Informing & Supporting Thyroid Patients Since 1985
Informing & Supporting Thyroid Patients Since 1985
Thyroid Research 
Thyroid Research Archive Hypothyroidism
(July 2003)
The background of the study. High serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (a protein produced in response to inflammation) and homocysteine are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Hypothyroidism may also be a risk factor for the disease. In this study, serum C-reactive protein and homocysteine were measured in patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism, and again during thyroxine (T4) therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
How the study was done. The study patients were 61 women with overt hypothyroidism (high serum thyrotropin [TSH] and low serum T4 values), 63 women with subclinical hypothyroidism (high serum TSH and normal serum T4 values), and 40 normal women. The women with subclinical hypothyroidism were randomly assigned to receive T4 or placebo for 48 weeks.
The results of the study. Women with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism had slightly high serum C-reactive protein concentrations (higher in the women with overt hypothyroidism), as compared with the normal women. Serum homocysteine concentrations were high in the women with overt hypothyroidism, but not in the women with subclinical hypothyroidism. The serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and homocysteine concentrations did not change during T4 therapy in the women with subclinical hypothyroidism, whereas their serum TSH concentrations declined. There were no changes in any values in the placebo group.
The conclusions of the study. Women with hypothyroidism have slightly higher serum C-reactive protein and homocysteine concentrations than normal women. In contrast, among women with subclinical hypothyroidism only serum C-reactive protein concentrations are high, and T4 therapy does not lower them.
The original article. Christ-Crain M, Meier C, Guglielmetti M, Huber PR, Riesen W, Staub JJ, Muller B. Elevated C-reactive protein and homocysteine values: cardiovascular risk factors in hypothyroidism? A cross-sectional and a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Atherosclerosis 2003;166:379-86.
Your Help Can Make a Difference!
Join us in helping to educate and support thyroid patients, their families, physicians, and other health care professionals and to increase public awareness of thyroid disorders.
Thanks to all of our donors for helping to make a difference!
