The Value of Routine Thyroid Function Tests on Patients Referred to a Geriatric Service Journal Articles uri icon

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abstract

  • ABSTRACTRoutine thyroid function tests have been advocated for the geriatric population, as the clinical presentation both of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may be atypical. Results are presented on the prevalence of dysthyroidism in patients referred to a geriatric service (2% hypothyroidism and 2% hyperthyroidism) and an attempt is made to distinguish between those suspected (hyperthyroid 6 cases, hypothyroid 11 cases) and those unsuspected on clinical grounds (hyperthyroid 4 cases, hypothyroid 7 cases). Outcome of treatment is examined and the cost of detecting one unsuspected but treatable case of hypothyroidism in this referred geriatric population is estimated at 1,000 to 2,653 1984 Canadian dollars.

publication date

  • March 1985