The Korean Journal of Medicine

The Korean Association of Internal Medicine (대한내과학회)
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Diagnosis and Management of Subclinical Hypothyroidism: The 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline, Korean Thyroid Association

무증상 갑상선기능저하증의 진단과 치료: 2023 대한갑상선학회 진료 권고안

  • Hyun-Kyung Chung (Department of Internal Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine)
  • 정현경 (단국대학교 의과대학 내과학교실)
  • Received : 2024.03.23
  • Accepted : 2024.05.06
  • Published : 2024.06.01
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Abstract

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is characterized by elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and normal free thyroxine levels. The Korean Thyroid Association recently issued guidelines for managing SCH. Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2015), a serum TSH level of 6.8 mIU/L is the reference value for SCH. SCH is classified as mild (TSH 6.8-10.0 mIU/L) or severe (TSH > 10.0 mIU/L), and patients are categorized as adult (age < 70 years) or elderly (age ≥ 70 years). Levothyroxine treatment (LT4-Tx) is not recommended for mild or even severe SCH in elderly patients. Immediate LT4-Tx can be given to adults in most cases, but not to women who are pregnant, patients with progressive disease, or patients with underlying coronary artery disease, heart failure, or dyslipidemia.

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References

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