Obtener un mejor tratamiento para el paciente con hipotiroidismo / Establishing Better Treatment for Hypothyroidism Patients

Introducción: El hipotiroidismo es una entidad de visita frecuente al endocrinólogo, establecer el mejor tratamiento es un desafío, a pesar del manejo adecuado y de un control hormonal óptimo, en ocasiones los pacientes continúan con los síntomas que afectan su calidad de vida, por lo que el tratamiento debe ser individualizado, basado en la mejor evidencia. Objetivo: Establecer las mejores opciones terapéuticas en las diferentes formas de presentación del hipotiroidismo. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica no sistemática en las bases de datos de PubMed, Medline, LILACS, EMBASE, Redalyc y guías internacionales. Los criterios de inclusión fueron publicaciones en inglés y español, en las que el título, palabras clave o resumen incluyen información pertinente al objetivo de estudio, periodicidad no mayor a los 5 años a excepción de las guías que son las últimas revisiones. En la búsqueda se obtuvieron 30 artículos de los cuales fueron 14 seleccionados. Conclusiones: Se establecieron las opciones terapéuticas con el fin de obtener un mejor tratamiento para el paciente hipotiroideo que debe ser individualizado y basado en la mejor evidencia, para alcanzar un control adecuado de su enfermedad, mejorar la calidad de vida y evitar complicaciones relacionadas con esta patología(AU)

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is an entity that is frequently seen at the endocrinologist´s. establishing the best treatment is a challenge, despite proper management and optimal hormonal control, sometimes patients continue with symptoms which affect their quality of life, therefore that treatment should be individualized, based on the best evidence. Objective: To establish the best therapeutic options in hypothyroidism different forms of presentation. Methods: A non-systematic bibliographic search was carried out in PubMed, Medline, LILACS, EMBASE, Redalyc databases and in the international guidelines. The inclusion criteria were publications in English and Spanish, in which the title, keywords or abstract include relevant information to the objective of the study, with a periodicity of no more than 5 years, except for the guidelines that the latest revisions were used. In the search, 30 articles were retrieved, 14 which were selected. Conclusions: The therapeutic options were established in order to find better treatment for hypothyroid patients, which must be individualized and based on the best evidence, to achieve adequate control of the disease, to improve the quality of life and to avoid related complications(AU)

Anesthesia management for patient with bipolar disorder complicated with hypothyroidism during oral surgery: a case report / 华西口腔医学杂志

Bipolar disorder is a major mental illness that is difficult to treat and has a high degree of recurrence. This article reports general anesthesia for oral surgery in a patient with bipolar disorder complicated with hypothyroidism. It also discusses the rational application of antipsychotic drugs and anesthetics with reference to the literature to improve the understanding of the disease and help patients with mental disorders complete the surgical treatment quietly and smoothly.

Momento de administración de la levotiroxina en pacientes con hipotiroidismo / Timing of levothyroxine administration in patients with hypothyroidism

El hipotiroidismo primario, caracterizado por una disminución en la síntesis de hormonas tiroideas, es el trastorno endocrinológico más frecuente, y la levotiroxina, el tratamiento de elección. Usualmente se recomienda su administración por la mañana, una hora antes del desayuno. A partir de la consulta de una paciente con dificultades para la adherencia ala toma de la medicación en ayunas, la autora de este artículo lleva a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica para revisar la evidencia que avala la administración de levotiroxina antes de acostarse. (AU)

Primary hypothyroidism, characterized by a decrease in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, is the most common endocrine disorder, and levothyroxine being the treatment of choice. Its administration is usually recommended in the morning, one hour before breakfast. Based on the consultation of a patient with difficulties in sticking to taking medication on an empty stomach, the author of this article carried out a bibliographic search to review the evidence that supports the administrationof levothyroxine before bedtime. (AU)

Elementos básicos para el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico del hipotiroidismo primario en el paciente adulto / Basic Elements for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Hypothyroidism in the Adult Patient

