AIM: The presenting features of early thyroid disease can be subtle and non-specific; consequently, general practitioners (GPs) have a low threshold for ordering thyroid function tests (TFTs). This study examined the use and results of TFTs by GPs in a 1-year period in a population-based sample of adults without known thyroid disease enrolled in general practice. METHOD: This record linkage study analysed the use of TFTs over a 12-month period from laboratory data, which were linked to patient's GP records from two large urban New Zealand general practices with a total registered population of 21,290 patients. Outcomes were analysed by age and gender. RESULTS: One in six adult patients visiting their GP in a 12-month period had a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, whilst only 1 in 20 had a free thyroxine (FT4) test. 7.0% had an elevated TSH concentration and 1.0% had a low TSH concentration, most with subclinical disease. Rate of testing was higher in females compared with males. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that general practitioners are opportunistically screening with TSH alone to find new cases of thyroid disease.
AIM: The presenting features of early thyroid disease can be subtle and non-specific; consequently, general practitioners (GPs) have a low threshold for ordering thyroid function tests (TFTs). This study examined the use and results of TFTs by GPs in a 1-year period in a population-based sample of adults without known thyroid disease enrolled in general practice. METHOD: This record linkage study analysed the use of TFTs over a 12-month period from laboratory data, which were linked to patient's GP records from two large urban New Zealand general practices with a total registered population of 21,290 patients. Outcomes were analysed by age and gender. RESULTS: One in six adult patients visiting their GP in a 12-month period had a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, whilst only 1 in 20 had a free thyroxine (FT4) test. 7.0% had an elevated TSH concentration and 1.0% had a low TSH concentration, most with subclinical disease. Rate of testing was higher in females compared with males. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that general practitioners are opportunistically screening with TSH alone to find new cases of thyroid disease.
Authors: Kawther El Shafie; Asila Al-Shaqsi; Badriya Al-Mahrouqi; Hadia Al Lawati; Shyam S Ganguly; Samir Al Adawi; Mohammed Al Shafaee Journal: Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J Date: 2010-07-19
Authors: Claudio Schneider; Martin Feller; Douglas C Bauer; Tinh-Hai Collet; Bruno R da Costa; Reto Auer; Robin P Peeters; Suzanne J Brown; Alexandra P Bremner; Peter C O'Leary; Peter Feddema; Peter J Leedman; Drahomir Aujesky; John P Walsh; Nicolas Rodondi Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-04-30 Impact factor: 3.240