HDCN Article Review/Hyperlink

Danese MD, Powe NR, Sawin CT, Ladenson PW

Screening for mild thyroid failure at the periodic health examination

J Am Med Assoc (Jul) 286:285-292 1996

At the 1996 ASH meeting, Fortini and colleagues presented data that the incidence of hypothyroidism was 10% in women with hypertension referred to a tertiary center (6% subclinical and 4% overt).

In the present paper, Danese and colleagues analyze the cost-effectiveness of routinely screening both men and women every 5 years for hypothyroidism. Cost effectiveness was more favorable for women than for men, and increased with increasing age. The conclusion of the study was, that cost effectiveness q 5 years for hypothyroidism beginning at age 35 years compared favorably with other generally accepted preventive medical practices. (John T. Daugirdas, M.D., Univ. of Illinois at Chicago)

The full abstract is available at the AMA site. You will need to register with the JAMA before being allowed to access this material.

Abstract