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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Salman Razvi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is diagnosed when serum thyroid stimulation hormone (thyrotropin; TSH) levels are above the reference range, accompanied by levels of free thyroxine within its reference range. The management of SCH remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge despite many years of research relating to its epidemiology, aetiology, effectiveness of treatment and safety. European Thyroid Association (ETA) guidelines for the management of SCH were published almost a decade ago. This narrative review summarises the clinical literature relating to SCH and outcomes since the publication of these guidelines. Clinical evidence emerging during the previous decade generally supports the view that SCH is associated with adverse outcomes to an extent that is intermediate between euthyroidism and overt hypothyroidism although evidence that treatment with thyroid hormone replacement is beneficial is lacking. Accordingly, the rationale for the recommendations for intervention in the ETA guidelines based on the age of the patient, level of serum TSH, symptoms and comorbidities remains valid today.
Author(s): Urgatz B, Razvi S
Publication type: Review
Publication status: Published
Journal: Current Medical Research and Opinion
Year: 2023
Volume: 39
Issue: 3
Pages: 351-365
Online publication date: 12/01/2023
Acceptance date: 15/12/2022
ISSN (print): 0300-7995
ISSN (electronic): 1473-4877
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2023.2165811
DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2023.2165811