Introducción: El hipotiroidismo primario, con frecuencia, es diagnosticado de forma tardía y no siempre las dosis indicadas de levotiroxina son las más convenientes. Urge llamar la atención sobre estos aspectos y actualizar el conocimiento sobre este tema. Objetivo: Describir los elementos básicos para el diagnóstico y manejo terapéutico del hipotiroidismo primario en el paciente adulto, en el primer nivel de atención. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura relevante sobre el tema. Se utilizaron como buscadores de información científica a Pubmed y a Google Académico. La estrategia de búsqueda incluyó los siguientes términos como palabras claves: hipotiroidismo primario; hipotiroidismo subclínico; diagnóstico y tratamiento. Fueron evaluados artículos que, en general, tenían menos de 10 años de publicados, en idioma español e inglés, que hicieran referencia específicamente al tema de estudio a través del título. Fueron excluidos los artículos que no cumplieron con estas condiciones. Esto permitió que 72 fueran referenciados. Conclusiones: Para realizar el diagnóstico del hipotiroidismo primario, es fundamental conocer los factores de riesgo y el cuadro clínico correspondiente. La elevación de la tirotropina en suero es la mejor prueba diagnóstica y casi siempre indica la presencia de hipotiroidismo primario. Se debe tener presente al inicio del tratamiento, la edad del paciente, el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad, la intensidad del hipotiroidismo, el momento fisiológico y la presencia de enfermedades asociadas. Todos los pacientes con hipotiroidismo primario manifiesto deben ser tratados con levotiroxina sódica, pero aquellos con hipotiroidismo subclínico no siempre se benefician con este tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: Primary hypothyroidism is often diagnosed lately and not always are the indicated doses of levothyroxine the most convenient. It is urgent to draw attention towards these aspects and to update knowledge on this subject. Objective: To describe the basic elements for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of primary hypothyroidism in adult patients at the first level of care. Methods: A search for relevant literature on the subject was carried out. Pubmed and Google Scholar were used as search engines for retrieving scientific information. The search strategy included the following terms as keywords: hipotiroidismo primario [primary hypothyroidism], hipotiroidismo subclínico [subclinical hypothyroidism], diagnóstico y tratamiento [diagnosis and treatment]. Generally speaking, articles within ten years of having been published were assessed, written in Spanish and English and making a specific reference to the subject of the study in their respective titles. Articles not meeting these conditions were excluded. This allowed for 72 articles be referenced. Conclusions: To make the diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism, it is essential to know the risk factors and the corresponding clinical picture. Serum thyrotropin elevation is the best diagnostic test and almost always indicates the presence of primary hypothyroidism. The patient's age, the time of evolution of the disease, the intensity of the hypothyroidism, the physiologic time and the presence of associated diseases should be taken into account at the beginning of treatment. All patients with overt primary hypothyroidism should be treated with levothyroxine sodium, but those with subclinical hypothyroidism do not always benefit from this treatment(AU)

Approach to Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Adults / Abordaje del Hipotiroidismo subclínico en el Adulto

Thyroid pathology is the morphofunctional evolution of the thyroid glands that leads to different types of clinical pictures. Within it is subclinical hypothyroidism, which is a biochemical alteration due to the elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) between 4.5 to 10 mUI that can occur with or without symptoms of multifactorial origin. The worldwide prevalence is 4-10% and Latin America 15-25%. 90% of patients with this pathology do not require treatment, but in turn there is an overmedicalization and underdiagnosis of it. This bibliographic review analyzes from its morphofunctional changes towards clinical criteria for a comprehensive approach to subclinical hypothyroidism, where we have an individualization by its comorbidities, age group, diagnostic algorithm, follow-up and differentiated treatment according to recent studies within this pathology. Therefore, an adequate diagnosis, follow-up and treatment provides a better lifestyle for patients.

La patología tiroidea es la alteración morfofuncional de la glándula tiroides que lleva a diferentes tipos de cuadros clínicos. Dentro de ella se encuentra el Hipotiroidismo subclínico que es una alteración bioquímica por la elevación de la Hormona Estimulante de la tiroides (TSH) entre 4,5 a 10 mUI que puede presentarse con o sin sintomatología y tiene etiología multifactorial. La prevalencia mundial es del 4-10 % y latinoamericana del 15-25%. El 90% de pacientes con esta patología no requieren tratamiento, pero a su vez existe una sobremedicalización y una subdiagnóstico del mismo. La presente revisión bibliografía analiza a partir de su alteración morfofuncional hacia criterios clínicos para un abordaje integral del Hipotiroidismo subclínico, donde tenemos una individualización por sus comorbilidades, grupo etario, algoritmo diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento diferenciado según últimos estudios dentro de esta patología. Por lo que un adecuado diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento brinda un mejor estilo de vida a los pacientes.

