title: Follow-up of mild hypothyroidism in a nursing home.
abstract: The course of untreated mild hypothyroidism was followed in 67 nursing home residents (mean age 78 years). The diagnosis was based on a normal free thyroxine index (FTI) and elevated thyrotropin concentration (TSH 4.6 to 15.0 microIU/mL, nl less than or equal to 4.5 microIU/mL. FTI and FSH were measured in follow-up 42-378 (mean 161) days after the diagnosis of mild hypothyroidism had been made. In 45 patients initial TSH was less than 6.8 microIU/mL; in 23 of these subjects TSH returned to normal during the observation period, whereas in 22 TSH remained elevated. In all 22 residents whose initial TSH was greater than 6.8 microIU/mL, TSH remained elevated at follow-up. In 4 subjects whose initial TSH concentrations ranged from 5.0 to 9.6 microIU/mL, FTI fell below normal 91-141 days after the diagnosis of mild hypothyroidism was made. Clinical progression of the signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism was not detected in the 4 patients who developed hypothyroxinemia. Three demonstrated positive thyroid antibody titers, and 1 had myasthenia gravis. These observations suggest a need for replacement therapy in debilitated patients with mild hypothyroidism and evidence of thyroid autoimmunity.
authors.affiliation: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Drinka
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Nolten
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Voeks
authors.forename: E H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Langer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood; D014922:Wisconsin
chemical_list: D013972:Thyrotropin; D013974:Thyroxine