Parkinson's disease and thyroid dysfunction.
Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2004;
10:381-3. [PMID:
15261881 DOI:
10.1016/j.parkreldis.2004.03.008]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2004] [Revised: 03/03/2004] [Accepted: 03/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Although no causal linkage between hypothyroidism and Parkinson's disease (PD) has been demonstrated so far, both share common manifestations and coexistence can be a source of diagnostic delay and confusion.
PURPOSE
To assess thyroid function in patients with PD.
SCOPE
Ninety-five PD patients and 102 age-matched controls were assessed for hypothyroidism through clinical evaluation and laboratory screening.
RESULTS
In the PD group 13.7% were hypothyroid versus 10.8% in the control group. Statistical analysis did not show a significant difference (p = 0.3681).
CONCLUSION
Although hypothyroidism was not more prevalent in our PD patients in comparison with the control group, we believe that given the potential overlap of symptoms and signs, thyroid function should be assessed in patients showing worsening of symptoms that cannot be explained by disease progression or resistance to therapy adjustment; screening should take into account the particular acute effect of levodopa on serum TSH levels.
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