The effect of Korean traditional alternative medicine products on thyroid function level in posttotal thyroidectomy patients: A pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: Although many Koreans consume traditional alternative remedial products to alleviate symptoms of fatigue, there have been no studies on their effect on thyroid function levels in thyroidectomized patients on levothyroxine replacement. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Korean traditional alternative remedies on thyroid function levels in post total thyroidectomy patients. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records from a single tertiary referral center was performed on patients who received total thyroidectomy from 2010 to 2015 and became euthyroid postoperatively. Gender, age, body mass index, preoperative thyroid function test results, interval to first hypothyroidism occurrence, recurrence of hypothyroidism, number and types of alternative remedy were evaluated. Results: Postoperative hypothyroidism occurred among 174 out of 917 patients (18.9%) and 100 (57.5%) of them had a history of alternative medication usage. The first episode of hypothyroidism occurred at median of 38.5 months after operation in the 100 patients. Six of the 100 patients received an increased dosage of levothyroxine due to severe hypothyroidism but the rest received the same dose and were requested not to consume alternative products. All patients recovered to euthyroid status afterwards. Thirty-three patients subsequently experienced recurrence even after being restricted from consuming alternative remedial products. Apart from thyroiditis on pathology reports (P=0.001), there were no variables significantly related to the recurrent hypothyroidism. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated the possible role of consumption patterns of traditional alternative remedial products in thyroidectomized patients under hormone supplement in restoring euthyroid status without levothyroxine increase.