S
UBCLINICAL OR MILD THYROID
Data Synthesis The strength of the evidence that untreated subclinical thyroid dis-
disease is a common disorder,
ease is associated with clinical symptoms and adverse clinical outcomes was assessed
particularly in middle-aged and and recommendations for clinical practice developed. Data relating the progression of
elderly individuals.1 Greater subclinical to overt hypothyroidism were rated as good, but data relating treatment to
sensitivity of assays and more fre- prevention of progression were inadequate to determine a treatment benefit. Data
quent assessment of serum thyroid- relating a serum TSH level higher than 10 mIU/L to elevations in serum cholesterol
stimulating hormone (TSH) levels have were rated as fair but data relating to benefits of treatment were rated as insufficient.
resulted in more patients requiring in- All other associations of symptoms and benefit of treatment were rated as insufficient
terpretation of abnormal thyroid func- or absent. Data relating a serum TSH concentration lower than 0.1 mIU/L to the pres-
tion test results. However, contro- ence of atrial fibrillation and progression to overt hyperthyroidism were rated as good,
but no data supported treatment to prevent these outcomes. Data relating restora-
versy surrounds the definition, clinical
tion of the TSH level to within the reference range with improvements in bone min-
importance, and necessity for prompt eral density were rated as fair. Data addressing all other associations of subclinical hy-
diagnosis and treatment of subclinical perthyroid disease and adverse clinical outcomes or treatment benefits were rated as
thyroid disease. Previous review ar- insufficient or absent. Subclinical hypothyroid disease in pregnancy is a special case
ticles2-6 and position statements7,8 dif- and aggressive case finding and treatment in pregnant women can be justified.
fer in their conclusions and recommen- Conclusions Data supporting associations of subclinical thyroid disease with symp-
dations, often a consequence of toms or adverse clinical outcomes or benefits of treatment are few. The consequences
difficulties in interpreting inadequate of subclinical thyroid disease (serum TSH 0.1-0.45 mIU/L or 4.5-10.0 mIU/L) are mini-
and conflicting data. In the midst of this mal and we recommend against routine treatment of patients with TSH levels in these
uncertainty, clinicians still desire ex- ranges. There is insufficient evidence to support population-based screening. Aggres-
pert guidance for the diagnosis and sive case finding is appropriate in pregnant women, women older than 60 years, and
management of subclinical thyroid others at high risk for thyroid dysfunction.
JAMA. 2004;291:228-238 www.jama.com
disease.
See also p 239. Author Affiliations and Financial Disclosures are listed 10467-2490 (e-mail: msurks@westnet.com).
at the end of this article. Reprints: Society Services, The Endocrine Society,
CME available online at Corresponding Author: Martin I. Surks, MD, Mon- 8401 Connecticut Ave, Suite 900, Chevy Chase,
www.jama.com tefiore Medical Center, Medical Arts Pavilion, 3400 MD 20815 (e-mail: societyservices@endo-society
Bainbridge Ave, Second Floor, Bronx, NY .org).
228 JAMA, January 14, 2004Vol 291, No. 2 (Reprinted) 2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
In an effort to address these contro- cieties served without compensation ture of study (eg, cohort, blinded,
versial issues, representatives of the whereas nonendocrinologist panelists randomized), and principal findings.
American Thyroid Association (ATA), received an appropriate honorarium. The complete report is available at http:
the American Association of Clinical En- //www.endo-society.org/education
docrinologists (AACE), and the Endo- METHODS /evidence-report.cfm.
crine Society formed a planning com- The Lewin Group, an independent con- On the first 112 days of the consen-
mittee for a consensus development sulting organization, was contracted to sus conference, 12 experts identified by
conference to review the literature and review the literature and summarize the the planning committee presented re-
attempt to formulate some recommen- evidence relating to the clinical ques- views of selected areas including epi-
dations to guide clinical practice. The tions. Relevant articles were identified demiology, laboratory testing, symp-
committee adopted an approach pat- by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Bio- toms, effects on bone, lipids, and
terned on the National Institutes of sis, the Agency for Healthcare Re- cardiovascular systems, screening, and
Health (NIH) consensus development search and Quality (AHRQ) National effects of treatment to the panel and au-
process. The planning committee drafted Guideline Clearinghouse, the Coch- dience. These expert presenters left the
a series of clinically relevant questions rane Database of Systematic Reviews, the conference at the end of the informa-
related to the diagnosis and manage- Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and tion gathering session. Over the re-
ment of subclinical hypothyroidism and several National Health Services (UK) maining 112 days, the panel discussed
hyperthyroidism. These questions were databases, including the Database of Ab- the information presented and the data
What is the definition of subclini- stracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, the abstracted from the literature review to
cal thyroid disease? Economic Evaluation Database, and the address the questions posed by the plan-
What is the epidemiology of sub- database of the International Network ning committee.
