Hypothyroidism – Points to Remember
Hypothyroidism is likely the most common thyroid disorder encountered in clinical practice
Most common form of primary hypothyroidism in iodine-suffi cient areas of the world is chronic autoimmune (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis.
Wolff-Chaikoff effect
High doses of exogenous iodides decrease the organifi cation of iodide within the thyroid gland, resulting in a decrease in thyroid hormone synthesis (Wolff-Chaikoff effect).
Amiodarone
It is estimated that a 200-mg dose of amiodarone releases 6 mg/day of iodine
into circulation, compared to the 0.3 mg/day of iodine in the typical
diet in the United States
Lithium carbonate
- Lithium carbonate – medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, can significantly impact thyroid function by inhibiting the release of thyroid hormones
- Lithium carbonate – often lead to hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) and the development of a goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