Efectos del tratamiento sustitutivo del hipotiroidismo subclínico en el grosor intima-media carotideo / Effects of replacement therapy for subclinical hypothyroidism on carotid intima-media thick

Introducción: El hipotiroidismo subclínico se relaciona con alteraciones cardiovasculares como la aterosclerosis carotidea subclínica por daños endoteliales como consecuencia de varios factores siendo el grosor intima-media carotideo (GIMC) un marcador reconocido, cuya elevación se menciona con frecuencia asociada a esta disfunción tiroidea. Objetivo: Determinar los efectos del tratamiento sustitutivo de pacientes con hipotiroidismo subclínico en el GIMC. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de intervención que incluyó 94 pacientes con diagnóstico de hipotiroidismo subclínico sin tratamiento sustitutivo, que acudieron a la consulta de Endocrinología del hospital 10 de octubre a los cuales se les realizó determinación de TSH, colesterol total, colesterol LDL, colesterol HDL, triglicéridos y se les realizó US carotideo al inicio del estudio y al año de logrado el estado eutiroideo con tratamiento sustitutivo, para establecer diferencias en los parámetros evaluados antes y después del tratamiento sustitutivo. Resultados: Previo al tratamiento se encontró hipercolesterolemia en el 87,2 por ciento de los pacientes e hipertrigliceridemia en y 38,3 por ciento, mientras que, que valores elevados de colesterol LDL y disminuidos de colesterol HDL fueron hallados en el 55,3 por ciento y 19,3 por ciento de los mismos, el GIMC se mostró dentro del rango de normalidad. Tras el tratamiento con levotiroxina todos los valores medios de los parámetros estudiados se modificaron excepto en el caso de los triglicéridos Conclusiones: El tratamiento sustitutivo del hipotiroidismo subclínico tiene efectos beneficiosos sobre el GIMC, lo que pudiera ser secundario, entre otros factores, a la mejoría del perfil lipídico(AU)

Introduction: Subclinical hypothyroidism is related to cardiovascular alterations such as subclinical carotid atherosclerosis due to endothelial damage as a consequence of various factors, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) being a recognized marker, whose elevation is frequently mentioned in association with this thyroid dysfunction. Objective: To determine the effects of replacement therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism in CIMT. Methods: An intervention study was carried out in 94 patients diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, who did not have substitutive treatment. They were treated in Endocrinology consultation at 10 de Octubre hospital. These subjects underwent determination of TSH, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, cholesterol HDL, triglycerides. They got carotid ultrasound at the beginning of the study and one year after achieving euthyroid status with replacement treatment, to establish differences in the parameters evaluated before and after replacement treatment. Results: Prior to treatment, hypercholesterolemia was found in 87.2 percent of patients and hypertriglyceridemia in 38.3 percent, while elevated LDL cholesterol and decreased HDL cholesterol values were found in 55.3 percent and 19. .3 percent of them, CIMT was within the normal range. After treatment with levothyroxine, all the mean values of the parameters studied were modified, except in the case of triglycerides. Conclusions: Subclinical hypothyroidism replacement therapy has beneficial effects on CIMT, which could be secondary, among other factors, to the improvement of the lipid profile(AU)

¿El tratamiento del hipotiroidismo subclínico tiene efecto sobre la morbimortalidad cardiovascular? / Does treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism have an effect on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality?

Un estudio mostró que el aumento de valores de la hormona estimulante de la tiroides se asoció a un aumento de mortalidad por todas las causas, estimando que las enfermedades cardiovasculares mediaban dicha asociación en aproximada-mente el 14 % de los casos. Asimismo se observó que el reemplazo con levotiroxina disminuiría los niveles de colesterol, lo cual podría tener un efecto en la reducción de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Partiendo de una viñeta clínica la autora intenta, a través de una búsqueda bibliográfica y análisis de la evidencia, determinar si el tratamiento del hipotiroidismo subclínico en adultos mayores reduciría la morbimortalidad por eventos cardiovasculares. (AU)

