PREVENTIVE EFFECT OF LEVOTHYROXINE IN PATIENTS OPERATED FOR NONTOXIC GOITER - A RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF 100 PATIENTS WITH 9 YEARS FOLLOW-UP

OBJECTIVE Earlier reports have shown different effects of levothyroxin e in the prevention of recurrence of non-toxic goitre after operation. These studies have been either retrospective or of short-term follow- up. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of long-term Eltr oxin treatment (levothyroxine 0.1 mg daily) in the prevention of post- operative recurrence of non-toxic goitre. DESIGN Randomized prospectiv e non-placebo controlled study with 9 years follow-up. Group A (n=40) received levothyroxine and group B (n=60) did not. PATIENTS One hundre d patients consecutively operated for non-toxic goitre. All clinically and biochemically euthyroid and none taking any thyroid and/or antith yroid medication. MEASUREMENTS T3, T4, TSH, thyroid antibodies (micros omal/thyroglobulin), weight and neck circumference were measured and t hyroid palpation were done preoperatively, 3 and 12 months after surge ry and thereafter yearly up to 9 years. RESULTS Sixty-nine patients co mpleted 9 years followup. Incidence of recurrence in group A vs group B was 14.5 vs 21.8% (P<0.05) irrespective of type of operation, pathoa natomical diagnosis, removed amount or remnant size of the thyroid gla nd and level of TSH. CONCLUSION No preventive effect on incidence of r ecurrence of goitre by Eltroxin 0.1 mg daily in patients operated for non-toxic sporadic goitre was observed.