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Aim: Common causes of thyrotoxicosis are hyperthyroidism and destructive thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by high serum thyroid hormone levels as a result of over-synthesis of thyroid hormones, the most common causes of which are Graves' disease (GD) and toxic nodular goiter (TNG). Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) causes thyrotoxicosis due to the circulating thyroid hormones of destructive thyroiditis. Differential diagnosis is important because GD, TNG and SAT treatment approaches are different. The aim of this study was to analyze whether it is possible to make a differential diagnosis for these conditions by examining free thyroid hormones, fT3/fT4 ratio, fT3 index/TSH index (fT3I/TSHI) ratio and Free Thyroid Hormone Index (FTHI). Material and Method: This retrospective study included 150 patients who were diagnosed with GD, TNG and SAT. The fT3 index (fT3I) was calculated as the ratio between the fT3 value and the fT3 upper limit of normal value (fT3I=fT3/4 pg/ml). The fT4 index (fT4I) was calculated as the ratio between the fT4 value and the fT4 upper limit of normal value (fT4I=fT4/1.23 mg/dl). The TSH index (TSHI) was calculated as the ratio between TSH value and the TSH lower limit of normal limit (TSHI=TSH/0.38 mIU/L). The FTHI index was calculated using the formula of (fT3 level/fT3 upper limit of normal) / (fT4 level/fT4 upper limit of normal). Results: The fT3, fT3/fT4 ratio and FTHI were found to be higher in hyperthyroid patients compared to subacute thyroiditis patients. fT4 and fT3I/TSHI levels were similar in hyperthyroid patients and SAT patients (p=0.49, p=0.11, respectively ). The cut-off level of FTHI for hyperthyroidism was determined as 0.97 with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 76.3% (AUC=0.833, p< 0.001). When hyperthyroidic patients were divided into two groups as GD and TNG, no significant difference was found in fT3/fT4 ratio (p:0.99). The fT3 (p

Background/aim The known pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) in acromegaly is mainly based on growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) excess. Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP-4), a novel adipokine, is found to induce insulin resistance and type 2 DM. We aimed to investigate the possible effect of FABP-4 on glucose metabolism in patients with acromegaly. Materials and methods This case-control study included 28 patients newly diagnosed with acromegaly and 57 healthy volunteers. The patients with acromegaly were classified according to their glycemic status as with DM, prediabetes, and normal glucose tolerance. Anthropometric measurements, laboratory test results, and FABP-4 levels of the subjects were evaluated. Results Although no difference was observed in FABP-4 levels between acromegaly and control groups, the FABP-4 level was higher in the patients with acromegaly having DM compared to the patients with acromegaly having prediabetes and NGT, and the control group (p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively). Logistic regression analysis suggested that the FABP-4 is an independent predictor of DM in acromegaly (β = 7.382, OR = 38.96, 95% CI: 1.52-5.76, p = 0.018). Conclusion The FABP-4 may be a helpful predictor of acromegaly-associated DM.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of exenatide treatment on platelet function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. STUDY DESIGN Case-control observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara from October 2016 to October 2018. METHODOLOGY This study included 50 patients with type 2 DM, who had started exenatide therapy; and age-gender matched 54 control subjects. The biochemical data and BMI of the patients were analysed at the time of admission and after six months of exenatide treatment. RESULTS PDW (platelet distribution width) and MPV (mean platelet volume) were higher in the diabetic patient group than in the control group (p

Amac: Bu calismada primer hiperparatiroidi hastalarinda 25-hidroksivitamin D (25(OH)D) eksikliginin frekansini belirlemeyi ve mesimsel degisikligin 25(OH)D duzeyine etkisi olup olmadigini arastirmaya calistik. Yontemler: Calismaya primer hiperparatiroidi tanisi almis 156 hasta ve 80 kontrol hastasi alindi. Demografik ve laboratuvar veriler kaydedildi Sonuclar: Primer hiperparatiroidi (PHP) hastalarinin parathormon (PTH) (p

Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is an inflammatory thyroid disease. The main purpose of the treatment is to relieve pain and control the inflammatory process. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in SAT. Initial laboratory data, treatment response, and long-term results of 295 SAT patients treated with ibuprofen or methylprednisolone were evaluated. After the exclusion of 78 patients, evaluation was made of 126 patients treated with 1800 mg ibuprofen and 91 patients treated with 48 mg methylprednisolone. In 59.5% of 126 patients treated with ibuprofen, there was no adequate clinical response at the first control visit. In 54% of patients, the treatment was changed to steroids in mean 9.5 days. Symptomatic remission was achieved within two weeks in all patients treated with methylprednisolone. The total recurrence rate was 19.8%, and recurrences were observed more frequently in patients receiving only steroid therapy than in patients treated with NSAID only (23% vs. 10.5% p:0.04). Persistent hypothyroidism developed in 22.8% of patients treated only with ibuprofen and in 6.6% of patients treated with methylprednisolone only. Treatment with only ibuprofen (p:0.039) and positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) (p:0.029) were determined as the main risk factors for permanent hypothyroidism. NSAID treatment is not as effective as steroid treatment in early clinical remission. Steroid treatment was detected as a protective factor against permanent hypothyroidism. Therefore, steroid therapy may be considered especially in anti-TPO positive SAT patients and patients with high-level acute phase reactants.

Routine calcitonin measurement in patients with nodular thyroid disease is rather controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of serum calcitonin measurement in the diagnostic evaluation of thyroid nodules with insufficient, indeterminate, or suspicious cytology. Out of 1668 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with the diagnosis of nodular thyroid disease and were screened, 873 patients with insufficient, indeterminate, or suspicious fine needle aspiration biopsy results were included in the study. From the total number of patients in this study, 10 (1.1%) were diagnosed as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) using histopathology. The calcitonin level was detected to be above the assay-specific cut-off in 23 (2.6%) patients ranging between 6.5 - 4450 pg/mL. While hypercalcitoninemia was detected in all 10 MTC patients, a false positive elevation of serum calcitonin was detected in 13 patients (1.5%). Of the MTC group, 7 patients had cytology results that were suspicious for malignancy (Bethesda V), one patient’s cytology showed atypia of undetermined significance (Bethesda III) and two patient’s cytology results were suspicious for follicular neoplasm (Bethesda IV). Among the cases with non-diagnostic cytology (Bethesda I), none of the patients were diagnosed with MTC. In conclusion, routine serum calcitonin measurement can be performed in selected cases rather than in all nodular thyroid patients. While it is reasonable to perform routine calcitonin measurement in patients with Bethesda IV and Bethesda V, this measurement was not useful in Bethesda I patients. In Bethesda III patients, patient-based decisions can be made according to their calcitonin measurement. Read more in PDF.

