Why do the RCP/BTA et al decide to turn a blind eye to these studies?

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Eur

J Endocrinol. 2009 Dec;161(6):895-902. Epub 2009 Aug 7.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19666698

Effect

of combination therapy with thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine versus

T4 monotherapy in patients with hypothyroidism, a double-blind, randomised

cross-over study.Nygaard

B, Jensen

EW, Kvetny

J, Jarløv

A, Faber

J.

Source - Department of Endocrinology, Herlev Hospital,

University of Copenhagen, Herlev Ringvej, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark.

binyg@...

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Treatment

of hypothyroidism with 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T(3)) is controversial. A

recent meta-analysis concludes that no evidence is present in favour of using

T(3). However, the analysis included a mixture of different patient groups and

dose-regimens.

OBJECTIVE:

To

compare the effect of combination therapy with thyroxine (T(4)) and T(3) versus

T(4) monotherapy in patients with hypothyroidism on stable T(4) substitution.

Study design Double-blind, randomised cross-over. Fifty micrograms of the usual

T(4) dose was replaced with either 20 microg T(3) or 50 microg T(4) for 12

weeks, followed by cross-over for another 12 weeks. The T(4) dose was regulated

if needed, intending unaltered serum TSH levels. Evaluation Tests for quality

of life (QOL) and depression (SF-36, Beck Depression Inventory, and SCL-90-R)

at baseline and after both treatment periods. Inclusion criteria Serum TSH

between 0.1 and 5.0 mU/l on unaltered T(4) substitution for 6 months.

RESULTS: A total of 59 patients (55 women); median age

46 years. When comparing scores of QOL and depression on T(4) monotherapy

versus T(4)/T(3) combination therapy, significant differences were seen in 7

out of 11 scores, indicating a positive effect related to the combination

therapy. Forty-nine percent preferred the combination and 15% monotherapy

(P=0.002). Serum TSH remained unaltered between the groups as intended.

CONCLUSION: In a study design,

where morning TSH levels were unaltered between groups combination therapy,

(treated with T(3) 20 microg once daily) was superior to monotherapy by

evaluating several QOL, depression and anxiety rating scales as well as

patients own preference.

PMID: 19666698  [PubMed

- indexed for MEDLINE]  Free full text

I would point out that our Register of Counterexamples to T4-only

Therapy now stands at 1023

Luv

- Sheila