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ALL / Endocrinology
Subclinical hyperthyroidism
Subclinical hyperthyroidism
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is an entity which is gaining increasing recognition. It is defined as:- normal serum free thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels
- with a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) below normal range (usually < 0.1 mu/l)
Causes
- multinodular goitre, particularly in elderly females
- excessive thyroxine may give a similar biochemical picture
The importance in recognising subclinical hyperthyroidism lies in the potential effect on the cardiovascular system (atrial fibrillation) and bone metabolism (osteoporosis). It may also impact on quality of life and increase the likelihood of dementia
Management
- TSH levels often revert to normal - therefore levels must be persistently low to warrant intervention
- a reasonable treatment option is a therapeutic trial of low-dose antithyroid agents for approximately 6 months in an effort to induce a remission
+PassMedicine Notes
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is an entity which is gaining increasing recognition. It is defined as:
- normal serum free thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels
- with a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) below normal range (usually < 0.1 mu/l)
- multinodular goitre, particularly in elderly females
- excessive thyroxine may give a similar biochemical picture
The importance in recognising subclinical hyperthyroidism lies in the potential effect on the cardiovascular system (atrial fibrillation) and bone metabolism (osteoporosis). It may also impact on quality of life and increase the likelihood of dementia
Management- TSH levels often revert to normal - therefore levels must be persistently low to warrant intervention
- a reasonable treatment option is a therapeutic trial of low-dose antithyroid agents for approximately 6 months in an effort to induce a remission