clinical thyroid disease? of Agencies for Health Technology As- The panel assessed the data for qual-
What are the consequences of un- sessment. Key search terms were sub- ity, scope, and relevance. Using criteria
treated subclinical thyroid disease? How clinical (text word) or subclinic and hy- adopted from the US Preventive Ser-
should it be evaluated? pothyroidism or thyroid deficien or vices Task Force (USPSTF),9 the panel
What are the risks and benefits of thyroid insufficien; subclinical (text rated the strength of the available evi-
treatment for subclinical thyroid dis- word) or subclinic and hyperthyroid- dence as either good, fair, or insuffi-
ease? ism or thyrotoxicosis or overactive thy- cient as it related to the association of
Is screening for subclinical thy- roid. The following areas were evalu- thyroid status or benefits of treatment
roid disease warranted? ated (key words in parentheses): to specified outcomes (BOX 1). Given the
The questions were presented to a epidemiology (etiology or ethnology or paucity of randomized controlled trials
panel of 13 experts selected by the plan- epidemiology or mortality), screening (RCTs), the panel relied on the avail-
ning committee who were either se- (screening or thyroid function tests), treat- able published evidence as well as that
nior endocrinologists not known to ment (therapy or treatment or radio- presented during the expert presenta-
publish or be advocates in this area or therapy or surgery or complication or tions, particularly for data related to
experts in other relevant fields. Mem- hormon), consequences of no treat- clinical outcomes. When evidence was
bers of the planning committee were ment (complications or mortality), and not available, was contradictory, or was
not members of the panel. Eight of the economics (cost or costs or cost analysis judged to be insufficient, the panelists
panelists were experts in thyroid dis- or cost-benefit or cost effective). relied on their experience, judgment,
ease and the remaining 5 had exper- All English-language research ar- and interpretation of the available lit-
tise in cardiology, epidemiology, bio- ticles or translations published on the erature in formulating recommenda-
statistics, evidence-based medicine, topic from 1995 to July 2002 were re- tions for clinical practice. Differences of
health services research, general inter- viewed, as well as 21 relevant articles opinion were settled by a majority vote
nal medicine, and clinical nutrition. and 4 abstracts published before 1995 after extensive discussion. The recom-
The conference was held Septem- that were identified by the planning mendations for clinical practice were de-
ber 21-23, 2002. The meeting was open committee. Excluded were editorials, veloped on the basis of the evidence
to the public and attended by mem- individual case studies, studies enroll- evaluations during the conference de-
bers of the 3 sponsoring societies. Con- ing fewer than 10 patients, and many liberations.
