Is hyperthyroidism a consequence of hematopoietic stem cell transplant for acute myeloid leukemia patients?

This study aimed to investigate the thyroid function in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who were treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT).

This study concluded that a significant number of AML patients treated with allo-HSCT experience hyperthyroidism. 

An allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) is the standard treatment option for AML. It involves taking stem cells from a donor and transplanting them into the AML patient. Stem cells can produce any cell type and help to restore the immune system. 

Hyperthyroidism can be an affect of allo-HSCT. It involves the thyroid gland overproducing hormones and changing the body's metabolism. Sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat and sweating can occur.  

It was not known how common hyperthyroidism was in AML patients who underwent allo-HSCT. 

This study involved 104 AML patients who underwent allo-HSCT. The treatments received before allo-HSCT varied. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and free thyroxine levels (ft4) were recorded in patients before and after allo-HSCT. These levels indicate whether hyperthyroidism is subclinical (hard to detect) or overt (obvious). Patients were followed for an average of 47 months.

Subclinical hyperthyroidism was observed in 19.2% of patients. Overt hyperthyroidism was observed in 3.8% of patients.

Positive thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies were observed in 4.8% of patients. TPO antibodies indicate that the hyperthrodism is due to an autoimmune disorder.

Patients who had repeated allo-HSCT and positive TPO antibodies were at a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism. Older patients had lower risk of hyperthyroidism compared to younger patients. 

This study concluded that hyperthyroidism is common among AML patients treated with allo-HSCT. The study also concluded that monitoring of thyroid function after allo-HSCT is important. 

A larger study group is needed. 

Consult your physician about thyroid function if you have received allo-HSCT as part of AML treatment.