In order to assess the impact of adherence in the treatment of hypothyroidism, we examined 100 outpatients, 80 women and 20 men from HC-UNICAMP and HUCFF-UFRJ. All had a poor control (Mo TSH: 12U/L). After an initial medical exam and orientation, they randomly received either one of the 4 commercially available preparations of levothyroxine in the same dose previously prescribed, composing 4 groups of 25 patients each. Groups were similar regarding clinic, socioeconomic and cultural profiles, with a monthly income around US$100.00 per capita (X²: NS). During a 3 month follow-up they were examined by the same physician and requested to bring all remaining pills and empty packs. Pills were counted and TSH and fT4 were measured monthly. We found 82% of non-compliance either with visit attendance (36% of the patients) or with the correct prescription (66% of the patients). At the end of the study 77 patients presented normal TSH levels independently of the levothyroxine preparation administered (X² controlled patients/group: NS). TSH levels dropped below normal range in 16 patients at their 1st return suggesting that they were previously using lower doses than the prescribed one. We conclude that hypothyroidism may be adequately treated with any of the commercially available formulations provided the patient complies with therapy.
Adherence; Treatment; Levothyroxine; Hypothyroidism
