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Use of levothyroxine for euthyroid, thyroid antibody positive women with infertility: Analyses of aggregate data from a survey of European thyroid specialists (Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists: An International Survey)

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Petros PerrosORCiD

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Abstract

© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Objectives: The use of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment aiming to improve fertility in euthyroid women with positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) is not supported by the available evidence. The aim of the study was to document the use of LT4 by European thyroid specialists in such patients. Design: The data presented derive from Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists, an International Survey (THESIS), a questionnaire conducted between 2019 and 2021 to document the management of hypothyroidism by European thyroid specialists. Here, we report the aggregate results on the use of LT4 in infertile, euthyroid women with positive TPOAb. Results: A total of 2316/5406 (42.8%) respondents stated that LT4 may be indicated in TPOAb positive euthyroid women with infertility. The proportion of those replying positively to this question varied widely across different countries (median 39.4, range 22.9%–83.7%). In multivariate analyses males (OR: 0.8; CI: 0.7–0.9) and respondents >60 years (OR: 0.7; 0.6–0.8) were the least inclined to consider LT4 for this indication. Conversely, respondents managing many thyroid patients (“weekly” [OR: 1.4; CI: 1.0–1.9], “daily” [OR: 1.8; CI: 1.3–2.4]) and practicing in Eastern Europe (OR: 1.5; CI: 1.3–1.9) were most likely to consider LT4. Conclusions: A remarkably high number of respondents surveyed between 2019 and 2021, would consider LT4 treatment in TPOAb positive euthyroid women with infertility. This view varied widely across countries and correlated with sex, age and workload, potentially influencing patient management. These results raise concerns about potential risks of overtreatment.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Negro R, Zarkovic M, Attanasio R, Hegedus L, Nagy EV, Papini E, Akarsu E, Alevizaki M, Ayvaz G, Bednarczuk T, Beleslin BN, Berta E, Bodor M, Borissova AM, Boyanov M, Buffet C, Burlacu M-C, Ciric J, Cohen CA, Diez JJ, Dobnig H, Fadeyev V, Field BCT, Fliers E, Fuhrer D, Galofre JC, Hakala T, Jan J, Kopp P, Krebs M, Krsek M, Kuzma M, Leenhardt L, Luchytskiy V, Puga FM, McGowan A, Melo M, Metso S, Moran C, Morgunova T, Niculescu DA, Peric B, Planck T, Poiana C, Robenshtok E, Rosselet PO, Ruchala M, Riis KR, Shepelkevich A, Tronko M, Unuane D, Vardarli I, Visser E, Vryonidou A, Younes YR, Perros P

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Clinical Endocrinology

Year: 2024

Volume: 101

Issue: 2

Pages: 180-190

Print publication date: 01/08/2024

Online publication date: 10/06/2024

Acceptance date: 30/05/2024

ISSN (print): 0300-0664

ISSN (electronic): 1365-2265

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/cen.15099

DOI: 10.1111/cen.15099

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