[Single weekly doses of 1 mg 1-thyroxine for the treatment of mild goiter and for the prevention of recurrence after goiter surgery].

The possibility of using weekly single doses of 1 mg l-thyroxine for treatment of euthyroid goiters and for prophylaxis against recurrence after thyroidectomies was studied in a series of 37 patients. The treatment was continued over a period of about 3 months. Before therapy and during therapy T 4, T 3 und ETR values were determined, and TSH in plasma was assayed under TRH stimulation. 131I-24 hour-uptakes and thyroid weight were followed, together with scintigraphic studies. X-ray films of the trachea were done prior to and after therapy, and eventual side effects of the prescribed therapy were noted. Results show a significant rise in T 4 and ETR values, which however, remained in the normal range. T 3 levels did not change. 131I uptake figures were kept as low as 18 per cent of the given dose and the TSH response to TRH was markedly decreased. Non toxic goiters showed a slight decrease in weight, while thyroid remnants after thyroidectomy did not increase in size. In some patients subjective symptoms improved considerably under the given therapy. 4 of our patients showed transient signs of thyrotoxicosis factitia during the first 1 to 2 days after taking 1 mg of l-thyroxine, so that a modification of the treatment--2X500 mcg/week--might be advisable. The overall effect of this form of treatment is considered as about equivalent to others forms of thyroid hormone therapy.