The Thyroid Nodules in Kids study (ThyNK study): An evaluation of clinical practice variation
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Topic overview
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of thyroid nodules in children and assess clinical practice variation (CPV) using the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines as a standard.
Methods
Pediatric patients presenting to a tertiary care pediatric centre with a thyroid nodule from 2007 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and disease specific information were collected. CPV and adherence to ATA guidelines were explored.
Results
Of 86 patient records reviewed, 47 (55%) were managed operatively (mean age 14.4, 59F:27M). Fifteen patients (17%) had malignant pathology, and 11/15 (73%) were papillary carcinoma. Of the 47 operative patients, 7 (15%) had no preoperative ultrasound, and 12 patients (26%) did not have preoperative cytology. All patients with low TSH had scintigraphy appropriately performed, and 1 patient with high/normal TSH did not have a preoperative FNA obtained. All differentiated thyroid cancers were appropriately managed with hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy based on pathology. Where CPV from the guidelines was noted, it was associated with complex presentation, the surgeon's decision to proceed to surgery directly, and/or rare pathologies.
Conclusion
The ATA guidelines provide a valuable framework for the management of pediatric thyroid nodules, but CPV persists given patient/disease complexity and heterogeneity.
Type of Study
Case Series with No Comparison Groups.
Level of Evidence
Level VI: Case series with no comparison groups.
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