Clinical Significance of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Leukocyte, Fibrinogen, C Reactive Protein and Pentraxin-3 Values in Thyroid Nodules

Abstract Introduction: Thyroid nodules are common. Genetic and environmental factors as well as chronic inflammation play a role in occurance of these nodules. The key point in diagnostic assessment is to rule out malignancy. In this study, we evaluate the relationship between sedimentation rate, leukocyte, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP) and pentraxin-3 inflammatory markers and characteristics and cytology of thyroid nodules. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: This study included a nodular goiter group with 55 persons and control group with 58 persons. Participants’ gender, age, family history, thyroid function tests, sedimentation, leukocyte, fibrinogen, CRP and pentraxin-3 serum levels were recorded. The number of nodüles,the largest nodule diameter, nodular echogenicity and nodule structures were examined on ultrasonography and thyroid biopsy was performed. The relationships between these parameters were then statistically evaluated. Results: The number of thyroid nodules in patients was between 1 and 4. The number of patients with two thyroid nodules was higher (47.3%, n: 26). Nodule diameters differed between 3-62 (mean 21) mm. In thyroid biopsy, papillary thyroid cancer was detected in 25.5% (n:14) of the patients. The number of nodules on ultrasonography increased as CRP values increased (p=0.013). In addition, the number of nodules on ultrasonography decreased as fibrinogen values increased (p=0,003). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of sedimentation, leukocyte and pentraxin-3 values. Conclusion: The number of nodules was positively correlated with CRP and negatively correlated with fibrinogen levels. This may be important in clinical follow-up. However, there was no difference between benign and malignant differentiation. Further studies with larger series of patients will provide more definitive results.