Context: Amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (AIH) may occur in patients with or without underlying thyroid disorders. In the latter, restoration of euthyroidism, after amiodarone discontinuation, can be facilitated and accelerated by a short course of potassium perchlorate (KCIO4). However, it is unknown whether KCIO4 may exert similar effects on thyroid function of AIH patients if amiodarone treatment is continued. Objective: To evaluate the effects of KCIO4 on thyroid function in AIH patients (without underlying thyroid disease) while continuing amiodarone treatment. Design and patients: An open, prospective study of 10 consecutive AIH patients without underlying thyroid abnormalities referred to a tertiary referral center, and treated with KCIO4 (600 mg/day) for a period of 26±13 days (range, 15-45 days). An additional, historical group of 12 consecutive patients with subclinical AIH left untreated while continuing or after withdrawing amiodarone was retrospectively evaluated as to the outcome of thyroid function. Measurement: Serum free T4, free T3, and TSH concentrations were measured at booking, during KCIO4 treatment and after withdrawing the drug. Results: In the prospective study, KCIO4 treatment restored euthyroidism in all patients within 28±11 days (range, 15-45 days). After KCIO4 withdrawal, however, all patients became hypothyroid again after 45±15 days (range, 30-60 days). Two patients developed mild leukopenia (1 case) or a slight increase in serum creatinine levels (1 case), which promptly normalized after KCIO4 withdrawal. In the historical group, followed for at least 12 months, euthyroidism was spontaneously and stably achieved after an average of 6 months in 5 patients in whom amiodarone could be discontinued, while subclinical hypothyroidism persisted in 7 patients in whom amiodarone had to be continued. Conclusions: KCIO4 very effectively restores normal thyroid function in AIH patients without underlying thyroid abnormalities, despite the fact that amiodarone therapy is continued. However, euthyroidism does not persist after KCIO4 is withdrawn; in addition, spontaneous recovery of euthyroidism does not seem to occur in this subset of AIH patients, unless amiodarone is discontinued. Therefore, also in view of its potential side-effects, KCIO4 cannot be recommended as a first-line treatment for AIH if amiodarone needs to be continued, while LT4 replacement is recommended under these circumstances, with periodical reassessment of thyroid function. ©2008, Editrice Kurtis.
Potassium perchlorate only temporarily restores euthyroidism in patients with amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism who continue amiodarone therapy
BARTALENA, LUIGI;TANDA, MARIA LAURA PIERA;
2008-01-01
Abstract
Context: Amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (AIH) may occur in patients with or without underlying thyroid disorders. In the latter, restoration of euthyroidism, after amiodarone discontinuation, can be facilitated and accelerated by a short course of potassium perchlorate (KCIO4). However, it is unknown whether KCIO4 may exert similar effects on thyroid function of AIH patients if amiodarone treatment is continued. Objective: To evaluate the effects of KCIO4 on thyroid function in AIH patients (without underlying thyroid disease) while continuing amiodarone treatment. Design and patients: An open, prospective study of 10 consecutive AIH patients without underlying thyroid abnormalities referred to a tertiary referral center, and treated with KCIO4 (600 mg/day) for a period of 26±13 days (range, 15-45 days). An additional, historical group of 12 consecutive patients with subclinical AIH left untreated while continuing or after withdrawing amiodarone was retrospectively evaluated as to the outcome of thyroid function. Measurement: Serum free T4, free T3, and TSH concentrations were measured at booking, during KCIO4 treatment and after withdrawing the drug. Results: In the prospective study, KCIO4 treatment restored euthyroidism in all patients within 28±11 days (range, 15-45 days). After KCIO4 withdrawal, however, all patients became hypothyroid again after 45±15 days (range, 30-60 days). Two patients developed mild leukopenia (1 case) or a slight increase in serum creatinine levels (1 case), which promptly normalized after KCIO4 withdrawal. In the historical group, followed for at least 12 months, euthyroidism was spontaneously and stably achieved after an average of 6 months in 5 patients in whom amiodarone could be discontinued, while subclinical hypothyroidism persisted in 7 patients in whom amiodarone had to be continued. Conclusions: KCIO4 very effectively restores normal thyroid function in AIH patients without underlying thyroid abnormalities, despite the fact that amiodarone therapy is continued. However, euthyroidism does not persist after KCIO4 is withdrawn; in addition, spontaneous recovery of euthyroidism does not seem to occur in this subset of AIH patients, unless amiodarone is discontinued. Therefore, also in view of its potential side-effects, KCIO4 cannot be recommended as a first-line treatment for AIH if amiodarone needs to be continued, while LT4 replacement is recommended under these circumstances, with periodical reassessment of thyroid function. ©2008, Editrice Kurtis.
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