Diagnóstico y tratamiento del hipotiroidismo subclínico en adultos mayores

Abstract

Introduction. Subclinical hypothyroidism in older adults becomes difficult to diagnose, because thyroid stimulating hormone increases in value as age advances, maintaining normal thyroxine values, which is why the setting and circumstances of the patient will influence the diagnosis and treatment. General objective. To describe the diagnosis and treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism in older adults. Methodology. A non-experimental narrative literature review study was conducted. The initial search yielded 163 articles of which, after reviewing the title, abstract and elimination of duplicates, we worked with twelve articles, according to the type of research. Results. The diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism is demonstrated by high thyroid stimulating hormone and normal thyroxine values. In those over 60 years of age thyroid stimulating hormone >10 mIU\L is present. Most physicians administer low doses of levothyroxine or decide to monitor the patient for 3 – 6 before administering levothyroxine. Conclusions. For the diagnosis of subclinical hypothyroidism in older adults, symptomatology, age, their comorbidities, and the setting should be assessed, Thyroid hormone replacement therapy can be beneficial or detrimental, so proper assessment of the patient will determine whether medication is required or just watch and wait to avoid overtreatment.