Levothyroxine Dosing in Older Adults: Recommendations Derived From The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors' conclusion
Thyroid hormone dose per body weight estimates for replacement in older adults (1.09 μg/kg ABW or 1.35 μg/kg IBW) are one-third lower than current weight-based dose recommendations for younger populations.
Study context
- Population
- Independently living adults aged ≥65 years on levothyroxine, Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
- Participants
- 185 participants645 eligible visits
- Outcome
- Mean levothyroxine dose (actual and ideal body weight ratios) for euthyroid on therapy
Methodological detailslongitudinal, regression analyses adjusted for covariables and clustering
- Longitudinal
- Regression analyses adjusted for covariables and clustering
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Levothyroxine dose at euthyroid visits
Average euthyroid dose (actual body weight (ABW))
1.09 μg/kg
Average euthyroid dose (ideal body weight (IBW))
1.35 μg/kg IBW
Euthyroid individuals on a dose of <1.6 μg/kg
84%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Mean euthyroid dose by ABW, obese vs BMI <30 · lower with obese
P < 0.01
Mean euthyroid dose by IBW, obese vs BMI <30 · similar
P = 0.41
Euthyroid dose by sex
- Average euthyroid dose did not differ by sex (ABW or IBW)
Original publication
Levothyroxine Dosing in Older Adults: Recommendations Derived From The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Endocr Pract. Published 28 June 2023. doi:10.
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