Genetic variants affecting the accurate dosing of thyroid hormone replacement therapy to hypothyroid patients. Homo sapiens

The most common endocrine disease is primary hypothyroidism caused by a thyroid gland abnormality. The initial dose of levothyroxine replacement therapy is 1.6mcg/kg. This dose, however, is not appropriate for every patient, and dose adjustments are made on a regular basis. Genetic polymorphisms in the levothyroxine absorption and metabolism pathway are likely to influence dose requirements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of genetic polymorphisms on levothyroxine replacement requirements.