BackgroundThe standard treatment of hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (LT-4). However,
there are several controversies regarding treatment of hypothyroid patients. AimTo
investigate the Swedish endocrinologists' use of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and
euthyroid individuals. MethodsPhysician members of the Swedish Endocrine Society (SEF)
were invited by e-mail to participate in an online survey investigating this topic.
ResultsOut of the eligible 411 members, 116 (28.2%) responded. The majority (98.9%)
stated that L-T4 is the treatment of choice. However, around 50% also prescribed liothyronine
(L-T3) or a combination of L-T4+L-T3 in their practice. Combination therapy was mostly
(78.5%) used in patients with persistent hypothyroid symptoms despite biochemical
euthyroidism on L-T4 treatment. Most respondents prescribed L-T4 tablets and did not
expect any major changes with alternative formulations such as soft-gel capsules or
liquid formulations in situations influencing the bioavailability of L-T4. In euthyroid
patients, 49.5% replied that treatment with thyroid hormones was never indicated,
while 47.3% would consider L-T4 for euthyroid infertile women with high thyroid peroxidase
(TPO) antibody levels. ConclusionThe treatment of choice for hypothyroidism in Sweden
is L-T4 tablets. Combination therapy with L-T4+L-T3 tablets was considered for patients
with persistent symptoms despite biochemical euthyroidism. Soft-gel capsules and liquid
solutions of L-T4 were infrequently prescribed. Swedish endocrinologists' deviation
from endocrine society guidelines merits further study.
