Subclinical hypothyroidism: to treat or not to treat, that is the question! A systematic review with meta-analysis on lipid profile

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Abreu, IM (Author) Other; Lau, E (Author) FMUP; Pinto, BD (Author) FMUP; Carvalho, Davide (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Endocrine Connections

Vol. 6

Pages: 188-199

Publisher: BioScientifica Ltd.

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 35 Citations

Scopus - 36 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-63P

DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0028

Abstract (EN): Previous studies suggested that subclinical hypothyroidism has a detrimental effect on cardiovascular risk factors, and that its effective treatment may have a beneficial impact on overall health. The main purpose of this review and meta-analysis was to assess whether subclinical hypothyroidism treatment is of clinical relevance, based on cardiovascular risk parameters correction. A systemic research of the literature using MEDLINE tool was performed to identify the relevant studies. Only placebo-controlled randomized control trials were included. A quantitative analysis was also performed. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials assess the different impact of levothyroxine vs placebo treatment. A significant decrease in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was obtained with levothyroxine therapy (66, 9 and 14%, respectively) and, although modest, this could be significant in terms of reduction of the incidence of coronary artery disease. Other significant results of lipid parameters were not obtained. This systematic review provides a strong evidence-based data in favour of specific changes and beneficial effects of levothyroxine treatment.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12