| INVITED REVIEW |
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| Year : 2018 | Volume
: 16
| Issue : 2 | Page : 39-41 |
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Subclinical hypothyroidism
K Felix Jebasingh, Dukhabandhu Naik, Nihal Thomas
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
Correspondence Address:
Dr. K Felix Jebasingh
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore - 632 004, Tamil Nadu
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/cmi.cmi_18_18
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Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as an elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level with a normal total and free thyroxine (T4) level. There is a certain degree of debate regarding the risks associated with this condition and whether treatment is beneficial. Individuals with SCH are either asymptomatic or present with milder symptoms than those with overt hypothyroidism. Although SCH does not cause significant clinical abnormalities, there are certain long-term consequences which have been documented. The diagnosis is based purely on biochemical investigations. Treatment of this condition is not indicated in all cases since thyroid function tests tend to normalize in 6%–35% of patients. However, there are specific clinical indications for treatment and oral levothyroxine is the treatment of choice in such situations. |
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