Age, Hypothyroidism Type Influence All-Cause Mortality Risk in Older Adults

A study presented at the annual meeting of the American Thyroid Association found all-cause mortality risk is heightened for adults at least 60 years old with outward hypothyroidism compared to adults with euthyroidism, but is not higher in adults with cardiovascular (CV) mortality, reports Healio . "No treatment is required for seniors with subclinical hypothyroidism as it would not provide a beneficial effect in symptom relief or survival benefit," said Carol Chiung-Hui Peng at the University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus. "On the other hand, for older persons with overt hypothyroidism, levothyroxine supplementation would likely decrease all-cause mortality." Peng observed that the study design may have chiefly influenced the link between hypothyroidism and all-cause mortality. "In the prospective studies with minimal heterogeneity, no difference in all-cause and CV mortality was found," she said. "Significant association between hypothyroidism and higher mortality was found only in the retrospective study groups, which endorsed high heterogeneity." Moreover, the association between hypothyroidism and all-cause mortality did not bear out for individuals 80 or older. "This study provides further evidence to help guide management of hypothyroidism in seniors," concluded University of Maryland School of Medicine Professor Kashif M. Munir. "Namely, in accordance with guidelines, that treating subclinical hypothyroidism . . . may not provide benefit."