Routine calcitonin measurement in patients with nodular thyroid disease is rather controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of serum calcitonin measurement in the diagnostic evaluation of thyroid nodules with insufficient, indeterminate, or suspicious cytology. Out of 1668 patients who underwent thyroidectomy with the diagnosis of nodular thyroid disease and were screened, 873 patients with insufficient, indeterminate, or suspicious fine needle aspiration biopsy results were included in the study. From the total number of patients in this study, 10 (1.1%) were diagnosed as medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) using histopathology. The calcitonin level was detected to be above the assay-specific cut-off in 23 (2.6%) patients ranging between 6.5 - 4450 pg/mL. While hypercalcitoninemia was detected in all 10 MTC patients, a false positive elevation of serum calcitonin was detected in 13 patients (1.5%). Of the MTC group, 7 patients had cytology results that were suspicious for malignancy (Bethesda V), one patient’s cytology showed atypia of undetermined significance (Bethesda III) and two patient’s cytology results were suspicious for follicular neoplasm (Bethesda IV). Among the cases with non-diagnostic cytology (Bethesda I), none of the patients were diagnosed with MTC. In conclusion, routine serum calcitonin measurement can be performed in selected cases rather than in all nodular thyroid patients. While it is reasonable to perform routine calcitonin measurement in patients with Bethesda IV and Bethesda V, this measurement was not useful in Bethesda I patients. In Bethesda III patients, patient-based decisions can be made according to their calcitonin measurement. Read more in PDF.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disease that develops due to damage to beta cells in the pancreas and is characterized by insulin deficiency. Nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy are known microvascular complications of diabetes. There are few studies evaluating serum uric acid (SUA) levels in T1DM patients, and the relationship of SUA level with microvascular complications is controversial. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the SUA level in T1DM patients and investigate the relationship between SUA and microvascular complications. The present study was conducted by retrospectively evaluating the files of 160 patients and 85 healthy controls who followed up with a diagnosis of T1DM over the age of 18. The SUA level was lower in T1DM patients than in the control group (p: 0.035), and a negative correlation was found between the SUA level and HbA1c (r:-0.172, p: 0.03). There was a positive correlation between SUA and creatinine level (r: 0.269, p: 0.001). The SUA level was found to be higher in patients with nephropathy regardless of the duration of diabetes (r2: 0.185, p: 0.027). Elevated SUA level was not found as an independent risk factor in patients with neuropathy and retinopathy. In conclusion, although there was a lower SUA level in T1DM patients than in the control group, SUA level was elevated in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Further prospective studies are required to determine whether elevated SUA level is a risk factor for the development of diabetic nephropathy., Tip 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) pankreasta bulunan beta hücrelerinin hasarı sonucu gelişen ve insülin eksikliği ile karakterize kronik metabolik bir hastalıktır. Nefropati, retinopati ve nöropati diyabetin bilinen mikrovasküler komplikasyonlarıdır. T1DM hastalarında serum ürik asit (SÜA) düzeyini değerlendiren az sayıda çalışma mevcuttur ve SÜA düzeyinin mikrovasküler komplikasyonlar ile ilişkisi tartışmalıdır. Bu çalışmada T1DM hastalarında SÜA düzeyini değerlendirmeyi ve SÜA düzeyinin mikrovasküler komplikasyonlar ile ilişkisini incelemeyi amaçladık. Bu çalışma 18 yaşından büyük T1DM tanısı ile takipli 160 hastanın ve 85 sağlıklı kontrolün dosyalarının retrospektif değerlendirilmesi ile yapıldı. T1DM hastalarında kontrol grubuna göre SÜA düzeyi düşük bulundu (p:0.035) ve SÜA düzeyi ile HbA1c arasında negatif kolerasyon saptandı (r:-0.172, p:0.03). SÜA ile kreatinin düzeyi arasında pozitif kolerasyon saptandı (r:0.269, p:0.001). Nefropati gelişen hastalarda SÜA düzeyi diyabet süresinden bağımsız olarak yüksek saptanırken (r2:0.185, p:0.027) nöropati ve retinopatisi mevcut olan hastalarda SÜA yüksekliği bağımsız bir risk faktörü olarak saptanmadı. Sonuç olarak T1DM hastalarında kontrol grubuna göre daha düşük SÜA düzeyi bulunmasına rağmen diyabetik nefropati gelişen hastalarda SÜA düzeyinin yüksek olduğu saptandı. Yüksek SÜA düzeyinin diyabetik nefropati gelişiminde risk faktörü olup olmadığını belirlemek için daha ileri prospektif çalışmalar gereklidir.

Hypocalcemia is a common problem after parathyroidectomy and/or thyroidectomy. The complication may be transient or permanent. Most cases occur as a result of removal of the parathyroid glands or damage to the glands during neck surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative vitamin D deficiency in predicting transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy.Retrospective evaluation was made of 180 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism in respect of serum 25(OH)D, calcium and parathyroid hormone before and after parathyroidectomy. Transient hypocalcemia was defined as corrected calcium ≤ 8.4 mg/dL, and these cases were then evaluated for preoperative 25(OH)D values. Transient hypoparathyroidism has been described as low PTH level immediately after surgery before beginning any supplementation. Permanent hypoparathyroidism is accepted as the need for medical treatment is necessary over 12 months.Both transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism developed at statistically significantly higher rates in patients with preoperative vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency.Vitamin D deficiency is an independent contributor to transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism following parathyroidectomy.

Objective Ultrasound assessment plays an important role in the diagnosis, and monitoring of subacute thyroiditis (SAT). However, the relationship between ultrasonographic findings and severity or prognosis of the disease is not known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between bilateral and unilateral disease involvement and severity and prognosis of the disease. Subjects and methods The initial laboratory values, ultrasonographic findings and long-term outcomes of 247 SAT patients were evaluated retrospectively. Results In the ultrasonographic evaluation, bilateral involvement was detected in 154 patients, and unilateral involvement in 93 patients at the time of diagnosis. No significant difference was found between patients with bilateral or unilateral disease at the time of diagnosis in respect of the initial acute phase reactants. FT4 was significantly higher and TSH was significantly lower in the group with bilateral disease. Bilobar or unilobar disease on ultrasound at the time of diagnosis was not found to be a risk factor for permanent hypothyroidism or recurrence. The mean thyroid volume was determined to be 22.5 ± 10 cm3 at the beginning of treatment, and 11.2 ± 8 cm3 at the end of treatment. The initial thyroid volume and the thyroid volume at the end of treatment were significantly lower in patients who developed hypothyroidism. Conclusion There was no relationship between initial acute phase reactants and bilateral or unilateral involvement of the disease. FT4 levels were found to be associated with the extension of the disease. The risk of recurrence and permanent hypothyroidism are not associated with the initial ultrasonographic aspect. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(3):306-11

