Endocrine Abstracts

In the last few years studies have shown that subtle variations in thyroid function, including subclinical thyroid dysfunction, and even variation in thyroid function within the normal range, are associated with morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that 40–65% of the inter-individual variation in serum TSH and FT4 levels is determined by genetic factors. To identify these factors, various linkage and candidate gene studies have been performed in the past, which have i...

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is a biochemical condition defined by increased TSH serum concentration above the normal range associated with normal concentrations of T4 and Free T4. In children SH is often a benign and remitting condition, for which risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism depends on the underlying cause (i.e. autoimmune SH is associated with an increased risk whereas non–autoimmune with a low risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism). The major c...

Background: Both overt hypothyroidism as well as subclinical hypothyroidism is frequently encountered in older individuals. It is increasingly being recognised that treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism may not be beneficial, particularly in an older person. These findings are particularly relevant at a time when treatment with thyroid hormones is increasing and more than 10–15% of people aged over 80 years are prescribed levothyroxine therapy.Mai...