Loss of Follow-up for Thyroid Nodules in Patients Living in Poverty
Authors' conclusion
There is a notable disparity in the follow-up of thyroid nodules, with patients from high poverty areas being more susceptible to loss of follow-ups.
Study context
- Population
- Patients who underwent fine needle aspiration for thyroid nodules; 62.6% White, 78.5% female, average age 55 ± 16 years28% from high poverty areas
- Participants
- 2,446 patients
- Exposure
- Patients from high poverty areas vs others
- Outcome
- Follow-up after thyroid nodule detection (follow-up US, clinic visits, thyroidectomy)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Association of poverty with not having follow-up (multivariable logistic regression)
Poverty significantly associated with not having follow-up, all patients: OR
0.78 (0.64-0.96) (95% CI)
Poverty significantly associated with not having follow-up, non-benign biopsy (Bethesda 3 or higher): OR
0.44 (0.24-0.81) (95% CI)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Follow-up in all patients
- Benign findings (Bethesda II)
- 73.5%
- At least one follow-up US
- 42.5%
- At least one clinic visit
- 59%
- Thyroidectomy
- 24.4%
- Malignancy rate on surgical pathology
- 34.8%
Original publication
Loss of Follow-up for Thyroid Nodules in Patients Living in Poverty. Endocr Pract. Published 16 November 2024. doi:10.
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