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium and parathormone level, co-existence of thyroid nodule, thyroidectomy history and adenoma volume on the success of neck ultrasound (US) and technetium-99m sestamibi (MIBI) scan in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) patients. This study included 256 patients with PHP who underwent parathyroidectomy. 169 (%66) patients had vitamin D deficiency and 56 (%22) of patients had insufficiency. The sensitivity of US and MIBI studies showed no difference between vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and replete groups (%80.5, %82 and %71 (p > 0.05) and %81, %84 and %71 respectively (p > 0.05)). Vitamin D level was not found to be an independent predictor of localization on either US or MIBI scan after adjusting for different variables (p > 0.05). Calcium level was found to be an independent predictor for US sensitivity (r2:0,033, p:0,032) and parathormone level for MIBI sensitivity (r2:0,05, p:0,025). The co-existence of nodular thyroid disease and history of thyroidectomy significantly decreased the sensitivity of US (%76 and %43). MIBI sensitivity was not impaired by nodular disease but the history of thyroidectomy also impaired the sensitivity of MIBI (%43). As a result vitamin D level does not affect the sensitivity of preoperative localization tests.

OBJECTIVE: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues are now widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Many binding sites for GLP-1 have been demonstrated in the specific tissue compartments of organs in­cluding the brain and thyroid. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exenatide treatment on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid volume in diabetic patients without thyroid disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 46 diabetic patients without thyroid disease who were receiving exenatide treatment. Comparisons were made of total thyroid volume and serum concentrations of TSH at baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients, 13 were excluded from the study, as they were unable to complete the treatment or left the follow-up process. After 6 months of exenatide treatment, the serum TSH concentration decreased significantly (from 2.3 [0.7–5.4] to 1.8 mIU/L [0.3–4.2], p = 0.007). There were no significant differences in thyroid volume (11.6 ± 9.0 vs. 12.1 ± 8.8 cm3, p = 0.19), free thyroxine (fT4), free tri-iodothyronine (fT3), and calcitonin levels before and after treatment. Thyroid volume was not affected by decreased TSH level (p:= 0.141) or a reduction in body mass index (BMI) (p > 0.05), and no correlation was detected between variation in TSH level and change in BMI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exenatide treatment for 6 months significantly decreased serum TSH concentration but did not affect thyroid volume in diabetic patients without thyroid disease.

Background: Vasculopathy is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Behcet’s Disease (BD). Subclinical atherosclerosis can even be detected in the early stage of BD. Soluble tumor necrosis factor-like (TNF) weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is known as a good marker of the inflammation in vascular tree. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and serum TWEAK levels in patients with BD. Materials and Methods: In line with International BD Study Group criteria, 48 BD, and 30 controls were included in our study. Disease activity was evaluated according to BD current activity form (BDCAF). C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lipid parameters, serum TWEAK levels, and cIMT were measured. Results: Disease activity score of BD patients was found as 2 (range 0–7). cIMT, serum TWEAK, CRP and ESR levels of BD patients were significantly higher comparing to cIMT (0.62 ± 0.13 mm vs. 0.43 ± 0.09 mm, p < 0.001), serum TWEAK (667.5 ± 130.6 vs. 603.4 ± 89.6 pg/ml, p = 0.015), CRP (3.9 ± 4.3 vs. 1.4 ± 1.0 mg/dl, p < 0.001) and ESR (10.2 ± 10.0 vs. 5.6 ± 3.7 mm/h, p = 0.005) levels of the control group. There was a positive correlation between serum TWEAK level and disease activity (r = 0.251, p = 0.030) and cIMT (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). Our study also revealed an independent correlation between cIMT and serum TWEAK levels (beta = 0.354, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Increased serum TWEAK levels can play a part in the development of atherosclerotic heart disease in BD. Due to their liability to atherosclerosis, patients with BD must followed closely.