A study showed that increased thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were associated with increased all-cause mortality, with cardiovascular disease estimated to mediate this association in approximately 14 % of cases. Additionally, levothyroxine replacement was found to lower cholesterol levels, which could have an effect in reducing cardiovascular diseases. Basedon a clinical vignette, the author attempts, through a literature search and an analysis of the evidence, to determine whether treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism in older adults would reduce morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular events. (AU)

Hiperplasia de hipófise secundária a hipotireoidismo primário - relato de caso / Pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism - case report

A hiperplasia hipofisária é definida como um aumento não neoplásico no número de um dos tipos de células presentes na hipófise. Ela pode ocorrer por um processo fisiológico ou patológico. O hipotireoidismo primário prolongado é uma das causas patológicas desta condição, e ocorre devido a perda do feedback negativo. O objetivo desse relato foi demonstrar a presença de hiperplasia hipofisária em um paciente masculino com características corporais sugestivas de acromegalia. A investigação laboratorial confirmou a presença de hipotireoidismo primário e descartou a acromegalia. Foi instituído tratamento com levotiroxina, levando a regressão da hiperplasia hipofisária. Esse caso ilustra a importância de uma investigação apropriada em pacientes com hiperplasia hipofisária, bem como discute a fisiopatologia e o tratamento dessa doença.

Pituitary hyperplasia is defined as a non-neoplastic increase in the number of one of the cell types present in the pituitary gland. It can occur by a physiological or pathological process. Prolonged primary hypothyroidism is one of the pathological causes of this condition and occurs due to the lack of negative feedback. The objective of this report was to demonstrate the presence of pituitary hyperplasia in a male patient with body characteristics suggestive of acromegaly. Laboratory investigation confirmed the presence of primary hypothyroidism and ruled out acromegaly. Treatment with levothyroxine was instituted, leading to regression of pituitary hyperplasia. This case illustrates the importance of an appropriate investigation in patients with pituitary hyperplasia, as well as discussing the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease.

Hipotiroidismo subclínico en el embarazo / Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy

Las alteraciones de la función tiroidea incluida el hipotiroidismo subclínico son unas de las patologías más frecuentes durante el embarazo, y se asocian a importantes complicaciones maternas, fetales y neonatales. Se han desarrollado múltiples guías de práctica clínica por sociedades internacionales en busca de unificar el enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico de las patologías tiroideas durante la gestación, sin embargo hay evidencia insuficiente sobre la realización de tamizaje y aún más sobre las intervenciones terapéuticas en caso del hipotiroidismo subclínico, se presenta la siguiente revisión de la literatura para vislumbrar a la luz de información actualizada como realizar el abordaje integral de las pacientes gestantes con hipotiroidismo subclínico (AU)

Alterations in thyroid function, including subclinical hypothyroidism, are one of the most frequent pathologies during pregnancy, and are associated with important maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. Multiple clinical practice guidelines have been developed by international societies in search of unifying the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of thyroid pathologies during pregnancy, however there is insufficient evidence on screening and even more on therapeutic interventions in case of subclinical hypothyroidism , the following review of the literature is presented to envision in the light of updated information how to carry out a comprehensive approach to pregnant patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (AU)

A practical contemporary approach to decision-making on subclinical hypothyroidism

ABSTRACT Subclinical hypothyroidism (Shypo) is an increasingly frequent condition in common medical practice. Its diagnosis continues to pose a challenge since a series of non-thyroidal and temporary conditions can elevate serum TSH levels. In addition, the consequences of Shypo are still up for debate. Although detrimental cardiovascular effects have been consistently demonstrated in the young, they are less evident in older adults (65-79 years), and even more so in the oldest old (≥80 years). In the absence of evidence of any benefits of treating Shypo in patients' clinical manifestations and unfavorable outcomes, the most effective decision-making approach should include a thorough investigation of the patient's condition integrating all relevant clinical data, such as TSH levels, age, quality of life, comorbidities, cardiovascular risk, safety, and personal preferences. The decision-making process needs to take into account the risk of levothyroxine overtreatment and the resulting adverse consequences, such as reduction of bone mineral density, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Hence, current evidence suggests that individuals with TSH > 10 mU/L, who test positive for TPO Ab or are symptomatic may benefit from levothyroxine treatment. However, a more cautious and conservative approach is required in older (≥65 years of age), and oldest-old (≥80 years) patients, particularly those with frailty, in which the risk of treatment can outweigh potential benefits. The latter may benefit from a wait-and-see approach.

