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[Once-weekly intravenous L-thyroxine replacement in hypothyroidism].
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|March 18, 1978
Summary
Intravenous L-thyroxine effectively treated therapy-resistant hypothyroidism in a patient with gastrointestinal issues. This method allowed for a successful transition back to oral thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Primary hypothyroidism can be challenging to manage, particularly when resistant to standard oral therapies.
- Gastrointestinal complications can further complicate the absorption and efficacy of oral thyroid hormone replacement.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old female patient presented with therapy-resistant primary hypothyroidism and concurrent gastrointestinal complications.
- High-dose oral L-thyroxine and combination L-thyroxine/L-triiodothyronine therapies were ineffective.
Findings:
- Weekly intravenous injections of 2 mg L-thyroxine achieved a clinical and chemical euthyroid state.
- Following intravenous treatment, oral L-thyroxine replacement was successfully reinstituted without complications.
Implications:
- Intravenous L-thyroxine administration offers a viable alternative for managing severe or therapy-resistant hypothyroidism.
- This approach may be safer and more effective than previously described daily subcutaneous or intramuscular routes.