Recombinant human thyrotropin in the management of thyroid disorders.
BACKGROUND
Recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) is a valuable tool in the management of thyroid diseases. It is useful for radioiodine ablation in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), for their follow-up, and for treatment of selected patients with metastatic or recurrent DTC. More recently, it has been suggested that rhTSH is useful for treatment of multinodular goiter and amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis, as well as for diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism.


OBJECTIVE
To provide an outline of literature regarding the uses of rhTSH in thyroid diseases.


METHODS
We performed a literature search for relevant articles in the PubMed database.


CONCLUSIONS
rhTSH has important roles in management of thyroid diseases, and some are still controversial. For patients with DTC, it avoids the need for thyroid hormone withdrawal, without being detrimental to short-term outcomes. Further studies are warranted to assess its effects on long-term outcomes.
SEMPR - Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia da Universidade Federal do Paraná,Curitiba, Brazil. gpazfilho@med.miami.edu
Gilberto J
GJ
Paz-Filho
Hans
H
Graf
D000638:Amiodarone / Q000494:pharmacology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006042:Goiter / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes / Q000494:pharmacology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D013971:Thyrotoxicosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007457:Iodine Radioisotopes; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D013972:Thyrotropin; D000638:Amiodarone