PAINFUL SUBACUTE THYROIDITIS TREATMENT APPROACH

The aim: The study was aimed to compare the efficiency of intrathyroid steroid injection to oral steroid intake in patients with subacute thyroiditis. Materials and methods: 32 patients with subacute thyroiditis with insufficient result from NSAIDs treatment were randomly divided into two groups. The 1st group received two intrathyroid steroid injections, the 2nd group received oral prednisone. The results of the treatment were evaluated via ultrasound and evaluation of ESR and CRP at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks of treatment. Results: Patients of the 1st group showed much faster result at the ultrasound compared to the 2nd group: mean decrease in hypoechogenity area 44,42% vs 16,35% at week 2, p < 0,001; 93,29% vs 75,98% at week 4, p < 0,001; 97,8% vs 95,24% at week 8, p = 0,4; mean decrease in ESR 66,34% vs 51,92% at week 2, p = 0,023; 84,43% vs 74,94% at week 4, p = 0,023; mean decrease in CRP 26,53% vs 20,77% at week 2, p = 0,024, 33,77% vs 29,98%, at week 4, p = 0,026. No side effects were noted during the treatment of patients of the 1st group. Conclusions: Compared to oral steroid intake intrathyroid steroid injection is faster, safer and generally better tolerated by patients.