Thyroid dysfunction in primary care medicine
Wuerzner, K.; Pasche, O.; Rodondi, N.; Portmann, L.
Revue Medicale Suisse 6(273): 2306; 2308-2311
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 21207724 Document Number: 644301
Thyroid function tests include the measuring of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4) in the case of abnormal TSH. These tests are frequently performed in primary care medicine since many clinical situations can be suggestive of dysthyroidism, as for example fatigue, depressive states or cardiac arthmia. In the case of subclinical thyroid dysfunction, the indications for treatment are controversial there being a lack of significant randomised studies. For primary care physicians faced with abnormal thyroid function tests we propose a diagnostic approach, clinical recommendations, and indications for referral to the specialist.