Screening and treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

Rugge B, Balshem H, Sehgal R, Relevo R, Gorman P, Helfand M
Record ID 32013000180
English
Authors' recommendations: Currently there are no studies that evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for subclinical thyroid dysfunction in the primary care setting. Studies of treatment tend to be small and of short duration, and they have failed to demonstrate improvement in quality of life, blood pressure, and weight. The data concerning lipids is inconsistent, but at best, treatment might cause a modest (about 5-percent) improvement in lipid measurements. The lack of any formal data on the harms of treatment makes it difficult to balance the benefits against the harms of treatment. Further research is needed to determine if screening and/or treating subclinical thyroid dysfunction is beneficial or harmful.
Details
Project Status: Completed
Year Published: 2011
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: United States
MeSH Terms
  • Hyperthyroidism
Contact
Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;
Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov
Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov
Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
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