3.3 Follow-up monitoring
In terms of the median TSH level in the SCH group following treatment with levothyroxine, a significant reduction was found (6.15 µIU/mL baseline, 2.5 µIU/mL at three months, and 2.9 µIU/mL at six months, p=0.005). When compared to baseline, three and six months follow up showed a significant decrease in the carotid intima-media thickness (RCCA [mm] 0.486 ± 0.106, 0.403 ± 0.106 and 0.350 ± 0.008 at baseline, three, and six months, respectively. LCCA [mm] 0.511 ± 0.144, 0.421 ± 0.125 and 0.370 ± 0.010 at baseline, three, and six months, respectively). Also, in the subgroup with a TSH <10 µIU/ml, the carotid intima-media thickness showed a significant difference after levothyroxine treatment at three and six months (RCCA [mm] 0.496 ± 0.1060, 382 ± 0.174 and 0.330 ± 0.060 at baseline, three, and six months, respectively. LCCA [mm] 0.486 ± 0.107, 0.410 ± 0.079 and 0.342 ± 0.088 at baseline, three, and six months, respectively) (Table 3). All other clinical and demographic variables studied at 3 and 6 months follow up, did not have a statistical difference.
Discussion