In patients with factitious hyperthyroidism presenting as subclinical hyperthyroidism, treatment becomes indicated once specific high-risk features are identified. This protocol applies when at least one of those risk factors is present.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is defined as suppressed serum TSH with normal free T4 and free T3 concentrations, confirmed on two readings taken three months apart. Treatment is indicated when any one of the following is present:
A specific class of anti-thyroid medication is recommended as the first-line intervention in this clinical setting, irrespective of the underlying etiology. The full regimen — including agent selection, management pathway, and monitoring — is in the complete protocol.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is defined as suppressed serum TSH with normal free T4 and free T3 concentrations in 2 readings done 3 months apart.
Treatment should be considered in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism who are either elderly (age >65 years old) OR with comorbidities (cardiac disease or osteoporosis) or TSH level <0.1mIU/L.
Anti-thyroid drugs should be the first line of treatment for subclinical hyperthyroidism, whatever the etiology.
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2016.0229 View source ↗