Subclinical thyroid disease

Abstract

Introduction: Subclinical thyroid disease is a common finding on testing of thyroid function and its management remains controversial.

Source of data: Epidemiological data from large population studies from USA and Europe.

Areas of agreement: There is an increased risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The treatment of mild thyroid failure is of importance in optimizing pregnancy outcome.

Areas of controversy: Diagnostic criteria differ and there is variation between management guidelines. The difference was found in long-term clinical outcomes between endogenous and exogenous subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Growing points: Meta-analyses have provided epidemiological data in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in subclinical thyroid disease. Increased use of echocardiography and bone markers in identifying those who benefit from intervention.

Areas timely for developing research: A randomized controlled trial to identify those subjects identified from screening programmes that benefit from intervention in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: autoimmune thyroid disease; screening; subclinical hyperthyroidism; subclinical hypothyroidism.