Thyroid Dysfunction: Screening

1. Evidence on benefits of screening from long-term randomized, blinded, controlled trials of screening for thyroid dysfunction in asymptomatic persons.
2. Treatment trials of either subclinical or asymptomatic “overt” thyroid dysfunction versus watchful waiting, using final health outcomes (cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality) as the end points of interest.
3. Long-term observational studies of the natural history of untreated, asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction based on different serum TSH and T4 levels, and outcomes in persons with nonspecific symptoms.
4. Randomized trials of subclinical thyroid dysfunction treatment effect on cardiac outcomes.
5. Harms of screening for and treating thyroid dysfunction.
6. How to communicate the clinical complexity of asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction screening and treatment so that patients and their providers can make informed decisions.

The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for thyroid dysfunction in nonpregnant, asymptomatic adults.

Thyroid Dysfunction: Screening Read full statement 1