1. Occurrence of clinically relevant thyroid nodules in adultsKatja Zaletel, Katja Tuta, Tina Ušaj, Katica Bajuk-Studen, Nataša Bedernjak-Bajuk, Miha Jesenko, Tanja Radevska, Edvard Pirnat, Matej Gregorič, Urška Blaznik, Maša Hribar, Igor Pravst, Simona Gaberšček, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: We aimed to comprehensively investigate the occurrence of thyroid nodules in a nationally representative population as well as in women of reproductive age from a geographic area with adequate iodine intake over the last two decades. Patients and methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 653 adult participants from three groups: a nationally representative gender-mixed group (205 participants) and women of reproductive age, including non-pregnant (306 participants) and pregnant (142 participants) women. For each participant, demographic data were collected, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured, thyroid volume was estimated, and the presence and size of thyroid nodules were recorded with high-resolution ultrasound. The ultrasound characteristics were analysed. Results: Among the nationally representative participants, nodules were detected in 44.9%, with 39.0% larger than 5 mm and 13.7% larger than 0.5 mL. Among women of reproductive age, nodules were detected in 22.5%, with 14.1% larger than 5 mm and only 2.0% greater than 0.5 mL. The prevalence and size of nodules increased significantly with age in all groups, being significantly lower in non-pregnant women than in pregnant women, who were also older. In non-pregnant women of reproductive age, the number of nodules increased significantly after the age of 25, with the number of nodules larger than 5 mm increasing only after the age of 40. Conclusions: Thyroid nodules are prevalent in the population, but are rarely clinically significant. Therefore, screening for thyroid nodules in asymptomatic individuals with normal thyroid findings on clinical examination should be avoided.
Ključne besede: pregnancy, reproductive period, thyroid nodule
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.04.2026; Ogledov: 149; Prenosov: 105
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3. Diagnosing and management of thyroid nodules and goiter - current perspectivesKatica Bajuk-Studen, Bartosz Domagała, Simona Gaberšček, Katja Zaletel, Alicja Hubalewska-Dydejczyk, 2025, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Due to the frequent diagnosis of benign thyroid nodules, it is necessary to deviate from the traditional paradigm based on frequent surgical treatment. This article highlights the evolution of diagnosis and treatment in recent years, beginning from standardization of ultrasound assessment of nodules and cytology results to minimally invasive techniques to reduce the size of symptomatic thyroid nodules. These achievements reduce the number of surgeries, enable more individualized care for patients with benign thyroid disease, reduce long-term complications, and promote cost-effectiveness within healthcare systems. Furthermore, although the use of minimally invasive techniques significantly decreases thyroid nodule volume, the thyroid nodule usually does not disappear and the challenges in this field are discussed (the efficacy of thermal ablation, a variable part of thyroid nodules that remains viable after thermal ablation, some of the nodules treated with thermal ablation may require a second treatment over time and the efficacy of thermal ablation in nodules with different phenotypes). However, although surgery still represents the "gold standard" for establishing the final histopathologic diagnosis, it is associated with lifelong thyroid hormone substitution need and serious complications in rare cases. Therefore, it should represent the ultima ratio only after a detailed diagnostic procedure. In the future, artificial intelligence-assisted programs for the evaluation and management of nodules are expected.
Ključne besede: laser ablation, minimally invasive techniques, thyroid nodules, thyroid ultrasound
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.03.2026; Ogledov: 266; Prenosov: 167
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4. Calcitonin and procalcitonin measurement after cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptor agonist stimulation in patients with advanced medullary thyroid cancer : results from the GRAN-T-MTC studyMalgorzata Trofimiuk‑Müldner, Katica Bajuk-Studen, Paola Erba, Luka Ležaič, Clemens Decristoforo, Katja Zaletel, Petra Kolenc, Elwira Przybylik‑Mazurek, Irene Virgolini, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Introduction: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is characterized by overexpression of cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptors (CCK2R). There are limitations of calcitonin as a tumor marker in MTC diagnosis and prognosis. Procalcitonin is gaining a role as a complementary tumor marker. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of procalcitonin measurements on top of the calcitonin measurements after CCK2R agonist stimulation in patients with MTC. Material and methods: The assessment was part of the GRAN-T-MTC translational study conducted through a Phase I multicenter clinical trial in patients with locally advanced and/or disseminated MTC. Patients were administered intravenously the CCK2R agonist CP04 labelled with indium-111 ([111In]In-CP04); the first four patients at a lower mass amount of 10 μg, and afterwards the whole group at a higher mass amount of 50 μg. Blood samples for calcitonin and procalcitonin measurements were obtained shortly before and 2, 5, 10, and 20 minutes after start of [111In]In-CP04 administration. Results: Sixteen patients were included in the study. After injection of the higher mass amount of [111In]In-CP04, the median maximum ratio for stimulated calcitonin was 2.97 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.35) pg/mL and procalcitonin 2.01 (IQR 2.07) pg/mL. The maximum stimulated/baseline calcitonin ratio was 5.2 ± 4.0 and 4.1 ± 3.8 in the low and high mass amount groups, respectively, and the maximum stimulated/baseline procalcitonin ratio was 4.6 ± 5.1 and 2.9 ± 3.1 in the low and high mass amount groups, respectively. There was a significant linear correlation between calcitonin and procalcitonin concentrations (p < 0.001) at each test time point and between the maximum procalcitonin and maximum calcitonin increment ratio (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001). Mild, short-lasting side effects (transient tachycardia, flushing) were observed in one patient during the injection of low and in two patients during the injection of high mass amount of [111In] In-CP04. The side effects were not related to the baseline calcitonin or procalcitonin concentrations. Conclusion: Procalcitonin concentrations after CP04 stimulation were highly correlated with calcitonin concentrations. Unlabeled CP04, if available commercially, may be considered an alternative stimulating agent in MTC patients, even in lower mass amounts. Further studies, including healthy controls, are required to prove this concept and calculate the diagnostic thresholds.
