Thyroid Surgery Complication May Not Affect Quality of Life
METHODOLOGY:
Researchers in Sweden conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study to examine differences in health-related quality of life between patients with and without hypoparathyroidism who underwent total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease between 2005 and 2015.
They analysed data of 46 patients (mean age, 35.8 years) with permanent hypoparathyroidism and 653 patients (mean age, 45.7 years) without the condition.
Permanent hypoparathyroidism was defined as low serum levels of parathyroid hormone with hypocalcaemia at 12 months post-surgery or at least one failed attempt to manage levels of calcium and/or active vitamin D at 12-24 months post-surgery.
The quality of life was assessed using the Swedish version of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire, evaluating eight health domains and two summary scores.
The mean follow-up duration of the study was 10.9 years.
TAKEAWAY:
No significant differences in baseline characteristics, including indication for surgery, were observed between patients with and without permanent hypoparathyroidism; however, those with permanent hypoparathyroidism were significantly younger than those without (mean age, 35.8 vs 45.7 years; P < .001).
< .001). Similarly, no significant differences were observed between patients with and without permanent hypoparathyroidism across all health domains and the summary component scores ( P > .05 for all).
> .05 for all). A comparable proportion of patients with and without permanent hypoparathyroidism scored within or above the average range on the physical component summary ( P = .802) and the mental component summary ( P = .387).
IN PRACTICE:
"It is possible that the impact on HRQoL [health-related quality of life] is most prominent during the initial interval and diminishes over time as patients adapt to their life-long complication," the authors wrote.
SOURCE:
This study was led by Matilda Annebäck, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. It was published online on May 07, 2025, in BJS Open .
LIMITATIONS:
This study did not include data on socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. The response rate of the study was 48.3%, which could have introduced a non-response bias. The 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire might not fully capture aspects unique to hypoparathyroidism.
DISCLOSURES:
This study was supported by grants from the Bergholm Foundation. The authors declared having no conflicts of interest.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What Happens to Your Body When You Take Zinc
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Zinc is a vital mineral that your body relies on to stay healthy. Since your body can't produce zinc on its own, you need to get it through your diet. Foods like meat, shellfish, nuts and seeds are great natural sources of zinc. This nutrient plays a big part in keeping your immune system strong, helping wounds heal and even supporting your body's production of DNA and proteins. Zinc is especially important for growth and development during key life stages like childhood, adolescence and pregnancy. But why do you need zinc? Having sufficient zinc levels is key to keeping your body running smoothly. Without enough of this powerhouse mineral, you might experience symptoms like weakened immunity, hair loss or slower wound healing, so getting the right amount through your diet or supplements is a simple yet effective way to support your health. Why We Love Zinc Supports the Immune System Zinc is renowned for its immune-supporting properties. Research has shown that zinc is essential for all types of immune cells, helping them respond effectively to various challenges like infections or environmental stressors. It supports key biological processes, including the development of immune cells and their ability to fight off bacteria, viruses and parasites. Additionally, zinc has been linked to conditions like autoimmune diseases and certain cancers which involve the immune system either overreacting or underperforming. Supports Cell Growth and Development Especially important for children and adolescents, zinc is necessary for proper growth and development. Rhyan Geiger, RDN, explains, 'One of the main functions of zinc is to help with DNA synthesis. Zinc helps cells grow and multiply, which is especially important in times of fast growth, like in pregnancy and childhood. Without proper zinc intake, cells may not be able to grow and multiply as effectively.' Improves Wound Healing Zinc may play a role in wound healing. Specifically, zinc may have an impact on pressure injuries (PIs), often known as bedsores. A review was conducted to highlight whether taking zinc supplements can help wounds like these heal faster, and found that zinc supplementation did improve the healing process significantly, making the wounds heal faster and reducing their size. Promotes Eye Health A lesser-known benefit of zinc is supporting eye health, specifically when focusing on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects eyesight, particularly in older adults. One reason zinc might help is that it stimulates a process called autophagy, which helps cells clean up waste, and this process tends to slow down in AMD. Common Signs of Deficiency A zinc deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, many of which are subtle and may go unnoticed initially. Some common signs include: Weakened immunity Frequent colds or illnesses Slower wound healing Skin conditions such as rashes or acne Zinc deficiency may also result in hair thinning or loss, diminished appetite and changes in taste or smell. Severe deficiencies, though rare, can contribute to stunted growth in children and delayed sexual development in adolescents. Ensuring adequate zinc intake through diet or supplementation is crucial to avoid these potential issues. Recommended Dietary Allowance The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for zinc varies