Thyroid profile in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: prognostic role of thyrotropin-releasing hormone

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the thyroid profile in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and find out the relationship between thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) level and the clinical outcome of the patients. Patients and methods Prospective observational research was conducted from January to June 2024. This study included a sequential sample of 44 newly diagnosed ALL patients aged 15 and above. Each patient underwent full medical history, clinical examination, complete blood count, blood film, bone marrow aspirate, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, karyotyping, and a thyroid profile including T3, T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and TRH. They were evaluated both at the time of diagnosis and after induction chemotherapy. Results A total of 44 patients were included in the study, 37 males and 7 females. Their ages ranged from 15 to 60 years (mean age 29.56 ± 13.91 years). All initial T3, T4, TSH, and TRH were statistically significantly lower than post-chemotherapy results (with p value = 0.001, 0.007, 0.035, and < 0.00,1 respectively). Initial TSH showed a statistically significant negative correlation with disease-free survival (with r = −033 and p = 0.027). Initial TRH showed a statistically significant negative correlation with overall survival and disease-free survival (with r = −030 and −030 and p = 0.45 and 0.45, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that initial TSH was the most significant determining factor of disease-free survival (with = −0.34 and p = 0.029). On the other hand, multiple regression analysis showed that karyotyping was found to be the most significant determining factor of overall survival in multiple regression analysis (with = 0.46 and p = 0.049, respectively). The evaluation of disease-free survival using the Kaplan–Meier curve, based on the initial thyroid profile, indicated the most favorable outcomes in patients with a euthyroid state and euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS). Conclusions Thyroid hormonal profile is initially affected in some patients with adult ALL. Euthyroid status is most commonly encountered with initial assessment. Abnormalities included ESS, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Significant improvement in the thyroid profile after the induction phase ensures the role of disease rather than therapy itself. Initial TRH and TSH have a negative prognostic impact on ALL outcomes. Moreover, the euthyroid status and ESS were associated with the best survival of ALL.