Introduction
Subclinical or “mild” hypothyroidism (SCH), which is defined as elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with free thyroxine concentrations within the reference range, is a very common disorder that increases with age and affects up to 18% of the elderly, with a higher prevalence in women compared to men (Baumgartner, 2014).
Subclinical hypothyroidism is often diagnosed when thyroid tests are ordered for non-specific symptoms such as depression, weight gain, or fatigue. FNP should decide if the patient’s symptoms are caused by a relative thyroid hormone deficiency, and whether thyroxine replacement would improve the patient’s well-being (Baumgartner, 2014).
The indications for screening and TSH threshold levels for treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism have remained a clinical controversy for over 20 years (Rodondi, 2013). However, evidence is lacking about the benefits of thyroxine replacement in the elderly with SCH, as no large randomized clinical trials on the full range of relevant clinical outcomes have been performed (Gussekloo, 2014). Lacking clear-cut evidence to guide these decisions, FNP’s role is to discuss the uncertain implications of the diagnosis and benefits of levothyroxine …show more content…
Memory quotient was evaluated at the beginning of the study and three months after enrollment, using Wechsler’s memory test. The intervention and control groups received levothyroxine and placebo respectively for 3 months. Re-evaluation was done using the Wechsler Memory Scale at the end of the study. This research was pertinent in that it compared the therapeutic effects of levothyroxine with placebo group. The result of study showed the efficacy of levothyroxine for cognitive function of subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism including mental control, logical memory, associate learning and visual
Subclinical or “mild” hypothyroidism (SCH), which is defined as elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with free thyroxine concentrations within the reference range, is a very common disorder that increases with age and affects up to 18% of the elderly, with a higher prevalence in women compared to men (Baumgartner, 2014).
Subclinical hypothyroidism is often diagnosed when thyroid tests are ordered for non-specific symptoms such as depression, weight gain, or fatigue. FNP should decide if the patient’s symptoms are caused by a relative thyroid hormone deficiency, and whether thyroxine replacement would improve the patient’s well-being (Baumgartner, 2014).
The indications for screening and TSH threshold levels for treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism have remained a clinical controversy for over 20 years (Rodondi, 2013). However, evidence is lacking about the benefits of thyroxine replacement in the elderly with SCH, as no large randomized clinical trials on the full range of relevant clinical outcomes have been performed (Gussekloo, 2014). Lacking clear-cut evidence to guide these decisions, FNP’s role is to discuss the uncertain implications of the diagnosis and benefits of levothyroxine …show more content…
Memory quotient was evaluated at the beginning of the study and three months after enrollment, using Wechsler’s memory test. The intervention and control groups received levothyroxine and placebo respectively for 3 months. Re-evaluation was done using the Wechsler Memory Scale at the end of the study. This research was pertinent in that it compared the therapeutic effects of levothyroxine with placebo group. The result of study showed the efficacy of levothyroxine for cognitive function of subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism including mental control, logical memory, associate learning and visual