Cited by 19Thyroid Disorders and TreatmentsThyroid and Parathyroid SurgeryHormonal and reproductive studies

Effect of Levothyroxine on Older Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Zhao, Chunyan, Wang, Yueqi, Xiao, Liu, Li, Lin·2022·Frontiers in Endocrinology

Abstract

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is usually treated with levothyroxine, but there is controversy as to whether SCH should be treated, especially for older patients. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate whether levothyroxine has a beneficial or harmful effect on older patients with SCH. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, Weipu and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched from inception until December 21, 2021. Subjects must be diagnosed with SCH, and older than or equal to 60 years of age. Interventions should be thyroid hormone therapy (e.g. levothyroxine). The literature was independently screened by 2 researchers. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan5.3 software. Results: A total of 13 articles were included. Meta-analysis results showed that in older SCH patients, levothyroxine can significantly reduce cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.00001), triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.00001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.03) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) (p < 0.00001). In addition, levothyroxine had no significant effect on bone mineral density, fatigue, hypothyroidism symptoms, quality of life, BMI, cognitive function, depression, blood pressure, etc. in older SCH patients, and also did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: Among older SCH patients, levothyroxine treatment may reduce TC, TG, LDL-C, and ApoB.

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  1. [28]FuQin C Qian S. Effect of Thyroxine on Lipid and Bone Metabolism in Elderly Patients With Subclinical Hypothyroidism. Chin J Geriatrics (2003) 22(7): 408–10. doi: 10.3760/j:issn:0254-9026.2003.07.008 · DOI

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Authors
Zhao, C., Wang, Y., Xiao, L., & Li, L.
Affiliations
Sichuan University (CN)
Corresponding author
Li, Lin
Venue
Frontiers in Endocrinology
Published
2022-07-14
Volume
13
Pages
913749-913749
ISSN
1664-2392 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4285386065
Cited by
19
References
45
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 1
FWCI
0.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Frontiers in Endocrinology (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Sichuan University (ZYGD18016)
  • West China Hospital, Sichuan University (ZYGD18016, 1.3.5 project, 1.3.5)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Thyroid Disorders and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Hormonal and reproductive studies
Keywords
subclinical hypothyroidism, levothyroxine, older adults, thyroid hormone replacement, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, bone mineral density, adverse events, quality of life
MeSH terms
Aged, Apolipoproteins B, Cholesterol, Humans, Hypothyroidism, Cholesterol, LDL, Quality of Life, Thyroxine, Triglycerides

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