TREATMENT OF EUTHYROID GOITER - COMPARABL E VOLUME REDUCTION WITH 400MU-G IODINE, 100 MU-G LEVOTHYROXINE COMBINED WITH 100 MU-G IODINE OR INDIVIDUALLY DOSED LEVOTHYROXINE

Aim: In patients with euthyroid goitre, the efficacy of treatment with 400 mu g iodine and 100 mu g levothyroxine combined with 100 mu g iod ine was compared to that of the previous standard of therapy, individu ally dosed levothyroxine. Patients and Methods: A total of 78 patients presenting with euthyroid diffuse goitre (greater than or equal to 25 ml) were prospectively enrolled, randomised and treated for 6 months. The course of thyroid volume was followed using thyroid volumetry. Re sults: Data of 69 patients were included in the final evaluation (57 w omen, 12 men, age 31 +/- 1 years, thyroid volume 31,5 +/- 1,4 ml, 23 p er treatment group). In the patients treated with individually dosed l evothyroxine, the thyroid volume decreased by about 39% (95%-confidenc e limit [CL] -31% to -41%). However, the volume reductions achieved in the patients treated with 400 mu g iodine or 100 mu g levothyroxine/1 00 mu g iodine were not significantly different (p = 0,35, variance an alysis, mono-iodine -34%, 95%-CL -29% to -43%, 100 mu g levothyroxine/ 100 mu g iodine -39%, 95%-CL -32% to -45%). Conclusions: In patients w ith euthyroid diffuse goitre, treatment with mono-iodine or combinatio n of levothyroxine with iodine should have principally the same status as the previous standard of therapy, individually dosed levothyroxine . In the view of the authors, its preferential treatment with mono-iod ine appears most reasonable.