Top 2021 thyroid news: Food and thyroid function, molecular testing for cancer and more
The Healio and Endocrine Today editors have compiled the most popular thyroid news stories from 2021.
Readers were most interested in foods associated with better thyroid function, molecular testing as a predictor of thyroid cancer, the association between declining thyroid-stimulating hormones and cognitive decline, and more.
Foods with high protein, saturated fatty acids linked to better thyroid function
In a cross-sectional study published in Nutrition, adults eating high amounts of bacon and sausage had higher T 3 and T 4 levels. Eating more fish, white bread, fruit juices, Cedevita vitamin drinks and nonalcoholic drinks, and powdered soup was also associated with higher levels of free T 4 . Read more
Molecular testing most accurately predicts thyroid cancer
In a post hoc analysis published in Thyroid, researchers found molecular testing was the best predictor of malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules, outperforming the American Thyroid Association and American College of Radiology Imaging Reporting and Data System scoring systems. Read more
Decreasing TSH linked to decline in cognitive functioning for older adults
Older adults with lower serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were more likely to experience cognitive decline, according to a study published in Thyroid. Researchers also found declining TSH was associated with lower levels of free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine. Read more
Abnormal free T4 associated with lower brain perfusion in adults
Data presented at the American Thyroid Association virtual meeting in October revealed that both high and low levels of free T 4 were associated with lower global brain perfusion, potentially increasing the risk for brain diseases such as dementia. Read more
Decreased BMD observed in post-, not premenopausal women on TSH suppression
In a study published in the Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, postmenopausal women with differentiated thyroid cancer or on thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy had lower bone mineral density at the lumbar spine compared with healthy controls. However, premenopausal women with differentiated thyroid cancer had a greater BMD than the control group. Read more
Thyroid eye disease requires joint management with ophthalmologists
The American Thyroid Association and European Thyroid Association are currently developing a joint consensus statement regarding the diagnosis and management of thyroid eye disease, which is expected to be released in late 2021 or early 2022. Read more
Increased molecular testing accelerates precision thyroid nodule management, cancer care
Management of indeterminate thyroid nodules has expanded from a repeat FNA biopsy or diagnostic surgery to include molecular testing that measures genomic changes in tissue samples taken from the thyroid. Such tests are part of an effort to improve preoperative risk assessment and reduce unnecessary surgeries, which come with their own risks. Read more