Association between circadian rhythm disruption and the risk of malignancy in patients with thyroid nodules: a propensity score-matched study - Report - MDSpire
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Association between circadian rhythm disruption and the risk of malignancy in patients with thyroid nodules: a propensity score-matched study
Clinical Report: Link Between Disruption of Circadian Rhythms and Malignancy Risk
Overview
This study investigates the association between cumulative circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) and the risk of malignancy in patients with thyroid nodules. Findings indicate a strong, dose-dependent relationship between CRD severity and both the presence of malignancy and aggressive clinicopathological features.
Background
The increasing incidence of thyroid cancer necessitates the identification of modifiable risk factors for malignancy in thyroid nodule patients. Circadian rhythm disruption (CRD) is a modern lifestyle factor that may influence cancer risk, yet its specific impact on thyroid malignancy is not well understood. Understanding this relationship could lead to novel strategies for risk stratification and preventive interventions.
Data Highlights
CRD Level
Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)
95% Confidence Interval (CI)
No CRD
1.00
-
Low CRD
1.58
(1.15–2.15)
Moderate CRD
1.85
(1.30–2.62)
High CRD
2.95
(2.05–4.25)
Key Findings
Cumulative CRD is independently associated with malignancy in thyroid nodules.
Higher CRD severity correlates with aggressive features such as multifocality and extrathyroidal extension.
69.4% of patients with high CRD exhibited lymph node metastasis compared to 29.3% in the no CRD group.
High CRD is the strongest independent predictor for lymph node metastasis (aOR = 4.21).
Assessing circadian health may serve as a novel factor for risk stratification in clinical management.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare professionals should consider assessing circadian health in patients with thyroid nodules as a potential modifiable risk factor for malignancy. Lifestyle interventions aimed at improving circadian rhythm may be beneficial in managing patients at risk for aggressive thyroid cancer.
Conclusion
Cumulative CRD is significantly linked to both the presence of malignancy and aggressive progression in thyroid cancer. This highlights the importance of lifestyle factors in the clinical management of thyroid nodules.