based on age, sex and life stage. For the average adult, the RDA is 11 milligrams per day for men and 8 milligrams per day for women. Those who are pregnant and lactating require more zinc, with RDAs increasing to 11 to 12 milligrams per day to support fetal development and milk production. For children, daily requirements range between 2 to 9 milligrams, depending on age. Meeting these levels ensures your body has enough zinc to perform essential functions, such as supporting immune health and growth. Food Sources of Zinc Here are some good food sources of zinc to help you meet your needs, per the USDA. We especially love how there are both animal and plant sources with zinc readily available: Cooked Ground Beef: 3 ounces provides 5.3 mg of zinc (48% of the Daily Value [DV]) Lentils (cooked): 1 cup provides 2.5 mg of zinc (23% DV) Chickpeas (cooked): 1 cup provides 2.5 mg of zinc (23% DV) Nonfat Plain Yogurt: 1 cup provides 2.4 mg of zinc (22% DV) Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 cup provides 1.4 mg of zinc (18% DV) Cashews: 1 ounce provides 1.6 mg of zinc (15% DV) Choosing a Supplement When dietary intake isn't adequate, choosing the right zinc supplement can help bridge the gap and support your nutritional needs. Zinc supplements come in various forms, including zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate and zinc picolinate, each offering different levels of bioavailability. Consulting with a healthcare professional is strongly recommended before beginning supplementation. They can help determine the appropriate dosage and form based on your individual circumstances. It is also important to be mindful of how zinc supplementation affects the absorption of other minerals, particularly copper. Excessive zinc intake may deplete copper stores in the body, potentially leading to deficiency-related issues. To avoid such complications, consider opting for a supplement that includes copper or incorporate copper-rich foods into your diet. Staying within the recommended upper limit of 40 milligrams of zinc per day for adults is crucial unless otherwise directed by a medical professional. Additionally, prioritizing products that have undergone independent verification can ensure their quality, purity and accurate labeling, giving you confidence in your choice. Our Expert Take Understanding the importance of zinc and ensuring adequate intake can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. This mineral is a powerhouse for supporting immunity, growth and repair processes in your body, making it indispensable in your daily diet. By incorporating zinc-rich foods or supplements, when necessary, you can help sustain your health and meet your nutritional needs. Always remember to consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect a zinc deficiency or are considering supplements, ensuring your approach is both safe and effective. With zinc playing such a vital role, prioritizing it in your nutrition plan is a small step that can yield big benefits for your health. Frequently asked Questions What are symptoms of zinc deficiency? Common signs of zinc deficiency include weakened immune function, hair loss, delayed wound healing, loss of appetite and changes in taste or smell. In more severe cases, it can also affect skin health and stunt growth. Can you take too much zinc? Yes, excessive zinc intake—usually from supplements—can lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and headaches. Long-term overconsumption may interfere with the absorption of other minerals like copper and impair immune function. For adults, the tolerable upper limit for zinc is 40 milligrams. What foods are high in zinc? Zinc-rich foods include ground beef, lentils, chickpeas, yogurt, chicken breast and cashews. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Philips partners with Epic to integrate cardiac monitoring services
Royal Philips has entered a partnership with Epic for integrating its cardiac monitoring and diagnostics services suite with the latter's diagnostics suite Aura. This move aims to provide the comprehensive cardiac care portfolio available through Aura. The integration is expected to enhance interoperability between Philips' technologies and Epic, facilitating improved diagnostic processes and patient results. With the integration, health system IT teams will be able to witness a reduction in the time required to engage with Philips. This would enable provider organisations to order and review the ECG results of patients directly within Epic, eliminating the requirement for manual work and data entry. The streamlined process is designed to improve workflows for providers and support care decisions. Philips ambulatory monitoring and diagnostics business leader Stefano Folli said: 'Together, Philips and Epic can help enable workflow efficiencies that lighten cardiac care teams' load, so they can spend more time focusing on what matters most – providing direct patient care.' The partnership between Philips and Epic also aims to simplify administrative tasks by automating staff notifications, patient activation, and charting. This could provide cardiology teams with more time to focus on direct patient care. Epic cardiology and imaging diagnostics vice-president Leah Johnson said: 'When a physician prescribes a cardiac monitor, it allows patients to be evaluated for heart conditions as they go about their daily lives, even before they see a cardiologist. 'Through this collaboration, we're streamlining the clinical experience for both patients and physicians, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring that detailed diagnostic reports are readily available in the patient's comprehensive health record.' Philips' ambulatory portfolio includes remote monitoring along with enterprise ECG management solutions. Earlier this year, Philips and Massachusetts General Brigham collaborated to develop and deploy AI and advanced data infrastructure. "Philips partners with Epic to integrate cardiac monitoring services" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
