Hypothyroidism among patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Morteza Faghih-Jouybari; Soheil Naderi; Sara Mashayekhi; Tahereh Padeganeh; Sina Abdollahzade

Morteza Faghih-Jouybari Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Soheil Naderi Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
Sara Mashayekhi Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
Tahereh Padeganeh Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Sina Abdollahzade Department of Neurosurgery, Rajaayi Hospital, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran

Keywords: Glioblastoma Multiforme; Hypothyroidism; Cranial Irradiation

Abstract

Background: Patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are prone to various metabolic changes such as hypothyroidism. The present study was planned to assess the frequency of hypothyroidism in these patients. Methods: Fifty-two patients with GBM were included. All of them had been treated by tumor resection followed by cranial irradiation. Thyroid function was assessed by measurement of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3). Results: There were 33 men and 19 women. The average age was 52.4 ± 12.8 years. Among these, 32 (61%) had normal thyroid function test, whereas 4 (8%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, 5 (10%) had overt primary hypothyroidism, and 11 (21%) had secondary hypothyroidism. Sixteen patients (31%) needed thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is relatively prevalent in patients with treated GBM. Regular thyroid function test is advised to aid the introduction of appropriate hormone replacement therapy.