An Age-Specific Serum Thyrotropin Reference Range for the Diagnosis of Thyroid Diseases in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey in China

Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2018 papers

Abstract

Background: The fact that serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels increase with age may influence the diagnosis of thyroid diseases in older adults. This study aimed to establish an age-specific serum TSH reference range, examine the prevalence of thyroid diseases in older adults ≥65 years, and analyze the risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study of adult populations in 10 cities in China was conducted from 2010 to 2011. A total of 15,008 subjects were randomly selected and completed the present study. Urinary iodine concentration, serum TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) titers were measured. Thyroid ultrasonography and questionnaires were completed by all the subjects. When the TSH level was abnormal, free thyroxine and/or free triiodothyronine levels were measured. Results: When the reference range of the general population was used, the prevalence rates of overt hypothyroidism (Ohypo) and subclinical hypothyroidism (Shypo) in older adults ≥65 years were significantly higher than those in younger adults p p Conclusion: The serum TSH level increases with age, which may represent a normal compensatory phenomenon in older adults ≥65 years. To prevent misdiagnosis and mistreatment, the use of an age-specific serum TSH reference range is recommended in older adults for the diagnosis of thyroid diseases.

Related Papers

• → Congenital human thyroglobulin defect due to low expression of the thyroid-specific transcription factor TTF-1.(1995)48 cited
• → The Importance of Thyroglobulin Structure in Thyroid Peroxidase-Catalyzed Conversion of Diiodotyrosine to Thyroxine1(1977)48 cited
• [In vitro synthesis of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine catalyzed by thyroid peroxidase (author's transl)].(1978)
• → Molecular Genetics of Two Major Thyroid Auto-Antigens: Thyroglobulin and Thyroperoxidase(1990)
• → Effect of benzodiazepines on thyroglobulin, anti-thyroglobulin, anti-thyroid peroxidase, and thyroid stimulating hormone in rat(2014)