Long term follow up post-treatment of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis with low intensity laser

• Grant number: 14/19394-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: December 01, 2014
• End date: November 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Radiology
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Maria Cristina Chammas
• Grantee: Danilo Bianchini Hofling
• Host Institution: Instituto de Radiologia (INRAD). Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da USP (HCFMUSP). Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial including 43 patients with hypothyroidism caused by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis without nodules on ultrasonography study (US) was conducted from March 2006 to March 2009. Among them, 23 were submitted to low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and 20 to placebo. The LLLT was effective in improving the echogenicity, the volume and of the thyroid vascularization pattern by US. There was also improvement in the function of the thyroid gland and reduction of serum thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb). Although the results have shown promising, the long-term LLLT actions on the thyroid are unknown. Thus, the objective of this study is to perform biochemical tests and thyroid US six years after the clinical trial interventions to evaluate levothyroxine dose, serum levels of autoantibodies and, especially, the frequency and nature of nodules in the gland. The levothyroxine required dose to normalize serum concentrations of TSH, T3, T4 and free T4, as well TPOAb and antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) measurements will be evaluate. The US will assess the thyroid texture (with particular attention to identifying nodules), echogenicity, volume and vascularization. If nodules are identified, will be studied their characteristics, such as dimensions, limits, echogenicity, texture, hypoechoic halo, calcification, vascularization and resistivity index. When nodules are found, the fine needle aspiration (FNA) and the cytological analysis will be executed. Doses of levothyroxine, TPOAb, TgAb, US parameters, nodules characteristics (if detected) and the results of their respective FNA will be compared between the two groups. (AU)