that are inaccessible to rigid structures. They are more common in eukaryotes than prokaryotes and may either be exclusively intrinsically disordered or hybrid proteins, consisting of a mix of ordered and disordered regions. The absence of a rigid structure in these proteins can be...
19.3K
01:30Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
306
Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
306