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Jonklaas J. Is euthyroidism within reach for all? Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:455-458. [PMID: 37811647 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2267120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Jonklaas
- Division of Endocrinology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
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Perros P, Hegedüs L, Nagy EV, Papini E, Hay HA, Abad-Madroñero J, Tallett AJ, Bilas M, Lakwijk P, Poots AJ. The Impact of Hypothyroidism on Satisfaction with Care and Treatment and Everyday Living: Results from E-Mode Patient Self-Assessment of Thyroid Therapy, a Cross-Sectional, International Online Patient Survey. Thyroid 2022; 32:1158-1168. [PMID: 35959734 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Hypothyroid patients often report dissatisfaction and poor quality of life. This survey explored the impact of hypothyroidism on patient satisfaction, everyday living, experiences with health care professionals, and influence of demographic and socioeconomic factors. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey targeting an international population of hypothyroid patients. Multilevel regression modeling was used for analyses. Results: The total number of responses was 3915 from 68 countries. Satisfaction with care and treatment was not associated with type of treatment for hypothyroidism. Having no confidence and trust in health care professionals was strongly associated with dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). Controlling for all other variables, significant differences were found among satisfaction rates between countries. A weak inverse relationship was found between satisfaction with care and treatment and impact on everyday living (p < 0.001). Respondents taking levothyroxine (LT4) alone were more likely to report a positive impact on everyday living (pooled odds ratio 2.376 [confidence interval: 0.941-5.997]) than respondents taking liothyronine-containing treatments. Conclusions: Low levels of satisfaction with care and treatment for hypothyroidism were strongly associated with lack of confidence and trust and negative experiences with health care professionals. Differences in responses between countries were noted, implying the potential influence of national health care systems, socioeconomic and cultural factors. Contrary to widespread anecdotes in social media, this large-scale survey shows no association between type of treatment for hypothyroidism and patient satisfaction, as well as better outcomes on everyday living associated with LT4, compared with liothyronine-containing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Perros
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Endre Vezekenyi Nagy
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enrico Papini
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Megan Bilas
- Picker Institute Europe, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Lakwijk
- Thyroid Federation International, Bath, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alan J Poots
- Picker Institute Europe, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
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Romero-Gómez B, Guerrero-Alonso P, Carmona-Torres JM, Notario-Pacheco B, Cobo-Cuenca AI. Mood Disorders in Levothyroxine-Treated Hypothyroid Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234776. [PMID: 31795239 PMCID: PMC6926863 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hypothyroidism has several symptoms (weight gain, arrhythmias, mood changes, etc.). The aims of this study were (1) to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in levothyroxine-treated hypothyroid women and in women without hypothyroidism; (2) to identify variables associated with anxiety and depression. Methods: A case-control study was performed with 393 women. Case-group: 153 levothyroxine-treated hypothyroid women. Control-group: 240 women without hypothyroidism. Convenience sampling. Instrument: The Hamilton Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of anxiety in levothyroxine-treated hypothyroid women was higher than in women without hypothyroidism (29.4% vs. 16.7%, χ2 p < 0.001). The prevalence of depression in the case group was higher than in the control group (13.1% vs. 4.6%, χ2 p < 0.001). Levothyroxine-treated hypothyroid women were more likely to have anxiety (OR = 2.08, CI: 1.28-3.38) and depression (OR = 3.13, IC = 1.45-6.45). Conclusion: In spite of receiving treatment with levothyroxine, women with hypothyroidism are more likely to have depression and anxiety. Health professionals need to assess the mood of women with hypothyroidism. Although levothyroxine is a good treatment for the symptoms of hypothyroidism, it may not be enough to prevent development or persistence of depression and anxiety by itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Romero-Gómez
- Hospital El Tomillar de Sevilla, Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS), 41500 Alcalá de Guadaira, Spain;
| | | | - Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres
- Facultad de Fisioterapia y Enfermería y Fisioterapia de Toledo, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 45005 Toledo, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación Multidisciplinar en Cuidados, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 45005 Toledo, Spain
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +34-925-268800 (ext. 5819)
| | - Blanca Notario-Pacheco
- Facultad de Enfermería de Cuenca, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 16071 Cuenca Toledo, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación CESS, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Cobo-Cuenca
- Facultad de Fisioterapia y Enfermería y Fisioterapia de Toledo, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 45005 Toledo, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación Multidisciplinar en Cuidados, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, 45005 Toledo, Spain
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
