Thyroid antibodies and levothyroxine effects in subclinical hypothyroidism: A pooled analysis of two randomized controlled trials

Background loss of skeletal muscle function, strength and mass is common in older adults, with important socioeconomic impacts. Subclinical hypothyroidism is common with increasing age and has been associated with reduced muscle strength. Yet, no randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT) has investigated whether treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism affects muscle function and mass. Methods this is an ancillary study within two RCTs conducted among adults aged ≥65 years with persistent subclinical hypothyroidism (thyrotropin (TSH) 4.60–19.99 mIU/l, normal free thyroxine). Participants received daily levothyroxine with TSH-guided dose adjustment or placebo and mock titration. Primary outcome was gait speed at final visit (median 18 months). Secondary outcomes were handgrip strength at 1-year follow-up and yearly change in muscle mass. Results we included 267 participants from Switzerland and the Netherlands. Mean age was 77.5 years (range 65.1–97.1), 129 (48.3%) were women, and their mean baseline TSH was 6.36 mIU/l (standard deviation [SD] 1.9). At final visit, mean TSH was 3.8 mIU/l (SD 2.3) in the levothyroxine group and 5.1 mIU/l (SD 1.8, P < 0.05) in the placebo group. Compared to placebo, participants in the levothyroxine group had similar gait speed at final visit (adjusted between-group mean difference [MD] 0.01 m/s, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.06 to 0.09), similar handgrip strength at one year (MD −1.22 kg, 95% CI −2.60 to 0.15) and similar yearly change in muscle mass (MD −0.15 m2, 95% CI −0.49 to 0.18). Conclusions in this ancillary analysis of two RCTs, treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism did not affect muscle function, strength and mass in individuals 65 years and older.

show abstract

Thyroid antibodies and levothyroxine effects in subclinical hypothyroidism: A pooled analysis of two randomized controlled trials

Lyko

Blum

Abolhassani

et al. 2022

J Intern Med

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Thyroid antibodies and LT4 in SHypo / C. Lyko et al.7.09) for positive antibodies versus 1.14 (−1.90 to 4.19) for negative antibodies (p for interaction = 0.98). Positive anti-TPO were not associated with better quality of life, improvement in handgrip strength, or fewer cardiovascular outcomes with levothyroxine treatment.Conclusions. Among older adults with SHypo, positive antithyroid antibodies are not associated with more benefits on clinical outcomes with LT4.

show abstract

scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Info

hi@scite.ai

10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614

Henderson, NV 89052, USA

Blog Terms and Conditions API Terms Privacy Policy Contact Cookie Preferences Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Made with 💙 for researchers

Part of the Research Solutions Family.

Thyroid antibodies and levothyroxine effects in subclinical hypothyroidism: A pooled analysis of two randomized controlled trials

Cited by 5 publications

References 49 publications

Management of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid nodules in the ageing patient

Management of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid nodules in the ageing patient

The effect of thyroid hormone therapy on muscle function, strength and mass in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism—an ancillary study within two randomized placebo controlled trials

Thyroid antibodies and levothyroxine effects in subclinical hypothyroidism: A pooled analysis of two randomized controlled trials

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About