Effect of Levothyroxine on Older Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Year: 2022
Type: review
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: Background Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is usually treated with levothyroxine, but there is controversy as to whether SCH should be treated, especially for older patients. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether levothyroxine has a beneficial or harmful effect on older patients with SCH. Methods Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, Weipu and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched from inception until December 21, 2021. Subjects must be diagnosed with SCH, and older than or equal to 60 years of age. Interventions should be thyroid hormone therapy (e.g. levothyroxine). The literature was independently screened by 2 researchers. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software. Results A total of 13 articles were included. Meta-analysis results showed that in older SCH patients, levothyroxine can significantly reduce cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.00001), triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.00001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.03) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (p < 0.00001). In addition, levothyroxine had no significant effect on bone mineral density, fatigue, hypothyroidism symptoms, quality of life, BMI, cognitive function, depression, blood pressure, etc. in older SCH patients, and also did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions Among older SCH patients, levothyroxine treatment may reduce TC, TG, LDL-C, and ApoB.
Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology
Authors: Chunyan Zhao, Yueqi Wang, Liu Xiao, Lin Li
Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,950
OpenAlex ID: W4285386065