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An improved approach to thyroid function testing in patients with non-thyroidal illness
We have compared the results of serum thyrotrophin (TSH) measurements using a sensitive immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) with those of conventional thyroid function tests in 299 hospital inpatients with a range of non-thyroidal illnesses. Levels of total thyroxine (T4), free T4, total tri-iodothyronine (T3) and free T3 in the hypothyroid range were recorded in 8%, 15%, 19% and 49% of patients, respectively, whereas TSH (IRMA) was abnormally low in 1%. Furthermore, basal TSH (IRMA) accurately predicted the result of the thyrotrophin-releasing hormone test in 72 of the 74 patients in whom this test was performed and, unlike thyroid hormone measurement, identified patients with subclinical thyroid disease. It would appear that a single basal TSH (IRMA) measurement is the most appropriate screening test for thyroid dysfunction in patients with concomitant acute or chronic illness.
We have compared the results of serum thyrotrophin (TSH) measurements using a sensitive immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) with those of conventional thyroid function tests in 299 hospital inpatients with a range of non-thyroidal illnesses. Levels of total thyroxine (T4), free T4, total tri-iodothyronine (T3) and free T3 in the hypothyroid range were recorded in 8%, 15%, 19% and 49% of patients, respectively, whereas TSH (IRMA) was abnormally low in 1%. Furthermore, basal TSH (IRMA) accurately predicted the result of the thyrotrophin-releasing hormone test in 72 of the 74 patients in whom this test was performed and, unlike thyroid hormone measurement, identified patients with subclinical thyroid disease. It would appear that a single basal TSH (IRMA) measurement is the most appropriate screening test for thyroid dysfunction in patients with concomitant acute or chronic illness.