'I'm utterly lost': Patients' anger over doctors strike cancellations
The resident doctors strike in England has begun after a dispute over pay between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA). Thousands of doctors are walking out over five days, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting insisting that disruption will be kept to a minimum. But several NHS patients have told the BBC they fear their conditions could become worse after delays to scheduled procedures, while some have also expressed sympathy over the concerns the doctors are raising. Peter Plant, 58, of Tamworth, who has kidney cancer, said his surgery to remove the organ on Friday was cancelled on Thursday morning. The operation has been rescheduled for 20 August, but he fears the delay could be a "death sentence". "Resident doctors do not care that delaying operations like mine are very likely a death sentence," he said. "I'm absolutely angry and frustrated. It is not just about me, it's about our whole family. "You try and gear yourself up for it and then it's utter deflation." Mr Plant said he and his family had been living in "limbo" and that he felt "utterly lost". "Wes Streeting says he has told hospitals to carry on as normal and they're clearly not," he added. Official figures have not yet been released on the impact of the strike. Some hospitals are reporting more than 80% of their non-urgent work is still being carried out. Previous walkouts have led to mass cancellations of operations, appointments and treatments: more than one million were cancelled during resident doctor strikes in March 2023 and routine care was cut by half at some hospitals. 'My three-year-old needs surgery now' Hassnain Shahid, from Bradford, said his three-year-old daughter urgently needed lung surgery but it had been indefinitely postponed - despite medical warnings about the risks of delay. "It's been an emotional rollercoaster and it's very frustrating for us," Mr Shahid said. Mr Shahid's daughter has Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM), a rare lung condition. He said consultants told him surgery was urgent and that it was important it took place in the summer when there was less chance his daughter could catch a cold. "Now we've been told the surgery has been cancelled and they have no availability - not even in September," he said. "They were the ones that said she needed to have it done. "I understand why the doctors are striking, but when you take this path and you go to university you know how much you're going to earn - if you're not happy with the pay, look at an alternative career." Repeated delays to surgery Sarah, a patient from the north-west of England, said she was due to have a hysterectomy - an operation to remove her uterus - on Monday but it had been cancelled for a second time. "They don't have a rescheduled date for me at this time," she said. "It's very hard when you have been mentally preparing yourself for major surgery, especially as I was first told that I needed one in November 2024." Andrew Mundy, 58, from Lincoln, expressed fears that repeated delays to his tendon surgery could leave him permanently injured. He injured his knee in early February and was given an initial date for surgery at the end of May, which he said was cancelled because the consultant was on holiday. The surgery was rearranged for Friday but was cancelled because of the strike, he said. "I am furious and aware that every delay in surgery will make the chances of a successful repair even less likely," he said. "It is not fair that I may never recover from this injury due to delays in treatment. "It's frustrating because [the NHS] say that they are not cancelling stuff and things are running as normal, but they are cancelling stuff." Michele, from Somerset, has been waiting three years for spinal surgery. She has been told her appointment, which had been scheduled for Thursday, has been cancelled, which she believes is down to the strikes. Michele said she suffers "constant" and "relentless" nerve pain down the left side of her body. "I feel I've been let down, I feel like I'm not worth it. It's knocked me," she said. Michele said she had taken sick leave from work for more than a fortnight, having already taken a step back from her leadership role to work part-time from home due to the pain. "It's got to the point so I can't even do that now. It's really affecting my life," she added. John Dixon, 81, from the Isle of Wight, said he found out that his knee operation scheduled for Friday at Southampton General Hospital was cancelled with just three hours' notice. Mr Dixon said he was already on the ferry to Southampton when he received a call from the hospital informing him of the cancellation. "How can the NHS treat patients like this?" he said. "They must have [had] a good idea [on Thursday] without letting people go on long journeys just to return home." Michael Overson, from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, has been waiting three years for a knee operation and found out on Friday his surgery, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, had been cancelled. Mr Overson is a delivery driver for a national supermarket chain and says the delay means he will have to "continue living and working in pain". "This places me in limbo as I have no idea when it'll be rearranged. I can't plan anything," he said. "The increased costs the strikes cause only causes greater harm to the NHS." Dr Tom Dolphin, the chairman of the BMA, said before the action began that "we are very sorry that strikes have become necessary". "Of course if people have emergencies or need urgent care they should still present to the hospital or their GP as usual, as they always would," he said. "Striking is something that doctors don't want to have to do." Additional reporting by Bernadette McCague, Mary Litchfield, Rozina Sini and Kris Bramwell NHS faces challenging few days during doctors strike, warns Streeting Why are resident doctors striking and what are they paid?
