RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Cross-sectional studies have reported that TSH above or close to the upper normal limit correlates with unfavorable metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. Certain medications impair intestinal absorption of levothyroxine (L-T4), resulting in undertreated hypothyroidism (viz. failure of serum TSH to reach target levels, if hypothyroidism is primary).Further to evaluating the magnitude of sub-optimally treated primary hypothyroidism as a result of co-ingestion of those medications, we wished to ascertain whether the above complications would occur during a low number of years under polypharmacy. METHOD: In this retrospective study in collaboration with 8 family physicians, we enrolled adults with primary hypothyroidism under L-T4 therapy that, for 2â¯years minimum, was not associated with those medications (non-exposure, baseline) and that, for another 2â¯years minimum, it was (exposure). Outcomes were serum levels and proportions of serum TSH levels >4.12â¯mU/L, and proportions of complications. Complications were aggravation of pre-existing or de novo onset of any of metabolic syndrome, impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD). RESULT: A total of 114 patients were enrolled. Duration of exposure to the interfering medication was 32.1⯱â¯6.9â¯months (median 31; range 24-55). Compared with non-exposure, the exposure period resulted in greater TSH levels (2.81⯱â¯3.62 [median 1.79] vs 1.27⯱â¯1.34 [median 0.93], Pâ¯=â¯2.2â¯×â¯10-20) and proportions of values >4.12â¯mU/L (18.5% vs 4.7%, Pâ¯=â¯1.2â¯×â¯10-7). Seventy-six patients (67%) had complications, whose rates of TSH >4.12â¯mU/L were greater than in the 36 complication-free patients (22% vs 11%, Pâ¯=â¯0.018). CONCLUSION: During a median period of 31â¯months, there are relevant consequences for L-T4 treated adult hypothyroid patients resulting from hyperthyrotropinemia caused by medications impairing L-T4 absorption. This should be taken into account by future guidelines on hypothyroidism management.