cure, erkan/0000-0001-7807-135X; Cure, Medine Cumhur/0000-0001-9253-6459; Aydogan Baykara, Rabia/0000-0003-0542-266X WOS: 000399025700011 PubMed: 27431747 Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis of these complications can reduce morbidity and mortality. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and the logarithmic value of triglyceride to high density lipoprotein ratio (atherogenic index of plasma, AIP) are good markers of atherosclerosis. the purpose of this study was to investigate whether AIP is a predictive marker of subclinical atherosclerosis in BD patients. A total of 84 BD patients (60 male, 24 female) and 84 healthy control individuals (58 male, 26 female) were included in this study. cIMT measurements were made, and AIP values were calculated. cIMT (p < 0.001) and AIP (p < 0.001) values of the BD patients were higher than those of the control group. A strong independent relationship was found between the AIP value and cIMT (beta = 0.232, p = 0.018). in the subgroup analysis, the cIMT and AIP values of male BD patients were higher than those of female BD patients. Increased AIP and cIMT values can be a good marker for subclinical atherosclerosis in BD patients, especially in male BD patients.

Cure, Medine Cumhur/0000-0001-9253-6459; cure, erkan/0000-0001-7807-135X; Balta, Sevket/0000-0002-6657-7334 WOS: 000374792900009 PubMed: 26941246 Behcet's disease (BD) is a vasculitic and inflammatory disease causing endothelial dysfunction. Irisin is a metabolic hormone related to insulin resistance and endothelial functions. in this study, we investigated the relationship between irisin and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), which is a marker of atherosclerosis in patients with BD. 48 patients with BD and 50 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Disease severity was evaluated by BD current activity form. Irisin, glucose, insulin, C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lipid panel were examined in all patients. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to calculate insulin resistance. A simple and inexpensive cIMT test was used as indicator of atherosclerosis. cIMT was 0.62 (0.45-1.05) mm in the patients, while it was 0.38 (0.25-0.65) mm in the control group (p

