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Diagnosis and Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism: The 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline, Korean Thyroid Association

무증상 갑상선기능저하증의 진단과 치료: 2023 대한갑상선학회 진료 권고안

  • Hyun-Kyung Chung (Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine)
  • 정현경 (단국대학교 의과대학 내과학교실)
  • Received : 2024.03.23
  • Accepted : 2024.05.06
  • Published : 2024.06.01

Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is characterized by elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and normal free thyroxine levels. The Korean Thyroid Association recently issued guidelines for managing SCH. Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), a serum TSH level of 6.8 mIU/L is the reference value for SCH. SCH is classified as mild (TSH 6.8-10.0 mIU/L) or severe (TSH > 10.0 mIU/L), and patients are categorized as adult (age < 70 years) or elderly (age ≥ 70 years). Levothyroxine treatment (LT4-Tx) is not recommended for mild or even severe SCH in elderly patients. Immediate LT4-Tx can be given to adults in most cases, but not to women who are pregnant, patients with progressive disease, or patients with underlying coronary artery disease, heart failure, or dyslipidemia.

Keywords

References

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