Objective: To explore the nature and extent of possible residual complaints among Dutch hypothyroid patients using thyroid replacement therapy, we initiated a comprehensive study measuring health-related quality of life (QoL), daily functioning, and hypothyroidism-associated symptoms in patients and control persons. Methods: An online survey measuring thyroid-specific QoL (ThyPRO), daily functioning, and hypothyroidismassociated symptoms (ThySHI) was distributed among treated hypothyroid patients and control individuals. The advertising text was formulated in an open-ended manner. Patients also provided their most recent thyroid blood values and their thyroid medication. Results: There was a large-sized impairment of QoL (Cohen’s d = 1.04, +93 % ThyPRO score) in hypothyroid patients on thyroid replacement therapy (n = 1195) as compared to controls (n = 236). Daily functioning was significantly reduced i.e., general health (-38 %), problems with vigorous- (+64 %) and moderate activities (+77 %). Almost 80 % of patients reported having complaints despite thyroid medication and in-range thyroid blood values, with 75 % expressing a desire for improved treatment options for hypothyroidism (total n = 1194). Hypothyroid patients experienced 2.8 times more intense hypothyroidism-associated symptoms than controls (n = 865, n = 203 resp). Patients’ median reported serum concentrations were: TSH 0.90 mU/L, FT4 17.0 pmol/L, and FT3 2.67 pmol/L, with 52 % having low T3 levels (<3.1 pmol/L). The QoL was not found to be related to age, sex, BMI, menopausal status, stress, serum thyroid parameters, the origin and duration of hypothyroidism, the type of thyroid medication, or the LT4 dose used. Conclusions: Our study revealed major reductions in quality of life and daily functioning, and nearly three times more intense hypothyroidism-associated symptoms in treated hypothyroid patients as compared to controls, despite treatment and largely in-range serum TSH/FT4 concentrations. The QoL was not associated with serum thyroid parameters. We recommend future research into the origin of persisting complaints and the development of improved treatment modalities for hypothyroidism.
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Sicca syndrome (dry mouth and dry eyes) occurs predominantly due to the side effects of medication, systemic diseases (Sjögren’s disease), and radiotherapy of the head and neck region. Sicca complaints decrease the quality of life, cause sleep disturbances, and affect overall health. This systematic literature review investigates the correlation and/or association between dry mouth and dry eyes. A comprehensive search was conducted through PubMed and Web of Science databases up to November 2024. English-language research studies investigating the association and/or correlation between dry mouth and dry eyes were included. Study quality was assessed using NIH quality assessment tools. Data on publication details, participant characteristics, assessment methods, and outcomes was extracted and synthesised based on the type of outcome (objective and/or subjective assessments) and cohort type.
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Talloze studies tonen aan dat een fysiek actieve leefstijl bloeddruk, cholesterol en gewicht verlaagt, botten en spieren versterkt en het risico van hart- en vaatziekten, darmkanker en diabetes type II vermindert. Bewegen kan dus worden gezien als een medicijn wat voor iedereen toegankelijk is.
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