Primary hypothyroidism in the community: Lower daily dosages of levothyroxine replacement therapy for Asian patients

Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Feb;96(7):e6145. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000006145.

Abstract

The goal of treatment in patients with primary hypothyroidism is to attain euthyroidism guided by the stipulated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels range so as to minimize any potential long-term adverse effects. However, various factors may result in their Levothyroxine (T4) under and over-replacement.Our study aimed to evaluate the mean daily dose of L-T4 replacement for Asian patients with primary hypothyroidism. The secondary aims were to determine the proportion of those who were either over or under-replaced, and the factors associated with their thyroid function status and replacement adherence.Data collected using questionnaire survey from targeted patients managed in a typical public primary care center in Singapore: socio-demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, laboratory investigations, mean daily L-T4-replacement doses, and replacement regimens. The thyroid status of patients was classified based on thyroid function investigations.Complete data of 229 patients were analyzed. A total of 59.8% of patients had TSH within the normal range, 27.5% and 12.7% were under and over-replaced, respectively. About 60% of Asian patients with primary hypothyroidism achieved normal TSH status requiring average of 1.1 μg of daily L-T4/kgBW (kg body weight). Subjects who were over-replaced had a higher daily L-T4 dose/kgBW when compared to the euthyroid and the under replaced groups. Those with L-T4 over-replacement were largely due to excessive dosage. Patients who were younger, from lower socioeconomic strata, and higher BMI were more likely to be over or under-replaced.Majority of Asian patients with hypothyroidism required replacement of 1.1 μg of daily L-T4/kgBW. Their thyroid status was influenced by demographic and dosing factors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asian People*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / drug therapy*
  • Hypothyroidism / ethnology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Singapore
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Thyroxine / administration & dosage
  • Thyroxine / therapeutic use*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Thyroxine