Update on subclinical thyroid dysfunction
Koshi Hashimoto
Abstract
Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is defined by serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels either greater or less than the reference range with normal thyroxine (T4) concentrations, and consists of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCHyper). For the proper diagnosis of SCH, it is most important to be able to correctly evaluate the serum TSH levels, which have numerous unique characteristics. We also need to be versed in TSH harmonization, which was recently launched world-wide. In this review, we will attempt to determine the best clinical approaches to the treatment of subclinical thyroid dysfunction based on recent guidelines published from several countries and novel findings of several recent large-scale clinical studies.