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Jonklaas J, Razvi S. Reference intervals in the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction: treating patients not numbers. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2019; 7:473-483. [PMID: 30797750 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(18)30371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although assigning a diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction appears quite simple, this is often not the case. Issues that make it unclear whether thyroid function is normal include transient changes in thyroid parameters, inter-individual and intra-individual differences in thyroid parameters, age-related differences, and ethnic variations. In addition, a statistically calculated distribution of thyroid analytes does not necessarily coincide with intervals or cutoffs that have predictive value for beneficial or adverse health outcomes. Based on current clincial trial data, it is unclear which individuals with mild thyroid-stimulating hormone elevations will benefit from levothyroxine treatment. For example, only a small number of patients with thyroid-stimulating hormone values of more than 10 mIU/L have been studied in a randomised manner. Even if therapy is initiated for abnormal thyroid function, not all treated individuals are maintained at the desired treatment target, and therefore might still be at risk. The consequence of this is that each patient's thyroid function needs to be assessed on an individual basis with the entire clinical picture in mind. Monitoring also needs to be vigilant, and the targets for treatment reassessed continually.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salman Razvi
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
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Talaei A, Rafee N, Rafei F, Chehrei A. TSH cut off point based on depression in hypothyroid patients. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17:327. [PMID: 28882111 PMCID: PMC5590144 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of depressive symptoms in hypothyroidism is high. Considering that hypothyroidism and depression share some clinical features, some researchers use the "brain hypothyroidism" hypothesis to explain the pathogenesis of depression. We aimed to detect a new TSH cut-off value in hypothyroidism based on depression symptoms. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on hypothyroid patients referred to endocrine clinics. Individuals who had developed euthyroid state under treatment with levothyroxine with TSH levels of 0.5-5 MIU/L with no need for dosage change were included in the study. After comprehensive history taking, laboratory tests including TSH, T4 and T3 were performed. Beck depression questionnaire was completed for all patients by trained interviewers. TSH cut-off values based on depression was determined by Roc Curve analysis. RESULTS The participants were 174 hypothyroid patients (Female; 116: 66.7%, Male; 58: 33.3%) with mean age 45.5 ± 11.7 (19-68) years old. Based on Beck depression test, scores less than 10 was considered healthy and more than 10 were considered depressed. According to Roc curve analysis, the optimal cut- off value of TSH was 2.5 MIU/L with 89.66% sensitivity. The optimal TSH cut- off based on severe depression was 4 MIU/L. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that a clinically helpful TSH cut-off value for hypothyroidism should be based on associated symptoms, not just in population studies. Based on the assessment of depression, our study concludes that a TSH cutofff value of 2.5 MIU/L is optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Talaei
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. .,Amiralmomenin Hospital, Arak, Iran.
| | - N Rafee
- 0000 0001 1218 604Xgrid.468130.8Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - F Rafei
- 0000 0001 1218 604Xgrid.468130.8Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - A Chehrei
- 0000 0001 1218 604Xgrid.468130.8Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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Jonklaas J, Burman KD. Daily Administration of Short-Acting Liothyronine Is Associated with Significant Triiodothyronine Excursions and Fails to Alter Thyroid-Responsive Parameters. Thyroid 2016; 26:770-8. [PMID: 27030088 PMCID: PMC4913511 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2015.0629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although most studies of levothyroxine-liothyronine combination therapy employ once-daily hormone administration, the kinetics of once-daily liothyronine have been studied infrequently. The aim of this study was to document both the peak and trough serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels that occur with once-daily liothyronine administration, along with changes in thyroid-responsive parameters. METHODS Participants with hypothyroidism were studied prospectively at an academic institution. Patients were switched from levothyroxine monotherapy to liothyronine monotherapy with 15 μg liothyronine for two weeks, and then continued liothyronine at doses of 30-45 μg for a further four weeks in an open-label, single-arm study. Weekly trough levels of T3 were documented. In addition, hourly T3 concentrations immediately following liothyronine tablet administration were documented for eight hours during the sixth week of therapy. Serum thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations were documented. Biochemical markers, markers of energy metabolism, anthropometric parameters, well-being, and hyperthyroid symptoms were also assessed. RESULTS Mean serum TSH levels increased from 1.56 ± 0.81 mIU/L at baseline to 5.90 ± 5.74 mIU/L at two weeks and 3.84 ± 3.66 mIU/L at six weeks. Trough T3 levels decreased from 99.5 ± 22.9 to 91.9 ± 40.2 at two weeks and recovered to 96.1 ± 32.2 at six weeks. The peak T3 concentration after dosing of liothyronine during week 6 was 292.8 ± 152.3 ng/dL. fT4 levels fell once levothyroxine was discontinued and plateaued at 0.44 ng/dL at week 4. The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentration decreased at week 2 (p = 0.002). Hyperthyroid symptoms and SF36-PCS scores increased significantly at weeks 4-5 of liothyronine therapy (p = 0.04-0.005). Preference for liothyronine therapy increased from 6% to 39% over the study period. CONCLUSIONS Once-daily dosing of liothyronine at doses of 30-45 μg did not return serum TSH to the values seen during levothyroxine therapy. There were significant excursions in serum total and free T3 concentrations with once-daily therapy. Trials of combination therapy are likely to be associated with similar excursions, albeit of a lesser magnitude. Only the physical component score of the SF36 questionnaire and hyperthyroid symptoms changed significantly with conversion to liothyronine monotherapy. Sustained release preparations with stable serum T3 profiles may have entirely different outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Jonklaas
