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Thyroid function in acute intermittent porphyria: a neurogenic cause of hyperthyroidism?
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|July 1, 1978
Summary
Thyroid function in acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) patients showed normal results in remission. However, symptomatic AIP patients, especially pregnant women, experienced transient hyperthyroidism, suggesting sympathetic nervous system involvement.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare metabolic disorder affecting heme synthesis.
- Thyroid function is crucial for overall metabolic regulation.
- The relationship between AIP and thyroid function requires further elucidation.
Observation:
- Thyroid function was assessed in 17 patients diagnosed with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP).
- 13 patients in remission or with latent AIP exhibited normal thyroid function.
- Symptomatic female patients, including one pregnant individual experiencing severe AIP attacks, displayed altered thyroid function.
Findings:
- Transient hyperthyroidism was observed in a pregnant patient with severe AIP attacks, characterized by elevated total T4, T3, free T4, free T3, and FTI levels.
- Less pronounced thyroid function alterations were noted in three other symptomatic female AIP patients.
- These findings suggest a potential link between AIP activity and thyroid hormone regulation.
Implications:
- Increased thyroidal sympathetic neural stimulation is hypothesized as the mechanism behind observed thyroid function changes in symptomatic AIP.
- This research highlights the importance of monitoring thyroid function in AIP patients, particularly during active disease phases or in specific populations like pregnant women.
- Further studies are warranted to confirm the role of the sympathetic nervous system in AIP-associated thyroid dysfunction and to explore potential therapeutic targets.