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Euthyroid hyperthyroxinaemia in acute psychiatric admissions.
T J Lambert1, R Davidson, G H McLellan
1Clinical Research Unit, Greylands Hospital, Claremont, WA.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Transient elevations in serum thyroxine (T4) levels were observed in psychiatric patients. These findings suggest careful interpretation of thyroid function tests during acute psychiatric admissions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Thyroid dysfunction is common in psychiatric patients.
- Elevated serum thyroxine (T4) levels can occur transiently in certain clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of transient hyperthyroxinemia in patients admitted to a psychiatric ward.
- To determine if transient hyperthyroxinemia in psychiatric admissions requires further thyroid function testing.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 98 patients admitted to a psychiatric ward.
- Serial testing of serum thyroxine (T4) levels at admission, day five, and day fourteen.
- Clinical assessment for thyrometabolic disorders.
Main Results:
- 13% of patients showed initial transient elevation of serum T4 (142-174 nmol/l).
- Incidence increased to 15% on serial testing.
- No clinical evidence of thyroid disorder was found, and hyperthyroxinemia normalized rapidly.
Conclusions:
- Transient hyperthyroxinemia is a potential finding in acute psychiatric admissions.
- Routine thyroid function tests in this population require careful interpretation.
- Clinical evaluation remains paramount for diagnosing thyroid disorders.