- Division of Endocrinology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Kenneth D. Burman
- Endocrine Section, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
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Chachamovitz DSDO, Vigário PDS, Carvalho RC, Silvestre DHDS, Moerbeck AEV, Soffientini MG, Luna ÉLG, Rosemberg CW, Mainenti MRM, Vaisman M, Teixeira PDFDS. Does low serum TSH within the normal range have negative impact on physical exercise capacity and quality of life of healthy elderly people? ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2015; 60:236-45. [PMID: 26222231 PMCID: PMC10522298 DOI: 10.1590/2359-3997000000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigate the differences in cardiopulmonary (CP) capacity and Quality of Life (QOL) between healthy elderly (≥ 65 years) with different TSH levels (< 1.0 and ≥ 1.0 μIU/mL) both within the normal range. Also, evaluate the effects of TSH elevation on CP test and QOL, by administering methimazole to subjects with initial lower-normal TSH, in order to elevate it to superior-normal limit. MATERIALS AND METHODS Initially, a cross-sectional study was performed to compare CP capacity at peak exercise and QOL (using WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire) between healthy seniors (age ≥ 65 years) with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL vs. TSH ≥1.0 μIU/mL. In the second phase, participants with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL were included in a non-controlled-prospective-interventional study to investigate the effect of TSH elevation, using methimazole, on QOL and CP capacity at peak exercise. RESULTS From 89 elderly evaluated, 75 had TSH ≥ 1 μIU/mL and 14 TSH < 1 μIU/mL. The two groups had similar basal clinical characteristics. No difference in WHOQOL-OLD scores was observed between groups and they did not differ in terms of CP function at peak exercise. QOL and CP variables were not correlated with TSH levels. Twelve of 14 participants with TSH < 1.0 μIU/mL entered in the prospective study. After one year, no significant differences in clinical caracteristics, QOL, and CP variables were detected in paired analysis before and after methimazole intervention. CONCLUSIONS We found no differences in CP capacity and QOL between health elderly with different TSH levels within normal range and no impact after one year of methimazole treatment. More prospective-controlled-randomized studies are necessary to confirm or not the possible harm effect in normal low TSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiãnah Santini de Oliveira Chachamovitz
- Endocrine ClinicUniversity Hospital Clementino Fraga FilhoRio de JaneiroRJBrazilEndocrine Clinic, University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Estácio de Sá UniversityRio de JaneiroRJBrazilEstácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Amil Clinical ResearchRio de JaneiroRJBrazilAmil Clinical Research, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia dos Santos Vigário
- Ergospirometry and Kinanthropometry LaboratoryPhysical Education and Sports SchoolFederal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRJBrazilErgospirometry and Kinanthropometry Laboratory, Physical Education and Sports School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro(UFRJ)Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Augusto Motta University CenterRio de JaneiroRJBrazilPostgraduate Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center (Unisuam), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rafael Cavalcante Carvalho
- Ergospirometry and Kinanthropometry LaboratoryPhysical Education and Sports SchoolFederal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRJBrazilErgospirometry and Kinanthropometry Laboratory, Physical Education and Sports School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro(UFRJ)Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diego Henrique da Silva Silvestre
- Ergospirometry and Kinanthropometry LaboratoryPhysical Education and Sports SchoolFederal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRJBrazilErgospirometry and Kinanthropometry Laboratory, Physical Education and Sports School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro(UFRJ)Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | - Érika Luciana Gomes Luna
- Estácio de Sá UniversityRio de JaneiroRJBrazilEstácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Clara Werner Rosemberg
- Estácio de Sá UniversityRio de JaneiroRJBrazilEstácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Míriam Raquel Meira Mainenti
- Ergospirometry and Kinanthropometry LaboratoryPhysical Education and Sports SchoolFederal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroRJBrazilErgospirometry and Kinanthropometry Laboratory, Physical Education and Sports School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro(UFRJ)Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Augusto Motta University CenterRio de JaneiroRJBrazilPostgraduate Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, Augusto Motta University Center (Unisuam), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mário Vaisman
- Endocrine ClinicUniversity Hospital Clementino Fraga FilhoRio de JaneiroRJBrazilEndocrine Clinic, University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patricia de Fátima dos Santos Teixeira
