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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
10:38
Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
Thyroid function in the intensive care unit setting
1Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Critical Care Clinics
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Current evidence does not support using thyroid hormones like thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) for nonthyroidal illness. More research is needed to determine benefits versus risks for most patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Nonthyroidal illness (NTI) is characterized by altered thyroid hormone levels.
- The role of thyroid hormone replacement in NTI remains controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the current evidence for the utility of T4 and T3 administration in patients with NTI.
- To identify the need for further research in this area.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published studies on T4 and T3 administration in NTI.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and expert opinions.
Main Results:
- No convincing published evidence supports the use of T4 or T3 in NTI.
- Existing studies are limited by disease-specific applicability and study design.
Conclusions:
- Further large-scale prospective studies are required to definitively resolve the issue of T3 treatment in NTI.
- Thyroid hormone administration in NTI should be approached cautiously, with benefits weighed against risks, as indications are limited.
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