Thyroid: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the pros and cons of levothyroxine/L-triiodothyronine and levothyroxine monotherapy in the treatment of adult patients with hypothyroidism

Background: Levothyroxine (LT4)/L-triiodothyronine (LT3) combination therapy as a potential alternative therapy for LT4 monotherapy has attracted the attention of clinicians and patients
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The purpose of this study is to compare the benefits and harms of LT4/LT3 combination therapy and LT4 monotherapy on patients with hypothyroidism

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Levothyroxine (LT4)/L-triiodothyronine (LT3) combination therapy as a potential alternative to LT4 monotherapy has attracted the attention of clinicians and patients

Results: A total of 1398 documents were retrieved, and 18 documents met the inclusion criteria
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The evidence supporting the results showed no differences in treatment effects in terms of clinical status, quality of life, psychological distress, depressive symptoms, and fatigue; all of these were measured by standardized questionnaires

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Figure 1 Deviation risk assessment
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Figure 1 Deviation risk assessment
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Table compares the efficacy of LT3/LT4 combination therapy and LT4 monotherapy in (A) clinical status, (B) quality of life, (C) psychological distress, (D) depressive symptoms, and (E) fatigue

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Table compares the efficacy of LT3/LT4 combination therapy and LT4 monotherapy in (A) clinical status, (B) quality of life, (C) psychological distress, (D) depressive symptoms, and (E) fatigue

Figure 2 Forest plot of patient preferences in a crossover trial

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Figure 2 Forest plot of patient preferences in a crossover trial

Existing evidence shows that there is no difference in the clinical outcomes of LT4/LT3 combination therapy and LT4 monotherapy in the treatment of adult hypothyroidism, but a higher proportion of patients tend to be combined therapy

Millan-Alanis JM, Gonzalez-Gonzalez JG, Flores-Rodríguez A, et al.

Benefits and Harms of Levothyroxine/liothyronine vs.

Benefits and Harms of Levothyroxine / liothyronine vs.
Levothyroxine Monotherapy for Adult Patients with Hypothyroidism: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis in this message