ISSN: 2161-1017
Chiarpenello Javier, Parma Ricardo, Carretto Hugo, Guardia Mayra, Pena Carolina, Riccobene Anina, Baella Ana, Strallnicoff Maia, Fernández Lorena, Castagnani Verónica, Laurenti Nieves and Sabrina Aita
Introduction: Obesity and insulin resistance determine metabolic disturbances that are deleterious for the organism. It was shown the association between hyper-insulinemia and increased prevalence of thyroid nodules, related to the goitrogenic action of insulin and insulin-like growth factor. Objective: To establish the prevalence of heterogeneous thyroid ultrasound and its association with hyperinsulinemia in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. Material and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of 50 children between 2 and 14 years old referred to the Department of Endocrinology for overweight or obesity. Results: Heterogeneity was observed in 10 of 50 ultrasounds performed (20%).The 90% of heterogeneous ultrasound, defined by the presence of thyroid nodules or anatomical changes of the gland, had hyper-insulinemia insulin resistance. Of heterogeneous ultrasound with hyper-insulinism, 6 patients had acanthosis nigricans. Of all thyroid ultrasound thyroid nodules were found in 5 cases (9.8%); cysts: in 2 (40%), thyroid nodules: in 2 (40%), pseudonodules: in 1 (20%). Of these patients, 80% had hyperinsulinism. Conclusions: 90% of heterogeneous ultrasound presented as well hyper-insulinism. 80% of patients with thyroid nodules have hyper-insulinism and this fact can be explained by the goitrogenic action of insulin.