tinuing medical education credit was nonsystematic reviews. The final count Each clinical practice recommenda-
provided through the Endocrine Soci- was 195 articles, including the earlier tion was rated by individual members
ety. All potential conflicts of interest relevant publications identified by the of the panel for strength of supporting
were obtained from panelists and speak- planning committee. The report con- evidence (good, fair, insufficient, or
ers and printed in the conference ma- sisted of tables and summaries of each based on expert opinion) (BOX 2). Panel
terials. Endocrinologists who were subject area indicating the authors, year members were asked to indicate their
members of any of the 3 organizing so- of publication, numbers of subjects, na- level of agreement (none, minimal,
2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. (Reprinted) JAMA, January 14, 2004Vol 291, No. 2 229
tion, aged 12 years and older (exclud- serum FT4 and T3 concentrations are tus, a family history of thyroid disease,
ing pregnant women, individuals tak- within their reference ranges.12 Other or previous head and neck cancer treated
ing estrogens, androgens, or lithium, causes of a low serum TSH must be ex- with external beam radiation all raise the
and those with detectable antithyroid cluded. Subclinical hyperthyroidism may likelihood of subclinical hypothyroid-
antibodies to thyroid peroxidase [TPO] result from endogenous overproduc- ism. About 20% of patients taking thy-
or laboratory evidence of hypothyroid- tion of thyroid hormone or intended, or roid medications (not otherwise speci-
ism or hyperthyroidism). In this se- inadvertent, overadministration of thy- fied) have subclinical hypothyroidism.1
lected population, the reference range roid hormone. Among other causes of a Of patients with subclinical hypothy-
of TSH concentration (2.5th-97.5th per- low serum TSH concentration with nor- roidism, approximately 2% to 5% per
centile) was 0.45 to 4.12 mIU/L, and the mal concentrations of FT4 are delayed re- year will progress to overt hypothyroid-
geometric mean TSH concentration was covery of the pituitary TSH-producing ism. Overt hypothyroidism is generally
1.4 mIU/L. The reference range varied cells during or after therapy for hyper- defined as a low serum FT4 concentra-
as a function of age, sex, and ethnic thyroidism,25 normal pregnancy,26 vari- tion with elevated serum TSH concen-
group, but because the differences are ous nonthyroidal illnesses (euthyroid tration,34,37 but in some cases individu-
relatively small, it is not considered nec- sick syndrome),27,28 or the administra- als with hypothyroid symptoms and
essary to adjust the reference range for tion of dopamine,29 glucocorticoids,30,31 high TSH (10 mIU/L) with low nor-
these factors in clinical practice. and possibly dobutamine.32 Although mal FT4 have been among those de-
Some investigators suggest that the subnormal serum TSH concentrations fined as having overt hypothyroid-
upper limit of normal for serum TSH are common in a variety of severe non- ism. 2 4 The rate of progression is
concentration should be 2.5 mIU/L11 in thyroidal illnesses, undetectable serum proportional to the baseline serum TSH
a population rigorously screened to ex- TSH concentrations (0.01 mIU/L) are concentration and is higher in individu-
clude thyroid disease or drugs that in- rare unless patients are receiving con- als with antithyroid antibodies.24 In in-
fluence thyroid function. In support of comitant glucocorticoids (usually in high dividuals not taking thyroid hormone,
this position is a higher rate of progres- doses) or dopamine. Although patients serum TSH returns to normal after 1 year
sion to overt hypothyroidism and a with pituitary or hypothalamic failure of follow-up in approximately 5% but re-
higher prevalence of antithyroid anti- (including anorexia nervosa) fre- mains elevated in the remainder.34
bodies in individuals with serum TSH quently have subnormal serum TSH con- Subclinical hyperthyroidism is much
higher than 2.5 mIU/L compared with centrations, the FT4 is also usually sub- less common than subclinical hypothy-
those with serum TSH between 0.5 and normal.12 When serum FT4 is in the roidism. When the lower limit of TSH is
2.5 mIU/L.24 Although a serum TSH con- normal range, it is almost invariably in less than 0.4 mIU/L, 3.2% of the popu-
centration higher than 2.5 but less than the lower part of the range in those with lation is defined as having subclinical hy-
4.5 mIU/L may identify some individu- nonthyroidal illness in contrast to the perthyroidism.23 If patients with known
als with the earliest stage of hypothy- high normal FT4 concentration of typi- thyroid disease are excluded, the preva-
roidism and those suspect for Hashi- cal subclinical hyperthyroidism. lence decreases to 2%. Subclinical hy-
moto thyroiditis, there is no evidence for What Is the Epidemiology of Sub- perthyroid disease is more common in
associated adverse consequences. Fur- clinical Thyroid Disease? The preva- women than men, in blacks than whites,
