Recombinant human thyrotropin in the management of thyroid disorders.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) is a valuable tool in the management of thyroid diseases. It is useful for radioiodine ablation in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), for their follow-up, and for treatment of selected patients with metastatic or recurrent DTC. More recently, it has been suggested that rhTSH is useful for treatment of multinodular goiter and amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis, as well as for diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an outline of literature regarding the uses of rhTSH in thyroid diseases.

METHODS: We performed a literature search for relevant articles in the PubMed database.

CONCLUSION: rhTSH has important roles in management of thyroid diseases, and some are still controversial. For patients with DTC, it avoids the need for thyroid hormone withdrawal, without being detrimental to short-term outcomes. Further studies are warranted to assess its effects on long-term outcomes.