[Thyroxine in an amount of 150 micrograms daily for the prevention of the recurrence of goiter].

24 patients, who had undergone a subtotal thyroidectomy, were given 150 micrograms thyroxine daily for 6 weeks for prevention of goiter recurrency. 14 patients had been included in an earlier reported study using 75 micrograms thyroxine daily. Prior to this trial 10 patients had 100 micrograms thyroxine daily; the 14 above mentioned patients had had no therapy for 4 weeks. A significant decrease of the TSH response to TRH is observed when compared with the prestudy regimen. According to this parameter the incidence of hyperthyroidism is increased and the incidence of euthyroidism and hypothyroidism decreased. 2 patients however remained hypothyroid. The before mentioned hyperthyroid patients had only an abnormal TSH-response and were euthyroid when determined by clinical signs or ETR-values. It is concluded, that the dosage of 150 micrograms thyroxin is indicated in patients when reduction of goiter size is desired or a high demand for thyroid replacement is suspected. This (and every comparable) regimen needs a clinical and biochemical control.