thermore, serum TSH concentrations be- lence of subclinical hypothyroidism in in the elderly,34 and in patients with low
tween 2.5 and 4.5 mIU/L may be due to the US adult population is about 4% to iodine intake.38 The presence of goiter,
minor technical problems in the TSH as- 8.5% in those without known thyroid personal history of previous thyroid dis-
say, circulating abnormal TSH iso- disease.1,23 The prevalence increases with ease, family history of thyroid disease,
forms, or heterophilic antibodies; nor- age, and in women older than 60 years, atrial fibrillation, or ingestion of iodine-
mal individuals with serum TSH subclinical hypothyroidism is present in containing drugs such as amiodarone all
concentrations in this range would be up to 20%.1,33,34 The data are less consis- make subclinical hyperthyroidism more
misidentified as having hypothyroid- tent in men; in those older than 65 years, likely. If the diagnosis is limited to only
ism. Given these concerns as well as the the prevalence increases and ap- those with a serum TSH level lower than
pulsatile nature and continuous distri- proaches that of women in some, but not 0.1 mIU/L, the prevalence of subclini-
bution of serum TSH concentrations, the all, studies.23 In patients found to have cal hyperthyroidism decreases to 0.7%.23
panel defined the reference range of nor- an elevated TSH level, approximately However, subclinical hyperthyroidism is
mal serum TSH concentration as 0.45 75% have values lower than 10 mIU/L.1 common in individuals treated with le-
to 4.5 mIU/L. The prevalence of subclinical hypothy- vothyroxine, being present in 14% to
What Is the Definition of Subclini- roidism in blacks is one third that in 21% of such patients.39,40
cal Hyperthyroidism? Subclinical hyper- whites,23 and a similar low prevalence is Overt hyperthyroidism is defined as
thyroidism is defined as a serum TSH con- seen in some populations with iodine de- a serum TSH level lower than 0.1 mIU/L
centration below the statistically defined ficiency.35,36 Factors such as previous hy- with serum FT4, T3, or FT3 concentra-
lower limit of the reference range when perthyroidism, type 1 diabetes melli- tions above the normal reference range.
2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. (Reprinted) JAMA, January 14, 2004Vol 291, No. 2 231
lar symptoms and dysfunction when pa- cal action is always either indicated or efit. Still, the panel considers the likeli-
tients were treated with levothyroxine contraindicated. As the serum TSH con- hood of improvement small, and it must
was not an RCT. 54 The 2 RCTs re- centration increases above 10 mIU/L, be balanced against the inconvenience,
stricted to individuals with TSH levels however, the basis for initiating treat- expense, and potential risks of therapy.
lower than 10 mIU/L found no im- ment is more compelling. Clinical con- Physicians and patients must under-
provement in symptoms with levothy- text is particularly important. This opin- stand that there is insufficient evidence
roxine therapy.56,57 ion reflects clinical experience and to expect therapeutic benefit in patients
judgment as well as the literature that in this group and that distinguishing a
How Should Subclinical suggests improvement in symptoms55 true therapeutic effect from a placebo
Hypothyroidism Be Evaluated? and possible lowering of LDL choles- effect in an individual patient is diffi-
If the serum TSH concentration is high terol.56 There are no studies that dem- cult. Still, the possibility that some pa-
and serum FT4 concentration has not onstrate decreased morbidity or mortal- tients may benefit cannot be ruled out.
been measured, the TSH measure- ity with treatment. The potential risks of Physicians and patients should under-
ment should be repeated along with an therapy are limited to the development stand the natural history of subclinical
FT4 measurement at a minimum of 2 of subclinical hyperthyroidism, which hypothyroidism and the small but defi-
weeks, but no longer than 3 months, may occur in 14% to 21% of individuals nite risk of progression to overt hypo-
after the initial assessment. The panel treated with levothyroxine.39,40 thyroidism. The special case of preg-
recommends thyroid hormone therapy Subclinical Hypothyroidism With Se- nancy or the planned pregnancy in
in individuals with elevated serum TSH rum TSH of 4.5 to 10 mIU/L. Although women with subclinical hypothyroid-
concentrations whose FT4 concentra- some studies suggest an association be- ism is discussed below.
tion is below the reference range (0.8- tween subclinical hypothyroidism and Subclinical Hypothyroidism With Se-
2.0 ng/dL [10.3-25.7 pmol/L]). systemic hypothyroid symptoms1,55 or rum TSH Higher Than 10 mIU/L. Levo-
If a high serum TSH concentration cardiac dysfunction, 4 8 others do thyroxine therapy is reasonable for pa-
is confirmed on repeat testing and se- not.53,58,59 No population-based studies tients with subclinical hypothyroidism
rum FT4 is within the reference range, examined symptoms in patients with se- and serum TSH higher than 10 mIU/L.
the patient should be evaluated for signs rum TSH concentrations between 4.5 The rate of progression is 5% in com-
and symptoms of hypothyroidism, pre- and 10 mIU/L. The likelihood of pro- parison with patients with lower lev-
vious treatment for hyperthyroidism gression to overt hypothyroidism ap- els of TSH, and treatment may poten-
(radioiodine, partial thyroidectomy), pears to be higher than for those with tially prevent the manifestations and
thyroid gland enlargement, or family TSH levels lower than 4.5 mIU/L14 (Table consequences of hypothyroidism in
history of thyroid disease. Lipid pro- 1). Although early levothyroxine therapy those patients who do progress. Still,
files should be reviewed. Women who does not alter the natural history of the the evidence that therapy will reduce
are pregnant or hope to become preg- disease, it may prevent symptoms and total and LDL cholesterol levels and im-
nant in the near future deserve special signs of overt disease in those who do prove symptoms in these patients is in-
consideration. progress. The available data do not con- conclusive (TABLE 2).
The evidence was insufficient to rec- firm clear-cut benefits for early therapy Subclinical Hypothyroidism During
ommend either for or against routine compared with treatment when symp- Pregnancy. The panel gave a rating of
measurement of anti-TPO antibodies in toms or overt hypothyroidism de- fair to the evidence of an association
patients with subclinical hypothyroid- velop56,57 (Table 1). Therefore, the panel between subclinical hypothyroidism and
ism. The presence of anti-TPO antibod- does not recommend routine levothy- adverse outcomes of pregnancy for either
ies identifies an autoimmune etiology for roxine treatment for patients with TSH the fetus or the mother. However, the
thyroid dysfunction and predicts a levels between 4.5 and 10 mIU/L, but panel made the following recommen-
higher risk of developing overt hypo- thyroid function tests should be re- dation: a TSH level might be obtained
thyroidism (4.3% per year vs 2.6% per peated at 6- to 12-month intervals to in pregnant women and women who
year in antibody-negative individuals).24 monitor for improvement or worsen- wish to become pregnant if they have a
Still, antibody presence or absence does ing in TSH level. family or personal history of thyroid dis-
not change the diagnosis of subclinical The panel realizes that some individu- ease, physical findings or symptoms sug-
hypothyroidism (which is based on se- als with TSH levels between 4.5 and 10 gestive of goiter or hypothyroidism, type
rum TSH measurements) or the ex- mIU/L have symptoms compatible with 1 diabetes mellitus, or a personal his-
pected efficacy of treatment. hypothyroidism. Clinicians and pa- tory of autoimmune disorders. For
What Are the Risks and Benefits of tients may decide on a several-month trial women who already take levothyrox-
Treating Subclinical Hypothyroid- of levothyroxine, while monitoring for ine but whose TSH level is in the sub-
ism? Among patients with untreated sub- improvement in hypothyroid-type symp- clinical hypothyroidism range, compli-
clinical hypothyroidism, there is no toms. Continuation of therapy should be ance and appropriateness of dose should
single level of serum TSH at which clini- predicated on clear symptomatic ben- be assessed.
2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. (Reprinted) JAMA, January 14, 2004Vol 291, No. 2 233
study of individuals with endogenous sity (BMD) during prolonged subclini- total T3 or FT3 levels to exclude cen-
subclinical hyperthyroidism (mean age, cal hyperthyroidism.83,84 These analy- tral hypothyroidism or nonthyroidal ill-
65 years) and serum TSH lower than 0.1 ses concluded that exogenous ness. Clinical circumstances dictate
mIU/L reported a 2.8-fold increased risk subclinical hyperthyroidism resulted in when the retesting should occur. For
of atrial fibrillation over 2 years com- a significant loss of BMD among post- patients with atrial fibrillation, car-
pared with aged-matched euthyroid con- menopausal women but not among pre- diac disease, or other serious medical
trols.68 No studies demonstrated an in- menopausal women. Considering the conditions, repeat testing within 2
creased incidence of arterial embolism in data from individual studies, one pro- weeks is prudent. When these factors
patients with subclinical hyperthyroid- spective study found no association be- are absent, repeat testing is recom-
ism. However, atrial fibrillation due to tween low serum TSH and accelerated mended within 3 months.
overt hyperthyroidism is a known risk loss in BMD.85 One study reported no If the repeat serum TSH concentra-
factor for arterial embolism.90,91 increased fracture risk in levothyroxine- tion remains higher than 0.1 but lower
Treatment. Several studies have as- treated patients with serum TSH lower than 0.45 mIU/L, with normal FT4 and
sessed the effects of treatment on car- than 0.05 mIU/L or in those with se- T3 concentrations, and the patient has
diac function. Successful treatment of rum TSH between 0.05 and 4.0 mIU/L.93 no signs or symptoms of cardiac dis-
endogenous subclinical hyperthyroid- However, another prospective study re- ease, atrial fibrillation, or other arrhyth-
ism decreased the heart rate and car- ported an increased risk of hip and mias, retesting should occur at 3- to 12-
diac output and increased the systemic spine fracture in levothyroxine- month intervals, until either serum TSH
vascular resistance in an unblinded study treated women older than 65 years normalizes or the clinician and patient
of 6 patients.74 There is limited evi- whose serum TSH was 0.1 mIU/L or are confident that the condition is stable.
dence that treatment of subclinical hy- lower, but this study did not distin- Patients with known nodular thyroid
perthyroidism facilitates spontaneous re- guish between overt and subclinical hy- disease may develop overt hyperthy-
version or cardioversion of atrial perthyroidism.88 The risk of fractures roidism when exposed to excess iodine
fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm.92 was not increased in women with se- (eg, radiographic contrast agents) and
Among patients with exogenous sub- rum TSH between 0.1 and 0.5 mIU/L require special consideration.44
clinical hyperthyroidism, decreasing the when adjustment was made for prior Individuals With a Serum TSH Lower
levothyroxine dose normalized the heart hyperthyroidism. Overt thyrotoxico- Than 0.1 mIU/L. If serum TSH concen-
rate and resulted in a nonsignificant re- sis increased the risk of fracture in tration is lower than 0.1 mIU/L, the
duction in LV ejection fraction, 75 most 88,89 but not all 94 studies. Pro- panel recommends repeating the mea-
whereas -blockers decreased atrial pre- longed subclinical hyperthyroidism surement, along with an FT4 and a total
mature beats and LV mass index and im- prior to overt hyperthyroidism may T3 or FT3, within 4 weeks of the initial
proved diastolic filling.76 contribute to the increased risk of frac- measurement. If the patient has signs
Systemic and Neuropsychiatric Symp- ture in patients with thyrotoxicosis.89 or symptoms of cardiac disease, atrial
toms. Several relatively small case- Treatment. Treatment of hyperthy- fibrillation or other arrhythmia, or
control, cross-sectional, and cohort stud- roidism to restore the TSH level to within medical issues requiring urgent diag-
ies found more hyperthyroid-type signs the reference range preserves BMD, but nosis and treatment, these tests should
and symptoms in individuals with sub- normalization of bone turnover may be be performed within a shorter inter-
clinical hyperthyroidism (compared delayed for up to 1 year.86,87 Two stud- val, particularly if there are signs or
with euthyroid individuals) but fewer ies of endogenous subclinical hyperthy- symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
than in individuals with overt hyper- roidism (TSH 0.2 mIU/L81 and TSH Endogenous Subclinical Hyperthyroid-
thyroidism.42,71,72,77 However, some of 0.1 mIU/L 82 ) in postmenopausal ism (TSH Lower Than 0.45 mIU/L). The
these studies involved patients se- women demonstrated significant con- panel recommends further evaluation
lected from hospital clinics or elderly in- tinued bone loss in untreated patients to establish the etiology of the low se-
patients. The only large, population- compared with bone stabilization in rum TSH. A radioactive iodine uptake
based study (N=6884) of an unselected, treated patients. Only one82 of these stud- measurement and scan can distin-
healthy cohort found no association be- ies was randomized and neither in- guish between destructive thyroiditis
tween those with TSH lower than 0.21 cluded a placebo group. and hyperthyroidism due to Graves dis-
mIU/L (who were not taking levothy- How Should Subclinical Hyperthy- ease or nodular goiter.