Ključne besede: medullary thyroid cancer, calcitonin, procalcitonin, cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptor agonist
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 10.03.2026; Ogledov: 261; Prenosov: 156
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5. EUthyroid2 : the next step towards the elimination of iodine deficiency and preventable iodine-related disorders in Europe and beyondHenry Völzke, Vivien Henck, Till Ittermann, Phil Pendt, Simona Gaberšček, Katja Zaletel, Katica Bajuk-Studen, 2026, drugi znanstveni članki Povzetek: European iodine fortification programmes are heterogeneous and in some countries ineffective. A key problem with iodine nutrition is the low awareness of iodine deficiencyrelated risks common in the general population and among women of reproductive age. The major objective of EUthyroid2 is to improve the low awareness of IDD risks in adolescents and young women. The aim is to identify best practice models for accessing and disseminating information to increase awareness and improve iodine status, thereby establishing a foundation for young women to improve their own thyroid function, their general health and that of their offspring. To achieve this, EUthyroid2 will build on existing infrastructures and expertise established by the consortium during the initial EUthyroid project. All interventions tested will be tailored to specific regions and populations. EUthyroid2, by identifying the most effective intervention tools, will establish a solid foundation for paving the way for future national awareness campaigns.
Ključne besede: intervention studies, iodine deficiency, prevention
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.02.2026; Ogledov: 282; Prenosov: 150
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6. A higher incidence of cardiovascular complications in hyperthyroid patients with Graves’ disease in comparison to hyperthyroid patients with subacute thyroiditisAna Šešek, Simona Gaberšček, Katja Zaletel, Edvard Pirnat, Katica Bajuk-Studen, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: Hyperthyroidism, as well as systemic inflammation, are associated with a higher incidence and complications of cardiovascular disease. Both in Graves’ disease and subacute thyroiditis, patients are hyperthyroid. However, in Graves’ disease, there is an autoimmune process in the thyroid, and in subacute thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism is accompanied by systemic inflammation. It is not known if the rate of cardiovascular complications is higher in the course of Graves’ disease or subacute thyroiditis. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all hyperthyroid patients newly diagnosed with Graves’ disease or subacute thyroiditis between January 1st 2018 and December 31st 2021 at the Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Cardiovascular complications in the period 3 months before or after diagnosis were registered. Values are expressed as mean (SD). Results: The sample analysis included 1028 patients (247 with subacute thyroiditis, 781 with Graves’ disease). The two groups did not significantly differ by sex, age, and body mass index. A cardiovascular complication was registered in 78 patients; the incidence was significantly higher in Graves’ disease than in subacute thyroiditis (74 vs. 4, p<0.001). Compared to patients with subacute thyroiditis, patients with Graves’ disease had significantly lower TSH: 0.010 (0.006) vs. 0.024 (0.044) mIU/L (p<0.001), higher free T4: 44.1 (26.6) vs. 37.0 (14.7) pmol/L (p<0.001), higher incidence of diabetes: 4.3 vs. 0.4% (p=0.001), arterial hypertension: 12.2 vs. 5.7% (p=0.004) and smoking: 26.7 vs. 8.7% (p<0.001). In a logistic regression model, a significantly higher likelihood for cardiovascular complications was found in Graves’ disease vs. subacute thyroiditis (odds ratio 5.82, p=0.001), in patients with arterial hypertension (odds ratio 2.83, p=0.002), and in those with higher body mass index (odds ratio 0.92, p=0.043). Conclusion: We report a higher incidence of cardiovascular complications in hyperthyroid patients with Graves’ disease in comparison to hyperthyroid patients with subacute thyroiditis. Patients with Graves’ disease were more severely hyperthyroid and had more adverse cardiovascular risk factors.
Ključne besede: hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, cardiovascular events, inflammation
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 20.01.2026; Ogledov: 433; Prenosov: 266
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7. Semaglutide delays 4-hour gastric emptying in women with PCOS and obesityMojca Jensterle Sever, Simona Ferjan, Luka Ležaič, Aljaž Sočan, Katja Goričar, Katja Zaletel, Andrej Janež, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Context: Semaglutide could contribute to reduced energy intake and weight loss by delaying gastric emptying (GE). However, the evidence for notable effects of semaglutide is inconclusive and compromised by the use of indirect methodology. Objective: to evaluate the effect of once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0 mg on late digestive period of GE after ingestion of a standardized solid test meal by using technetium scintigraphy, the reference method for this purpose. Design: We conducted single-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 20 obese women with PCOS (average age 35 (32.3-40.8) years), BMI 37 (30.7-39.8) kg/m2 ) randomized to s.c semaglutide 1.0 mg QW (S) or placebo (P) for 12 weeks. GE was assessed after ingestion of [99mT c] colloid in pancake labeled with radiopharmaceutical by scintigraphy using sequential static imaging and dynamic acquisition at baseline and at week 13. Estimation of GE was obtained by repeated imaging of remaining [99mT c] activity (RA) at fixed time intervals over 4 hours after ingestion. Results: From baseline to the study end, semaglutide increased the estimated retention of gastric contents by 3.5% at the 1st hour, 25.5% at 2nd , 38.0% at 3rd and 30.0% at the 4th hour after ingestion of the radioactively labeled solid meal. Four hours after ingestion, semaglutide retained 37% of solid meal in the stomach compared to no gastric retention in P group (p=0.002). Half time (T1/2 ) was significantly longer in S as compared to P (171 min vs 118 min, (p<0.001). Conclusion: Semaglutide markedly delayed 4-hour GE in women with PCOS and obesity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Ključne besede: PCOS, obesity, semaglutide
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.01.2026; Ogledov: 431; Prenosov: 238
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8. Nutrihealth study : seasonal variation in vitamin D status among the Slovenian adult and elderly populationMaša Hribar, Hristo Hristov, Matej Gregorič, Urška Blaznik, Katja Zaletel, Adrijana Oblak, Joško Osredkar, Anita Kušar, Katja Žmitek, Irena Rogelj, Igor Pravst, 2020, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: 25(OH)vitamin D, biomarkers, dietary survey, public health, EU Menu, Slovenia, Europe
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 18.11.2025; Ogledov: 459; Prenosov: 299
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9. Dietary intake of folate and assessment of the folate deficiency prevalence in Slovenia using serum biomarkersIgor Pravst, Živa Lavriša, Maša Hribar, Hristo Hristov, Naska Kvarantan, Barbara Koroušić-Seljak, Matej Gregorič, Urška Blaznik, Nadan Gregorič, Katja Zaletel, Adrijana Oblak, Joško Osredkar, Katja Žmitek, Anita Kušar, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Objavljeno v DiRROS: 12.11.2025; Ogledov: 482; Prenosov: 287
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10. Dietary iron intake and biomarkers of iron status in Slovenian population : results of SI.Menu/nutrihealth studyŽiva Lavriša, Hristo Hristov, Maša Hribar, Barbara Koroušić-Seljak, Matej Gregorič, Urška Blaznik, Katja Zaletel, Adrijana Oblak, Joško Osredkar, Anita Kušar, Katja Žmitek, Mitja Lainščak, Igor Pravst, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Inadequate iron intake and iron deficiency are recognised as a public health problem in the population at large, and particularly in specific subpopulations. Dietary iron intake was analysed using data of the national Slovenian food consumption study, SI.Menu (n = 1248 subjects; 10–74 years), while iron status was evaluated with laboratory analyses of blood haemoglobin, serum ferritin, and iron concentration in samples, collected in the Nutrihealth study (n = 280, adults). The estimated daily usual population-weighted mean iron intakes ranged from 16.0 mg in adults and the elderly to 16.7 in adolescents, and were lower in females for all three age groups. The main dietary iron sources in all the age groups were bread and bakery products, meat (products), fruit, and vegetables. The highest prevalence of haemoglobin anaemia was observed in females aged 51–64 years (6.7%). Critically depleted iron stores (ferritin concentration < 15 µg/L) were particularly found in premenopausal females (10.1%). Factors influencing low haemoglobin, ferritin, and iron intake were also investigated. We observed significant correlations between iron status with meat and fish intake, and with iron intake from meat and fish, but not with total iron intake. We can conclude that particularly premenopausal females are the most fragile population in terms of inadequate iron intake and iron deficiency, which should be considered in future research and public health strategies.
Ključne besede: iron, intake, ferritin, haemoglobin, deficiency, EU Menu, Nutrihealth
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 11.11.2025; Ogledov: 447; Prenosov: 248
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