Predictors of thyroxine replacement following hemithyroidectomy in a south east Asian cohort. Issue 5 (30th December 2018) - Ng, Peng
Abstract: Background: Thyroxine replacement following a hemithyroidectomy is not commonly discussed during consent for the procedure as the risk of hypothyroidism is perceived to be low. Methods: Retrospective review of 901 patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy at a tertiary referral institution during the period January 2000 to December 2015. The main outcome studied was the overall incidence of hypothyroidism and the associated risk factors. Results: Hypothyroidism developed in 123 (13%) patients and 94 patients (10%) required hormone supplementation over a mean follow up of 21 months (range 1‐168 months). Preoperative TSH of more than 2.5 was seen in 38 of 123 (31%) of patients. Presence of diffuse thyroiditis was the only independent risk factor on multivariate analysis ( P = 0.002) found to be associated with the development of hypothyroidism. Conclusion: After thyroid lobectomy, approximately one in 10 patients requiring thyroid hormone treatment for hypothyroidism. Presence of diffuse thyroiditis is a significant risk factor for hypothyroidism.