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Timing of Levothyroxine Administration Affects Serum Thyrotropin Concentration

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TLDR
If a specific serum TSH goal is desired, thereby avoiding iatrogenic subclinical thyroid disease, then fasting ingestion of levothyroxine ensures that TSH concentrations remain within the narrowest target range.
Abstract
Context: Patients treated with levothyroxine typically ingest it in a fasting state to prevent food impairing its absorption. The serum thyrotropin concentration is the therapeutic index of levothyroxine action. Objective: The study objective was to determine the effect of the timing of levothyroxine administration in relationship to food on serum thyrotropin levels. Design: Participants were randomized to one of six sequences, each consisting of three 8-wk regimens in a three-period crossover design. These regimens were in a fasting state, at bedtime, and with breakfast. The concentrations of TSH, free T4, and total T3 during each of the three timing regimens were documented. The primary outcome was the difference between serum TSH concentrations under fasting conditions compared with concentrations during the other 8-wk regimens. Setting: The study was conducted in an academic medical center. Participants: Study participants were receiving levothyroxine for treatment of hypothyroidism or thyroid cancer. Results: Sixty-five patients completed the study. The mean thyrotropin concentration was 1.06 ± 1.23 mIU/liter when levothyroxine was administered in the fasting state. When levothyroxine was taken with breakfast, the serum thyrotropin concentration was significantly higher (2.93 ± 3.29 mIU/liter). When levothyroxine was taken at bedtime, the serum TSH concentration was also significantly higher (2.19 ± 2.66 mIU/liter). Conclusion: Nonfasting regimens of levothyroxine administration are associated with higher and more variable serum TSH concentrations. If a specific serum TSH goal is desired, thereby avoiding iatrogenic subclinical thyroid disease, then fasting ingestion of levothyroxine ensures that TSH concentrations remain within the narrowest target range.

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Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI

Clinical practice guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association.

TL;DR: Fifty-two evidence-based recommendations and subrecommendations were developed to aid in the care of patients with hypothyroidism and to share what the authors believe is current, rational, and optimal medical practice for the diagnosis and care of hyp Timothyroidism.
Journal ArticleDOI

2013 ETA Guideline: Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism

TL;DR: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) should be considered in two categories according to the elevation in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level: mildly increased TSH levels (4.0-10.0 mU/l) and more severelyincreased TSH value (>10 m U/l).
References
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Journal ArticleDOI

The clinical significance of subclinical thyroid dysfunction.

TL;DR: The mechanisms underlying tissue alterations in SCTD and the effects of replacement therapy on progression and tissue parameters are examined, and the issue of the need to treat slight thyroid hormone deficiency or excess in relation to the patient's age is addressed.
Journal ArticleDOI

Narrow Individual Variations in Serum T4 and T3 in Normal Subjects: A Clue to the Understanding of Subclinical Thyroid Disease

TL;DR: The data indicate that each individual had a unique thyroid function, and the distinction between subclinical and overt thyroid disease (abnormal serum TSH and abnormal T(4) and/or T(3)) is somewhat arbitrary.
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Outcomes of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma following initial therapy.

TL;DR: It is confirmed that near-total thyroidectomy is indicated in high-risk patients and radioactive iodine therapy is beneficial for stage II, III, and IV patients, and it is shown for the first time that superior outcomes are associated with aggressive thyroid hormone suppression therapy in high risk patients, but are achieved with modest suppression in stage II patients.
Journal ArticleDOI

Replacement dose, metabolism, and bioavailability of levothyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Role of triiodothyronine in pituitary feedback in humans.

TL;DR: The findings suggest the possibility that in humans, serum triiodothyronine may play a more important part than serum thyroxine in regulating the serum thyrotropin concentration.
Journal ArticleDOI

Thyroxine in goiter, Helicobacter pylori infection, and chronic gastritis.

TL;DR: Patients with impaired acid secretion require an increased dose of thyroxine, suggesting that normal gastric acid secretion is necessary for effective absorption of oral thyrotropin.
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