roxine) and physical or psychological roidism Be Evaluated? Individuals With What Are the Risks and Benefits of
symptoms of hyperthyroidism; nor were Serum TSH 0.1 to 0.45 mIU/L Not Treatment of Subclinical Hyperthy-
differences in concentration, depres- Treated With Levothyroxine. If serum roidism? The risks of treatment of sub-
sion, or anxiety detected by means of TSH is reported to be between 0.1 and clinical hyperthyroidism with antithy-
validated instruments.78 0.45 mIU/L, the measurement should roid drugs are potential allergic
Skeletal System. Two meta-analyses be repeated for confirmation. The panel reactions including agranulocytosis. Ra-
reported declines in bone mineral den- recommends measuring FT4 and either dioactive iodine therapy commonly
2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved. (Reprinted) JAMA, January 14, 2004Vol 291, No. 2 235
causes hypothyroidism and may cause Endogenous Subclinical Hyperthyroid- lated to the test being applied to deter-
exacerbation of hyperthyroidism or ism (Serum TSH Lower Than 0.1 mIU/L). mine the persons likelihood of having
Graves eye disease.95 Subclinical hyperthyroidism due to a particular disease or condition.
Exogenous Subclinical Hyperthyroid- destructive thyroiditis (including post- Thyroid dysfunction is more preva-
ism With TSH 0.1 to 0.45 mIU/L. When viral subacute thyroiditis and postpar- lent in certain population groups, in-
the serum TSH concentration is be- tum thyroiditis) resolves spontane- cluding women older than 60 years, per-
tween 0.1 and 0.45 mIU/L in a levothy- ously. Treatment, apart from sons with previous radiation treatment
roxine-treated individual, the indica- symptomatic therapy (eg, -blockers), is of the thyroid gland (radioactive iodine
tion for thyroid hormone therapy should usually not required. or therapeutic external beam radiation),
be reviewed. Many patients with thy- The panel recommends that treat- those who have had previous thyroid sur-
roid cancer and some patients with thy- ment be considered for subclinical hy- gery or thyroid dysfunction, and those
roid nodules require TSH suppression, perthyroidism (TSH 0.1 mIU/L) due who have type 1 diabetes mellitus, a per-
and the target TSH level should be re- to Graves or nodular thyroid disease. sonal history of autoimmune disease, a
viewed by the treating endocrinologist The panel recognizes the paucity of in- family history of thyroid disease, or atrial
or other physician. When levothyrox- tervention trials, apart from those dem- fibrillation. The panel recommends ag-
ine is prescribed for hypothyroidism in onstrating stabilization of bone den- gressive case finding in these high-risk
the absence of thyroid nodules or thy- sity. However, the panel was concerned groups. The panel also endorses thy-
roid cancer, the panel recommends de- about the risk of atrial fibrillation and/or roid function testing (serum TSH mea-
creasing the dosage of levothyroxine to bone loss, particularly in the elderly. Spe- surement) for patients seeking medical
allow serum TSH to increase toward the cifically, treatment should be consid- care who have signs or symptoms sug-
reference range. This dosage adjust- ered for patients who are older than 60 gestive of thyroid dysfunction8 or those
ment may be particularly important years and for those with or at increased being evaluated for palpable thyroid ab-
when the serum TSH is in the lower part risk for heart disease, osteopenia, or os- normalities.
of the range (Table 2). teoporosis (including estrogen- The panel recommends against popu-
Exogenous Subclinical Hyperthyroid- deficient women), or for those with lation-based screening for thyroid dis-
ism With TSH Lower Than 0.1 mIU/L. symptoms suggestive of hyperthyroid- ease. Case ascertainment in certain high-
When the serum TSH concentration is ism. Younger individuals with subclini- risk groups is encouraged. The panel
lower than 0.1 mIU/L in a levothyroxine- cal hyperthyroidism and serum TSH per- finds the evidence insufficient to recom-
treated individual, the indication for thy- sistently (months) lower than 0.1 mIU/L mend for or against routine determina-
roid hormone therapy should be may be offered therapy or follow-up de- tion of TSH levels (screening) in preg-
reviewed. For patients with thyroid can- pending on individual considerations. nant women or women planning to
cer and thyroid nodules, the target serum Is Screening for Subclinical Thy- become pregnant. It is reasonable to con-
TSH value should be reviewed by the roid Disease Warranted? The ratio- sider serum TSH measurement for
patients endocrinologist or treating phy- nale for population screening hinges on women with a family history of thyroid
sician. When levothyroxine is pre- the high prevalence of subclinical thy- disease, prior thyroid dysfunction, symp-
scribed for hypothyroidism in the absence roid dysfunction in the adult popula- toms or physical findings suggestive of
of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer, the tion and on the potential health ben- hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, an
panel recommends decreasing the dos- efits and risks of detecting and treating abnormal thyroid gland on examina-
age of levothyroxine to allow serum TSH these diseases. We used the US Preven- tion, type 1 diabetes mellitus, or a per-
to increase toward the reference range. tive Services Task Force criteria96 for rec- sonal history of an autoimmune disorder.
