Alterations in pituitary-thyroid axis function among opioid-dependent subjects after acute and protracted abstinence

作者：Zhang Guo fu; Tang Yi lang; Smith Alicia K; Liu Zhen qi; Sheng Li xia; Chi Yong; Du Wan jun; Guo Song; Jiang Zuo ning; Xiao Le; Zhang Hong xi; Luo Xiao nian^*

来源：ADDICTION BIOLOGY, 2009, 14(3): 310-314.

DOI：10.1111/j.1369-1600.2008.00144.x

• Free thyroxine
• free triiodothyronine
• opioid dependence
• thyroid-stimulating hormone
• time course
• withdrawal

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the pituitary-thyroid axis (PTA) and the time course of the hormonal alterations in subjects with opioid dependence after abstinence. Blood samples from in-patients with opioid dependence and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were collected. The severity of opioid abuse and of withdrawal symptoms was assessed. Results were compared between patients with opioid dependence (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30). We found that free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine levels were comparable with healthy controls while thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was lower in patients in acute opioid abstinence period. Also, TSH levels in patients remained lower than controls after 30 days of abstinence. These results indicate that PTA function is altered in opioid-dependent subjects. These data highlight the importance of screening the thyroid function for individuals with chronic opioid dependence.

• 出版日期2009-7
• 单位首都医科大学