Thyroid ultrasound alterations occurrence in patients with previous negative examination: A 6-years observational follow-up trial

10.1530/endoabs.56.P105

Could chronic Vardenafil administration influence the cardiovascular risk in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Introduction Appropriate algorithms for the prediction of cardiovascular risk are strongly suggested in clinical practice, although still controversial. In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the benefi- cial effect of phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 inhibitors is demonstrated on endothelial function but not on the estimation of cardiovascular risk. Aim To study whether the chronic Vardenafil administration to men with T2DM influences vari- ables correlated with the predicted long-term cardiovascular risk calculated by different vali- dated algorithms. Methods Per-protocol analysis of a longitudinal, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, dou- ble-blind, investigator-started, clinical trial. 54 male patients affected by T2DM were assigned to study (26patients) and control-group (28patients), respectively. The study included a treatment phase (24weeks) (Vardenafil/placebo 10mg twice-daily) and a follow- up phase (24weeks). Three time points were considered: baseline(V0), end of treatment (V1) and end of the study(V2). Parameters evaluated: endothelial health-related parameters and cardiovascular risk, assessed by calculating the Framingham (coronary hart disease [CHD], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke and cardiovascular disease [CVD]), ASSIGN and CUORE equations. Results Predicted cardiovascular risk at ten years resulted different using the three algorithms cho- sen, without differences between study and control groups and among visits. IL-6 was directly related to CHD, CVD and CUORE scores at V1 and with MI and STROKE at V2. Similarly, hs-CRP was directly related to CHD, MI, STROKE and CUORE only at V1 in the study group. Testosterone serum levels were inversely related to CHD and MI at V1 in study group. Discussion The predicted cardiovascular risk is different depending on the algorithm chosen. Despite no predictive risk reduction after six months of treatment, a possible effect of Vardenafil could be hypothesized through its action on inflammation markers reduction and through restoration of normal testosterone levels

De novo Lesions Frequently Develop in Adult Normal Thyroid Over Almost Six Years

Purpose: In order to understand how thyroid abnormalities emerge over time in adults, we evaluated incidence of thyroid diseases in healthy subjects, after almost 6 years from a previous negative ultrasound. Methods: Anamnestic and physical data were collected. Ultrasound neck evaluation was performed by an experienced endocrinologist, recording detailed thyroid and nodules characteristics. Nodules were classified according to American Thyroid Association classification for prediction of cancer risk. Serum samples were collected for subsequent evaluations (TSH, free thyroid hormones, calcitonin, anti-thyroid antibodies). Anamnestic, clinical, sonographic, and serological characteristics were analyzed with logistic regression analysis for subjects with nodules vs. those without. Results: One hundred and eleven subjects were enrolled (43M, 68F). Half of them developed nodules, mainly smaller than 1 cm and without suspicious characteristics. Ninety-seven percent were euthyroid. Only 4% had serological diagnosis of thyroiditis. Incidence of thyroid diseases was higher in women, especially nulliparous. Comparing clinical characteristics of subjects with and without nodules, the only statistically significant difference concerned thyroid volume adjusted for body weight or surface (p < 0.05), but not residual volume excluding nodules. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, higher BMI-adjusted thyroid volume and residual thyroid volume excluding nodules, nulliparity, age, and fT3 increase the risk of developing nodules. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that adult thyroid tissue undergoes changes that are already detectable by US after almost 6 years. Half of the enrolled subjects developed de novo nodules or colloid cysts of poor clinical relevance

Correlation between hs-CRP serum levels and cardiovascular risk scores.

<p>Correlation between hs-CRP serum levels and cardiovascular risk scores.</p

Baseline biochemical characteristics of enrolled patients, evaluated by per protocol analysis.

<p>Baseline biochemical characteristics of enrolled patients, evaluated by per protocol analysis.</p

Study flow chart.

<p>Study flow chart.</p

Correlation between IL-6 serum levels and cardiovascular risk scores.

<p>Correlation between IL-6 serum levels and cardiovascular risk scores.</p

Correlations between testosterone serum levels and cardiovascular risk scores.

<p>Correlations between testosterone serum levels and cardiovascular risk scores.</p