Endogenous Subclinical Hyperthyroid- ommending a screening test, which re-
ism (Serum TSH 0.1-0.45 mIU/L). The quires evidence of effectiveness of early CONCLUSION
panel recommends against routine detection. One of the most important cri- Our review of the literature revealed a
treatment for all patients whose TSH is teria for recommending a screening test striking paucity of evidence bearing on
mildly decreased (0.1-0.45 mIU/L). The is that screening asymptomatic per- the major clinical questions examined.
panel found insufficient evidence to es- sons and treating them for the condi- Our recommendations are based on the
tablish a clear association between this tion should result in improved measur- existing evidence and the panels clini-
mild degree of hyperthyroidism and ad- able and important health outcomes cal experience, but they are limited by
verse clinical outcomes, including atrial when compared with persons who are the paucity of definitive data. Well-
fibrillation. However, because of a pos- not screened and who present with signs conceived and executed intervention
sible association with increased cardio- or symptoms of the disease. An alterna- trials are needed to bring definitive data
vascular mortality,50 clinicians might tive to population screening is aggres- to light on these questions. Until such
consider treatment of elderly individu- sive case finding, defined as the appli- data are available, clinical judgment and
als, despite the absence of supportive cation of a test to a person presenting patients preferences remain para-
data from intervention trials. to a clinician for a reason usually unre- mount. Although the panel recom-
236 JAMA, January 14, 2004Vol 291, No. 2 (Reprinted) 2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
mended against population screening for ment of AHRQ or the federal government. Neither do 19. Brennan MD, Klee GG, Preissner CM, Hay ID. Het-
statements made in this article reflect official policy erophilic serum antibodies: a cause for falsely el-
subclinical thyroid disease, clinicians are of the American Thyroid Association, the American As- evated serum thyrotropin levels. Mayo Clin Proc. 1987;
encouraged to make individual patient sociation of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the Endo- 62:894-898.
crine Society organizers of the consensus develop- 20. Wood JM, Gordon DL, Rudinger AN, Brooks MM.
assessments when determining the need ment conference. Artifactual elevation of thyroid-stimulating hor-
for testing and treatment. Previous Presentation: Presented in part at the Ameri- mone. Am J Med. 1991;90:261-262.
can Thyroid Association annual meeting, October 9-13, 21. Ward G, McKinnon L, Badrick T, Hickman PE. Het-
2002, Los Angeles, Calif. erophilic antibodies remain a problem for the immu-
Author Affiliations: Departments of Medicine and Pa- Acknowledgment: The panel thanks David S. Coo- noassay laboratory. Am J Clin Pathol. 1997;108:417-
thology, Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert per, MD, for help in the organization of the Consen- 421.
Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY (Dr Surks); sus Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of 22. Beck-Peccoz P, Amr S, Menezes-Ferreira MM, Fa-
Center for Primary Care, Prevention, and Clinical Part- Subclinical Thyroid Disease and Patricia A. Stephens, glia G, Weintraub BD. Decreased receptor binding of
nerships, Agency for Healthcare Research and Qual- PhD, for editorial assistance. biologically inactive thyrotropin in central hypothyroid-
ity, Rockville, Md (Dr Ortiz); Thyroid Unit and De- ism: effect of treatment with thyrotropin-releasing hor-
partment of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, mone. N Engl J Med. 1985;312:1085-1090.
Harvard Medical School, Boston (Dr Daniels); Veter- 23. Hollowell JG, Staehling NW, Flanders WD, et al.
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238 JAMA, January 14, 2004Vol 291, No. 2 (Reprinted) 2004 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.