Triiodothyronine levels in acute pulmonary embolism predict in-hospital mortality

Abstract Objective To assess the thyroid function in patients with acute pulmonary embolism, in order to evaluate the prognostic value of thyroid hormones. Methods We studied 31 consecutive patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Measured variables upon admission included the ratio of the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood to the inspired oxygen fraction (PaO 2 /FiO 2 ), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score, risk stratification indices and plasma levels of triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and thyroid stimulating hormone. Results Plasma levels of triiodothyronine were below normal level in 7 patients (22.6%). Plasma triiodothyronine correlated with PaO 2 /FiO 2 ( P P P 2 /FiO 2 . Conclusions Our preliminary data suggest that low plasma triiodothyronine is an independent predictor of in-hospital death in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.