Screening for Thyroid Dysfunction

Again, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force concludes that evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

Target Audience: Primary care providers

Background and Objective

In 2004, the USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening for thyroid disease in adults (NEJM JW Gen Med Mar 1 2004 and Ann Intern Med 2004; 140:125). Now, the USPSTF has updated its recommendation, based on a review of evidence published since 2004 on screening for thyroid dysfunction. The USPSTF evaluated screening in asymptomatic, nonpregnant adults.

Key Points

Thyroid dysfunction is a spectrum that includes asymptomatic subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (i.e., abnormal thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] levels but normal thyroxine [T₄] and triiodothyronine [T₃] …

Reviewing Author

Jamaluddin Moloo, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportColorado Health Foundation