Levothyroxine liquid solution versus tablet for replacement treatment in hypothyroid patients

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pharmacology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy is standard for hypothyroidism.
• Despite treatment, approximately one-third of patients exhibit abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
• Optimizing TSH control remains a clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of liquid LT4 formulations versus traditional tablets in maintaining stable TSH levels.
• To assess the impact of LT4 formulation on TSH stability in hypothyroid patients.
• To evaluate the ability of liquid LT4 to keep TSH within the normal range.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 200 hypothyroid patients.
• 100 patients received LT4 liquid formulation (Liquid Group).
• 100 patients received LT4 tablets (Tablet Group), with consistent dosage and follow-up over 12 months.

Main Results:

• Fewer patients in the Liquid Group (8/100) had abnormal TSH values compared to the Tablet Group (19/100) at follow-up (P = .023).
• The Liquid Group showed significantly less variability in TSH levels from baseline.
• Higher LT4 dosages per kilogram were required in the Tablet Group.

Conclusions:

• LT4 liquid formulation offers superior TSH stability compared to tablets in hypothyroid patients.
• Liquid LT4 facilitates better maintenance of euthyroid state over a 12-month period.
• This formulation may improve treatment adherence and outcomes in hypothyroidism management.