SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: FROM CONTROVERSIAL TO CONSENSUS

Introduction and Objective: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCHT) prevalence in general population fluctuates from 4-15%, according to gender, age and studied population´s characteristics. The goal is reviewing and systematizing different SCHT´s data, as clinical consequences and management. Method: systematic review based on guidelines published by the European Thyroid Association, Association of Clinical Endocrinologists American, American Thyroid Association, the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism and scientific research in PubMed, using Mesh terms: subclinical hypothyroidism, risk factors. It was also consulted UpToDate 2014. Articles published in English and Portuguese were selected. Results and Conclusions: The SCHT is defined as TSH higher than the statistically normal value and free T4 within the reference range, in the absence of clinical symptoms. The progression to clinical hypothyroidism may occur with a cumulative incidence of 33-55%, and predominantly among women with high TSH levels (≥10 mU/L) and presence of anti-peroxidase antibodies. The spontaneous normalization occur most likely in patients with TSH