Amaç: Primer hiperparatiroidili hastalarda, paratiroid adenom ağırlığıveya hacminin hiperparatiroidinin biyokimyasal parametreleri ileilişkisini araştıran çalışmaların sonuçları çelişkilidir. Bu çalışmada, primer hiperparatiroidilihastalarda preoperatif adenom hacmi ile labaratuvar parametreleri ve kardiyo-metabolikrisk faktörleri arasındaki ilişkinin değerlendirilmesini amaçladık. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya primer hiperparatiroidisi olan 75 hasta ve 96 kontrol olgusu alındı.Demografik, antropometrik ve biyokimyasal veriler kaydedildi. Adenom hacmi ilelabaratuvar ve kardiyo-metabolik risk faktörleri arasındaki ilişki korrelasyonanalizi ile değerlendirildi. Preoperatif adenoma hacmi ellipsoid model formülüile hesaplandı. Sonuçlar: Ortalama yaş her iki gruptabenzerdi (52.69 ± 10.91 to 53.33 ± 7.70, p:0.667). Ortalama adenom hacmi 1.42 ± 2.62 cm3 idi. Paratiroid adenomhacmi, parathormon ve kalsiyum düzeyleri ile pozitif korrele iken, vitamin Ddüzeyleri ile negatif korrele idi (p0.05).Parathormon, kalsiyum,fosfor veya vitamin D düzeyleri ile kardiyo-metabolik risk faktörleri arasındailişki saptanmadı (p>0.05). Sonuç: Paratiroid adenoma hacmi ile parathormon, kalsiyum vevitamin D düzeyleri arasında korrelasyon olmasına rağmen paratiroid adenoma hacmiile kardiyo-metabolikrisk faktörleri arasında ilişki saptanmadı., Aim: Thestudies conducted to investigate the association between biochemicalmanifestations of hyperparathyroidism such as serum parathyroid hormone, serumcalcium, and serum phosphate levels, and parathyroid adenoma weight and volumehave conflicting results. We aimed to investigate whether there is an associationof preoperative size of adenoma with laboratory parameters and cardio-metabolicrisk factors in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.Material and Method: Seventy-five patients with PHPT and 96 controlsubjects were enrolled in the study. Demographic, anthropometric andbiochemistry data were recorded. Correlation analysis was used for determiningthe relation between adenoma volume and cardio-metabolic parameters.Preoperative adenoma volume was calculated bythe ellipsoid model formula. Results: Mean agewas similar between groups (52.69 ± 10.91 to 53.33 ± 7.70, p:0.667). Mean sizeof adenoma was 1.42 ± 2.62cm3. Size of adenoma was positively correlated with calcium andparathormone levels and negatively correlated with vitamin D level (p0.05). PTH, calcium, phosphorus or vitamin D levels were also notcorrelated cardio-metabolic risk factors.Conclusions: Adenomavolume has a correlation with parathormone, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin Dlevels, however, it is not associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by chronic inflammation. Plasma atherogenic index (PAI) is a valuable marker for the cardiovascular disease and cardiac risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and clinical use of PAI in atherosclerosis and the cardiac risk in SLE patients.We included 56 female SLE patients who were selected according to the American College of Rheumatology (1997) diagnosis criteria. Furthermore, we selected age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched 56 female healthy individuals. PAI was measured as a logarithmic value of triglyceride to high-density cholesterol ratio. We used carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) as an inflammatory marker because of its widespread use. The lipid and other biochemical parameters of patient and control groups were examined.The PAI and cIMT values of SLE patients were 0.04±0.23 and 0.78±0.18 mm, respectively. Besides, for the control group, the PAI value was -0.09±0.20 and cIMT value was 0.50±0.15 mm (p=0.002, p0.001; respectively). There was a strong correlation between cIMT and PAI (r=0.273, p=0.003). According to the multiple logistic regression analysis, we found that PAI value is an independent factor for cIMT in SLE patients (odds ratio: 2.6, 95 % confidence interval; 1.506-4.374; p=0.029).We determined that PAI can be used as an independent indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE patients.Sistemik lupus eritematozus (SLE), kronik inflamasyon ile karakterize bir hastalıktır. Plazma aterojenik indeks (PAI), kardiyovasküler hastalık ve kardiyak risk için değerli bir belirteçtir. Bu çalışmanın amacı PAI’in SLE hastalarında aterosklerozu ve kardiyak riski değerlendirmekteki rolü ve klinik kullanılabilirliliğini araştırmaktır.Amerikan Romatoloji Koleji (1997) tanı kriterlerine göre değerlendirilen 56 kadın SLE hastası dahil edildi. Ayrıca yaş ve vucüt kitle indeksi uyumlu 56 kadın sağlıklı kişi seçildi. PAI, trigliserit’in yüksek yoğunluklu kolesterole oranı logartimik ölçümüdür. Karotis intima medya kalınlığı (KIMK) inflamatuvar belirteç olarak yaygın olarak kullanıldığından, bu işareti bu çalışmada kullandık. Hasta ve kontrol gruplarının lipid ve diğer biyokimyasal parametreleri incelendi.Hasta grubunda PAI 0,04±0,23, KIMK 0,78±0,18 mm, kontrol grubunda PAI −0,09±0,20, KIMK 0,50±0,15 mm olduğu tespit edildi. Hasta grubunda PAI ve KIMK’ın kontrol grubuna kıyasla yüksek olduğu görüldü (sırasıyla p=0,002, p0,001). SLE hastaları içerisine KIMK ile PAI arasında pozitif korelasyon olduğu görüldü (r=0,273, p=0,003). Multipl logistik regresyon analize göre PAI, KIMK için bağımsız risk faktörü olarak değerlendirildi (Olasılık oranı: 2,6, Güven aralığı %95 1,506–4,374, p=0,029).Bu çalışma bize PAI’nın SLE hastalarında subklinik aterosklerozun değerlendirilmesinde kullanılabilecek bağımsız bir belirteç olabileceğini düşündürdü.

The thyroid gland is susceptible to nodulation. The mechanism responsible for the growth of only some follicular cells, which results in nodule formation, is not yet clear. Selenium deficiency may be a risk factor in the development of thyroid nodules. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between selenium levels in patients with euthyroid nodular thyroid disease. Seventy patients with a solitary euthyroid thyroid nodule, 70 patients with more than one euthyroid nodule, and 60 healthy patients without thyroid nodules were included in the study. Venous serum samples were stored at -80°C and analyzed the same day using spectrometry. The selenium levels of patients with multiple thyroid nodules, solitary nodules, and patients without nodules were 57.3 ± 14.8 μg/L; 58.8 ± 15.1 μg/L; and 57.6 ± 13.3 μg/L, respectively. The mean serum selenium level of all patients included in the study was 57.9 ± 14.4 μg/L. Although serum selenium levels were slightly higher in men, a statistically significant difference was not observed. In our study, a significant relationship between serum selenium levels and nodular thyroid disease was not seen. Our study was undertaken in an iodine sufficient region. Mean serum selenium levels were lower compared with many other studies, which may be associated with the low selenium content of the soil. Nodular thyroid disease shows multifactorial features. When our study is considered together with previous studies, serum selenium levels may considered to be effective on structural thyroid diseases if combined with additional factors such as severe iodine deficiency. Further studies are required to assess the role of selenium in thyroid nodule formation.