[Thyroid function following thyroidectomy determined by the TRH-induced release of thyrotropin (author's transl)]

The response of hTSH to TRH (400 mug i.v.) was studied in 45 patients who underwent thyroid surgery for various reasons. Euthyroid values of T4 and ETI were observed in all but one patient. An increased response of hTSH to TRH (as compared with 15 control subjects) was observed in 12 out of 30 patients operated upon for non-toxic goitre, in one out of nine operated upon for toxic goitre and in three out of six patients who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma or proliferating adenoma of the thyroid. The necessity of specific replacement therapy in those individuals with increased release of hTSH upon TRH administration is discussed.