April 06, 2015
Annals of Internal Medicine
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
- The authors of this update of the 2004 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for thyroid disease provide recommendations for nonpregnant, asymptomatic adults.
- They conclude that there is currently insufficient evidence to evaluate the harms and benefits of screening with no clinical symptoms.
Abstract
DESCRIPTION
Update of the 2004 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for thyroid disease.
METHODS
The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for subclinical and “overt” thyroid dysfunction without clinically obvious symptoms, as well as the effects of treatment on intermediate and final health outcomes.
POPULATION
This recommendation applies to nonpregnant, asymptomatic adults.
RECOMMENDATION
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. (I statement).