The evaluation of lipid metabolism in young patients with hypothyroidism and L-4 treatment

The aims of this study were to evaluate the type and frequency of hyperlipidemia and the effects of levo-thyroxine on lipid metabolism in hypothyroidism. In 93 patients with hypothyroidism lipid profile, TSH, FT3, FT4, were measured before and after thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Before treatment 74 patients had type IIa hyperlipidemia, 15 patients had type IIb hyperlipidemia and 4 patients had normal lipid values. We observed a significant reduction of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL values after the therapy, whereas, at this time, no difference could be detected for serum triglycerides levels. In conclusion hypercolesterolemia elicited by hypothyroidism is potentially reversible by restoration of the euthyroid state.