- Endocrine ClinicUniversity Hospital Clementino Fraga FilhoRio de JaneiroRJBrazilEndocrine Clinic, University Hospital Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, Burman KD, Cappola AR, Celi FS, Cooper DS, Kim BW, Peeters RP, Rosenthal MS, Sawka AM. Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: prepared by the american thyroid association task force on thyroid hormone replacement. Thyroid 2014; 24:1670-751. [PMID: 25266247 PMCID: PMC4267409 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2014.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 953] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of recent advances in our understanding of thyroid physiology may shed light on why some patients feel unwell while taking levothyroxine monotherapy. The purpose of this task force was to review the goals of levothyroxine therapy, the optimal prescription of conventional levothyroxine therapy, the sources of dissatisfaction with levothyroxine therapy, the evidence on treatment alternatives, and the relevant knowledge gaps. We wished to determine whether there are sufficient new data generated by well-designed studies to provide reason to pursue such therapies and change the current standard of care. This document is intended to inform clinical decision-making on thyroid hormone replacement therapy; it is not a replacement for individualized clinical judgment. METHODS Task force members identified 24 questions relevant to the treatment of hypothyroidism. The clinical literature relating to each question was then reviewed. Clinical reviews were supplemented, when relevant, with related mechanistic and bench research literature reviews, performed by our team of translational scientists. Ethics reviews were provided, when relevant, by a bioethicist. The responses to questions were formatted, when possible, in the form of a formal clinical recommendation statement. When responses were not suitable for a formal clinical recommendation, a summary response statement without a formal clinical recommendation was developed. For clinical recommendations, the supporting evidence was appraised, and the strength of each clinical recommendation was assessed, using the American College of Physicians system. The final document was organized so that each topic is introduced with a question, followed by a formal clinical recommendation. Stakeholder input was received at a national meeting, with some subsequent refinement of the clinical questions addressed in the document. Consensus was achieved for all recommendations by the task force. RESULTS We reviewed the following therapeutic categories: (i) levothyroxine therapy, (ii) non-levothyroxine-based thyroid hormone therapies, and (iii) use of thyroid hormone analogs. The second category included thyroid extracts, synthetic combination therapy, triiodothyronine therapy, and compounded thyroid hormones. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that levothyroxine should remain the standard of care for treating hypothyroidism. We found no consistently strong evidence for the superiority of alternative preparations (e.g., levothyroxine-liothyronine combination therapy, or thyroid extract therapy, or others) over monotherapy with levothyroxine, in improving health outcomes. Some examples of future research needs include the development of superior biomarkers of euthyroidism to supplement thyrotropin measurements, mechanistic research on serum triiodothyronine levels (including effects of age and disease status, relationship with tissue concentrations, as well as potential therapeutic targeting), and long-term outcome clinical trials testing combination therapy or thyroid extracts (including subgroup effects). Additional research is also needed to develop thyroid hormone analogs with a favorable benefit to risk profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio C. Bianco
- Division of Endocrinology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrew J. Bauer
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth D. Burman
- Endocrine Section, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Anne R. Cappola
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Francesco S. Celi
- Division of Endocrinology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - David S. Cooper
- Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brian W. Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robin P. Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M. Sara Rosenthal
- Program for Bioethics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Anna M. Sawka
- Division of Endocrinology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Laurberg P, Andersen S, Carlé A, Karmisholt J, Knudsen N, Pedersen IB. The TSH upper reference limit: where are we at? Nat Rev Endocrinol 2011; 7:232-9. [PMID: 21301488 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2011.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism--serum TSH levels above and T(4) levels within the laboratory reference ranges--depends critically on the upper limit of the TSH reference interval. Calls have been made to lower the current upper TSH reference limit of 4.0 mU/l to 2.5 mU/l to exclude patients with occult hypothyroidism. However, data from population studies do not indicate that the distribution of TSH is altered owing to inclusion of such individuals. The opposite suggestion has also been put forward; the TSH upper reference limit is often too low, especially in the elderly, in women and in white individuals, which may lead to unnecessary or even harmful therapy. Studies in elderly individuals have shown that although aging may be associated with increased TSH levels, paradoxically, overt hypothyroidism in this population may be associated with a less robust TSH response than in young individuals. This Review highlights the interindividual and intraindividual variability of TSH levels and discusses the current controversy that surrounds the appropriateness of reference ranges defined on the basis of age, race, sex and amount of iodine intake. Moreover, the current evidence on lowering or increasing the upper limit of the TSH reference interval is reviewed and the need to individualize levothyroxine treatment in patients with elevated TSH levels is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Laurberg
- Department of Endocrinology, Aalborg Hospital, Aarhus University Hospital, Postbox 365, DK-9100 Aalborg, Denmark.
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Schalin-Jäntti C, Tanner P, Välimäki MJ, Hämäläinen E. Serum TSH reference interval in healthy Finnish adults using the Abbott Architect 2000i Analyzer. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 2011; 71:344-9. [DOI: 10.3109/00365513.2011.568630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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