Subcutaneous administration of levothyroxine: a novel approach to refractory hypothyroidism - A review and a case report

SUMMARY Treatment-refractory hypothyroidism is a common clinical finding. Substantial causes include poor compliance and intake failure as well as gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and short bowel syndromes. Increasing oral dosage of levothyroxine (LT4) is not always effective. Therefore, alternative routes of administration are necessary. In this report, we evaluate alternative treatment modalities for refractory hypothyroidism and present a 28-year-old woman with intestinal drug malabsorption successfully treated by subcutaneous LT4 administration. In this patient, a parenteral form of LT4, 500 μg/5 ml, was administered subcutaneously in a split dosage regimen. Blood hormone levels returned to normal within a few days and remained stable over an 8-month follow-up period.

Treatment of hypothyroidism in special situations / Tratamiento del hipotiroidismo en situaciones especiales

Abstract The treatment of hypothyroidism is aimed at restoring the euthyroid state. In most cases, the signs and symptoms of thyroid deficiency generally resolve, which is particularly gratifying for the treating physician and mainly, for patients. However, there may be coexisting special situations that can potentially hinder or interfere with a successful treatment, as in the case of the elderly, patients suffering from heart disease, hematological diseases or dyslipidemia, hypothyroid patients who will undergo an emergency surgery, those with chronic kidney failure, or adrenal insufficiency, among others. Besides management of hypothyroidism in time of COVID-19 is also included. Some patients may experience intolerance to treatment and others persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism even under adequate replacement therapy, requiring a special approach. Being aware of these special situations will provide benefits to the patient and will also prevent treatment failure or complications.

Resumen El tratamiento del hipotiroidismo tiene como objetivo restaurar el estado eutiroideo. En la mayoría de los casos los signos y síntomas del déficit tiroideo en general se resuelven, lo cual es muy gratificante para el médico tratante y en especial para los pacientes. Sin embargo, pueden coexistir situaciones especiales que potencialmente dificulten o interfieran con un tratamiento exitoso como en el caso de los pacientes ancianos, aquellos con cardiopatías, enfermedades hematológicas o dislipemia, pacientes hipotiroideos que requieran cirugía de urgencia, aquellos con insuficiencia renal crónica, o insuficiencia adrenal, entre otras. Además, se incluye el manejo del hipotiroidismo en la era del COVID-19. Algunos pacientes pueden manifestar intolerancia al tratamiento y otros, persistencia de síntomas de hipotiroidismo aun bajo un adecuado reemplazo hormonal, lo cual requerirá un abordaje especial. Estar advertido de estas situaciones especiales redundará en el beneficio del paciente y evitará fracasos o complicaciones terapéuticas.

Primary hypothyroidism with exuberant dermatological manifestations

Abstract Thyroid hormone has effects on the skin. Patients with hypothyroidism have changes such as dry, scaly and rough skin. Increase carotene in the dermis becomes a yellowish tone to the skin of the patient with hypothyroidism. There is an increase in capillary cycle (anagen phase) and nail growth and a reduction in eccrine gland secretion. It is a case of primary hypothyroidism with nail manifestations associated with dermatologic disorders and successful treatment with levothyroxine. Receptors for thyroid hormone have already been found in keratinocytes, fibroblasts, hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Genes responsive to thyroid hormones and elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis were identified on the skin. This report highlights the importance of cutaneous manifestations as markers of thyroid disease.

Reconhecimento da paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica na emergência: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Recognizing thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis on emergency settings: a case report and literature revie

A paralisia periódica hipocalêmica tireotóxica é uma complicação inusitada do hipertireoidismo, porém é considerada urgência endocrinológica e ainda frequentemente subdiagnosticada. Sua apresentação clínica consiste na tríade de défice de potássio, tireotoxicose e fraqueza muscular ­ sendo esse último sintoma comum em diversas patologias. Realizamos uma revisão bibliográfica e destacamos, por meio do relato de caso, a importância do diagnóstico precoce dessa doença, possibilitando uma evolução favorável ao paciente, independente de sua etnia, sexo ou região geográfica. Atentamos ainda ao tratamento da doença, que, apesar de sua simplicidade, acarreta muitos equívocos.

The thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism, but is considered an endocrinological urgency, and yet frequently underdiagnosed. Its clinical presentation consists of potassium deficit, thyrotoxicosis, and muscular weakness, with the latter symptom being very common in several pathologies. We performed a bibliographic review and highlight, through a case report, the importance of the early diagnosis of this disease to allow favorable progression to the patient, regardless of ethnicity, sex, or geographical region. We also reinforce the importance of the disease treatment which, despite its simplicity, leads to many mistakes.

Macro TSH como causa de hipotiroidismo refractario: a propósito de dos casos clínicos / Macro TSH as a cause of refractory hypothyroidism: based on two clinical cases

Se presenta el caso de dos mujeres con hipotiroidismo, con TSH persistentemente elevada, lo que hacía aumentar la dosis de levotiroxina y llegar a un hipertiroidismo clínico con TSH anormalmente alto. Se realizó un seguimiento de los niveles de TSH y T4 libre, durante un período de 20 y 10 meses respectivamente. En ambas situaciones no hubo una respuesta esperable a las dosis de levotiroxina ascendentes. Después de descartar causas posibles que explicaran esta situación, se sospechó y confirmó la presencia de Macro TSH, que es un complejo biológicamente inactivo de TSH e Inmunoglobulina G. Se obtiene como resultado la estabilidad de ambas pacientes siendo su seguimiento prioritariamente clínico y con mediciones de T4L, comprendiendo por qué la TSH persiste elevada. Nos pareció interesante la comunicación de estos casos, que permite recordar causas atípicas de refractariedad al tratamiento con levotiroxina, como es la macro TSH, indispensable pesquisar para el manejo adecuado de estos pacientes.

An inadequate response to levothyroxine treatment in a patient with hypothyroidism suggests lack of intake, lack of absorption, nephrotic syndrome, thyroid hormone resistance among other reasons. We present the case of two women with hypothyroidism and a persistently elevated level of TSH, which required increasing the dose of levothyroxine, resulting in a clinical hyperthyroidism with an abnormally high TSH. A TSH and free T4 follow up was performed during a period of 20 and 10 months respectively, in both situations there was not an adequate response to rising levothyroxine treatment. After ruling out other possible causes that could explain this situation, it was suspected and then confirmed the presence of Macro TSH, which is a biologically inactive complex of TSH and Immunoglobulin G. Therefore, both patients achieved disease stability once controlled by clinical state and free T4 measurements, understanding why THS persited high. We present these interesting cases, because this allows us to remember atypical causes of refractory treatment with levothyroxine, such as the Macro TSH, indispensable to search for the proper management of these patients.

Serum irisin and apelin levels and markers of atherosclerosis in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum irisin and apelin levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) when they were subclinical hypothyroid and become euthyroid after levothyroxine therapy and association of these adipokines with markers of atherosclerosis such as serum homocysteine levels and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Subjects and methods: The study included 160 patients with newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and 86 euthyroid healty subjects. Serum glucose and lipid profile, insulin, HOMA, TSH, free T3, free T4, anti-thyroperoxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, homocysteine, apelin and irisin levels were measured in all study subjects. Thyroid and carotid ultrasound examinations were performed. The subclinical hypothyroid group was reevaluated after 12-weeks of levothyroxine therapy when they became euthyroid. Results: Clinical characteristics of the patient and control group were similar. Glucose, insulin and HOMA levels, lipid parameters and free T3 were similar between the two groups.. Serum homocystein was higher and apelin was lower in patients with SCH, but irisin levels were similar between the two groups. While thyroid volume was lower, carotid IMT was significantly greater in patients with SCH (pCarotidIMT:0,01). After 12-weeks of levothyroxine therapy, all the studied parameters remained unchanged except, serum freeT4, TSH, homocystein and apelin. While homocystein decreased (p: 0,001), apelin increased significantly (p = 0,049). In multivariate analysis, low apelin levels significantly contributed to carotid IMT (p = 0,041). Conclusions: Apelin-APJ system may play a role in vascular and cardiac dysfunction in patients with SCH and treatment of this condition may improve the risk of cardiovascular disease.