The USPSTF recommendation statement, an update of the one issued in 2004, uses a more limited definition of thyroid disease, restricting the term to denote only symptomatic “overt” hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (defined as persistently abnormal serum TSH and T4 levels with clearly associated clinical signs and symptoms that cannot be explained by another condition). The task force made this change to emphasize that screening can detect biochemical abnormalities as well as clinically important disease. However, “despite this change the USPSTF’s ultimate assessment is the same as in the previous recommendation,” the investigators added.
The USPSTF is an independent voluntary group of experts funded through congressional mandate by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to make recommendations about the effectiveness of specific preventive care services for asymptomatic patients. Dr. LeFevre’s and his associates’ financial disclosures are available at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
To obtain a copy of the recommendation statement, contact www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.