Rating incidence of adverse effects after using recombinant TSH (rhTSH)

Introduction
The recombinant TSH (rhTSH) is used in patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), who have undergone a thyroidectomy in the process of hormone suppression therapy, in order to stimulate the synthesis of thyroglobulin (Tg) and increased uptake of ¹³¹I.

Aim of the research
To assess the type and frequency of adverse reactions with the use of rhTSH.

Material and methods
The survey covered a group of 113 patients, including 95 (84%) women and 18 (16%) men. The research tool was an original questionnaire containing questions concerning patients’ particular adverse side effects after the administration of rhTSH, and a comparison of TSH endogenous tolerance stimulation with the use of rhTSH.

Results
The most frequently reported symptoms were hot flushes, 32 (28.3%) patients; headache, 30 (26.5%) patients; and asthaenia, 19 (16.8%) patients. The severity of the symptoms in all cases was small and no medical intervention was required. Among the respondents, 27 (24%) had a follow-up diagnosis, carried out in conditions of thyroid hormone withdrawal. Comparing these two methods, the majority of them (21 patients (78%)) indicated rhTSH stimulation as a more tolerable form.

Conclusions
In the study group, the distribution and frequency of the most common adverse side effects differ from the data presented in the summary of the product characteristics. Reported symptoms, although appearing quite often, were not troublesome to patients. In comparison with TSH endogenous stimulation, rhTSH was preferred and better tolerated by the respondents