A Hospital Based Prospective Study for Comparative Assessment of the Efficacy of Morning Dose Versus Evening Dose Levothyroxine in Hypothyroidism Patients

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is the result of inadequate production of thyroid hormone and the inadequate action of thyroid hormone in target tissues. Hence; the present study was conducted for comparatively assessing the Efficacy of Morning Dose Versus Evening Dose Levothyroxine in Hypothyroidism Patients. Materials & Methods: A total of 40 patients with presence of hypothyroidism were enrolled. All the patients were broadly divided into two study groups as follows: Group A- 20 patients who received morning dose of Levothyroxine, and Group B- 20 patients who received evening dose of Levothyroxine. All patients were having Hashimoto's thyroiditis as underlying cause of hypothyroidism. In the process of non-achievement of euthyroidism at the end of 6 weeks, the dose was increased by 25 mcg/day. The study was carried for a time period of 12 weeks. Biochemical variables were analyzed at different time intervals. All the results were recorded and analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Mean fT3 levels among the patients of group A at baseline, 8 weeks and 14 weeks was 2.13 pg/mL, 2.85 pg/mL and 3.76 pg/mL respectively. Mean fT3 levels among the patients of group B at baseline, 8 weeks and 14 weeks was 2.11 pg/mL, 2.72 pg/mL and 3.53 pg/mL respectively. Mean fT4 levels among the patients of group A at baseline, 8 weeks and 14 weeks was 0.76 ng/dL, 1.28 mg/dL and 1.69 ng/dL respectively. Mean fT4 levels among the patients of group B at baseline, 8 weeks and 14 weeks was 0.71 ng/dL, 1.35 mg/dL and 1.62 ng/dL respectively. Mean TSH levels among the patients of group A at baseline, 8 weeks and 14 weeks was 83.46 mIU/L, 23.81 mIU/L and 6.28 mIU/L respectively. Mean TSH levels among the patients of group B at baseline, 8 weeks and 14 weeks was 79.36 mIU/L, 21.98 mIU/L and 5.12 mIU/L respectively. Non-significant results were obtained while comparing the various biochemical variables among the two study groups at different time intervals. Conclusion: Whether given during morning or evening, the drug has same bioavailability and metabolism.