Thyroid function tests in elderly patients with and without an acute illness

P. Finucane, T. Rudra, H. Church, R. Hsu, R. Newcombe, M. S.J. Pathy, M. F. Scanlon, J. S. Woodhead

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Thyroid function was assessed by measurement of free thyroid hormones and thyrotrophin (TSH) in 78 acutely ill elderly patients and in a control group without acute illness. Abnormal results with any test were more frequently found in the acutely ill group than in controls. In particular, abnormal TSH values were found in 40% of the acutely ill group and in only 8% of controls (p < 0.001). Seven acutely ill subjects had very low TSH levels ( <0.04 mU/1) and a blunted response to thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH). With few exceptions these abnormalities could not be attributed to thyroid disease. This suggests that pituitary TSH secretion can be impaired in euthyroid sick old people. High sensitivity TSH assays may therefore be inappropriate as first-line tests of thyroid function, at least in this select group.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)398-402
Number of pages5
JournalAge and Ageing
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 1989
Externally publishedYes

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