ePrints

Thyroid Hormone Treatment for Hypercholesterolemia in Euthyroid Patients: Results From a European Survey of Thyroid Specialists

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Petros PerrosORCiD

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

© 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Objective: A relationship among hypothyroidism and lipid disorders is well established. However, current evidence and guidelines do not support the use of thyroid hormones (TH) in euthyroid patients with hyperlipidaemia as potential harms are considerable. This European survey investigated the use of TH in euthyroid patients with severe hypercholesterolemia as a complementary treatment. Design: Data were derived from the THESIS (Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Europe by Specialists) project that surveyed TH use. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to explore associations. Results: Out of 17,232 invitations, 5695 (33.0%) valid responses were received, and of these, 328 (5.8%) stated that TH are indicated in euthyroid patients with severe hypercholesterolemia. Univariable analyses disclosed significant differences and associations: (a) more non-endocrinologists (8.9%) than endocrinologist (5.4%) used TH (p < 0.001), (b) the number of hypothyroid patients treated per year was inversely related to use of TH (p = 0.024), (c) members of international endocrine/thyroid societies were more likely to use TH than non-members (p < 0.001), (d) significant variations by country and geographical region (p < 0.001), and (e) inverse relationship between gross national income per capita (GNIPC) and TH use (p < 0.001). Multivariable analyses yielded significant associations between use of TH, and male gender, specialty and GNIPC (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study suggests that a small but noteworthy minority of European thyroid specialists may be using TH to treat of severe hypercholesterolemia in euthyroid patients. If confirmed, this finding highlights the importance of raising awareness among thyroid specialists, professional societies, and healthcare providers to ensure adherence to evidence-based practices.

Publication metadata

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

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Clinical Endocrinology

Year: 2025

Volume: 103

Issue: 5

Pages: 749-756

Print publication date: 01/11/2025

Online publication date: 12/08/2025

Acceptance date: 03/08/2025

ISSN (print): 0300-0664

ISSN (electronic): 1365-2265

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/cen.70014

DOI: 10.1111/cen.70014

Altmetrics

Share