Amiodarone and thyroid physiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Endocrinology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Amiodarone is a potent antiarrhythmic drug.
• Its clinical utility is often limited by significant toxicities.
• Thyroid dysfunction is a well-documented adverse effect of amiodarone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive
• bench to bedside
• review of amiodarone's impact on thyroid function.
• To consolidate current knowledge on amiodarone-induced thyroid disorders.
• To aid clinicians in managing amiodarone's thyroid-related toxicities.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Google, and Google Scholar.
• Inclusion of peer-reviewed clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses.
• Review limited to English-language reports published between 1950 and 2017.

Main Results:

• Amiodarone significantly impacts thyroid function through various mechanisms.
• Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can occur.
• Thyroid storm is a rare but serious complication.

Conclusions:

• Understanding amiodarone's effects on the thyroid is crucial for patient management.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction are essential.
• This review provides valuable information for clinicians across specialties.