MANAGEMENT OF THYROTOXICOSIS AMONG GENERAL PRACTITIONERS IN TRINIDAD COMPARED WITH 2016 AMERICAN THYROID ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM.

Objective

A previous Trinidadian survey highlighted the investigative and therapeutic approaches selected by general practitioners (GPs) in managing thyrotoxicosis. The main objective of this study was to compare practice with existing guidelines.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study a pretested de novo questionnaire was self-administered to GPs throughout Trinidad. The survey evaluated GPs' choices in management of thyrotoxicosis cases and compared their responses to the 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines as well as with those previously reported locally.

Results

A total of 159 completed questionnaires were analyzed (59% response rate). Thyroid stimulating hormone was the preferred (94%) biochemical test to confirm thyrotoxicosis etiology. A combination of ultra-sound and thyroid scintigraphy, thyroid ultrasound alone, and scintigraphy only were the testing options selected by 41%, 38%, and 12%, respectively. Generally medical therapy with antithyroid drugs was the preferred treatment option with 86% of respondents selecting this option for the index case of newly diagnosed female Graves disease. The greatest proportion of respondents that selected radioactive iodine (RAI) was 35% for both the index case as well as the male equivalent. Surgery was the most popular option at 25% for patients with a toxic multinodular goiter. Having access to RAI and scintigraphy was reported by 32% and 28%, respectively.

Conclusion

GPs appear to be constrained to making rational choices based upon availability rather than what the guidelines recommend. In the absence of formal continuing medical education for GPs on thyrotoxicosis, dissemination of guidelines at the primary care level may reduce this gap. Abbreviations: ATA = American Thyroid Association; ATD = antithyroid drugs; CME = continued medical education; GP = general practitioner; RAI = radioactive iodine; SURG = surgery; T4 = thyroxine; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone.