title: [Should we screen and treat subclinical hypothyroidism?].
abstract: Subclinical hypothyroidism, defined as an elevated thyroid stimulating hormone and normal thyroxine level, is common with aging, particularly after 65 years old. This condition is potentially associated with important consequences, such as cardiovascular diseases and cognitive disorders. So far, indications for screening and thyroxine replacement therapy are still controversial. In this review, we examine the data on those risks and the potential benefits of the treatment. We also present a large European randomized clinical trial that should clarify this controversy, in order to improve clinical care of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and to give reliable data on maintaining good health among the elderly.
authors.affiliation: Clinique universitaire et Policlinique de médecine interne générale, Hôpital de l'Ile, Université de Berne. vanessa.virgini@insel.ch
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Virgini
authors.forename: Tinh-Hai
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Collet
authors.forename: Emanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Christ
authors.forename: Drahomir
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Aujesky
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rodondi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic