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PubMed · 3594851

Anomalous thyrotropin values.

S Ratnaike·M Goodwin·D Deam
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Abstract

We studied problems associated with use of an "ultrasensitive" thyrotropin (TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone) assay for diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Of 955 TSH assays performed in our laboratory during four months, 135 gave TSH values less than 0.1 milli-int. unit/L. We noted low TSH values at all concentrations of free thyroxin (FT4) in plasma. Nine of 13 patients with a normal or low FT4 and no obvious endocrine explanation for a low TSH were elderly and ill. This raises questions about the pituitary function in such patients. Twenty-seven patients who had high FT4 and non-suppressed TSH were clinically euthyroid, 20 of them being on treatment with thyroxin or amiodarone. Low TSH values in a hospital environment do not always indicate hyperthyroidism, although a normal value for TSH probably indicates euthyroidism.

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Acute DiseaseAgedAged, 80 and overAgingFalse Positive ReactionsHumansHyperthyroidismThyrotropinThyroxineTriiodothyronineJournal Article

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S Ratnaike, M Goodwin, D Deam. 1987. Anomalous thyrotropin values.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3594851/

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