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Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Levothyroxine Regimen in Hypothyroid Patients

Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Levothyroxine Regimen in Hypothyroid Patients: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07133295
Enrollment
160
Registered
2025-08-21
Start date
2021-03-23
Completion date
2024-08-01
Last updated
2025-08-21

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Hypothyroidism

Brief summary

Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones. Traditional treatment involves daily administration of levothyroxine (L-T4), which can be challenging for some patients due to adherence issues. Recent studies have explored the efficacy of once-weekly L-T4 regimens, suggesting that they may provide a viable alternative for patients struggling with daily dosing The safety profile of once-weekly L-T4 has also been a focus of recent research. Evidence indicates that this regimen is associated with minimal side effects and is well-tolerated by patients. A comparative study found that once-weekly L-T4 did not result in significant adverse effects compared to daily dosing, reinforcing its potential as a safe treatment option

Detailed description

Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones. Traditional treatment involves daily administration of levothyroxine (L-T4), which can be challenging for some patients due to adherence issues. Recent studies have explored the efficacy of once-weekly L-T4 regimens, suggesting that they may provide a viable alternative for patients struggling with daily dosing. A study published in 2023 demonstrated that once-weekly L-T4 is effective in maintaining euthyroidism in patients with treatment-refractory hypothyroidism. The safety profile of once-weekly L-T4 has also been a focus of recent research. Evidence indicates that this regimen is associated with minimal side effects and is well-tolerated by patients. Adherence to treatment is crucial for the management of hypothyroidism, and once-weekly regimens may enhance patient compliance. Studies have shown that patients are more likely to adhere to a once-weekly regimen compared to daily dosing, which can lead to improved clinical outcomes. This is particularly relevant for patients with non-adherence issues, as highlighted in recent literature.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

Sohag University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
30 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* All included hypothyrodism patients will be euthyroid, and stable on the same L-T4 dose before the start of study.

Exclusion criteria

-1- patients with thyroid cancer patients requiring suppressive therapy 2-patients with central hypothyroidism 3- pregnancy, coronary heart disease, arrythmia, chronic heart failure 4-patients with liver cirrhosis, renal failure, acute medical, or surgical illness at the time of evaluation to avoid acute and chronic non-thyroidal illness syndromes. 4- Patients taking any medications known to interfere with levothyroxine absorption or metabolism (calcium and iron supplements, antiepileptic agents, antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2blockers)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The primary outcome will be the maintenance of euthyroidism,defined as normal thyroid functionFrom baseline (study enrollment) until 36 months after enrollment. first year :assessments will be conducted 2 months after each dose adjustment in subsequent years assessment conducted quarterly up to end of the studyNormal thyroid function, assessed via: TSH: Normal range \[specify, e.g., 0.4-4.0 µIU/mL\] Free T4: Normal range \[specify, e.g., 0.8-1.8 ng/dL\]

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
secondary outcome 2-Incidence of Adverse Effects - Laboratory Parameters (Complete Blood Count)From Baseline (Day 1) until study completion (up to 24 months), assessed at Week 8 (2 months post-initial dose adjustment) and every 12 weeks (±7 days) thereafter.Incidence of clinically significant abnormalities in Complete Blood Count Unit of Measure: (e.g., cell counts in cells/µL, hemoglobin in g/dL, hematocrit in %)
secondary outcome. 3- Incidence of Adverse Effects - Laboratory Parameters (Liver Function Tests)From Baseline (Day 1) until study completion (up to 24 months), assessed at Week 8 (2 months post-initial dose adjustment) and every 12 weeks (±7 days) thereafter.Incidence of clinical abnormalities Liver Function Tests(e.g., ALT, AST) U/L Unit of Measure: U/L
4-Incidence of Adverse Effects - Laboratory Parameters (Kidney Function Tests)From Baseline (Day 1) until study completion (up to 24 months), assessed at Week 8 (2 months post-initial dose adjustment) and every 12 weeks (±7 days) thereafter.Incidence of clinical abnormalities in Kidney Function Tests (e.g., serum creatinine) Unit of Measure: mg/dL
. Secondary outcomes will include:-1- the incidence of adverse effects(clinical parameters)1-Baseline (Day 1) until 24 months 2-Week 8 (2 months post-initial dose adjustment) 3-Every 12 weeks (±7 days) thereafter until study completion (up to 24 months)1-Incidence of Adverse Effects:\* Clinical parameters: 1. Heart rate (beats per minute) 2. Blood pressure (mmHg)
secondary outcome include:-3. Quality of Life (QoL) Assessments using ThyPRO1-From Baseline(day 1) until 36 months after enrollment assessed at Baseline, Week 8, Week 24, Week 52, and every 24 weeks thereafter.Thyroid-specific QoL measured using validated questionnaires: ThyPRO (Thyroid Patient-Reported Outcome) Unit of Measure: ThyPRO: Scale scores (0-100)
Quality of Life (QoL) Assessments - SF-36From Baseline (day 1)until 36 months Aassessed at Baseline, Week 8, Week 24, Week 52, and every 24 weeks thereafter.chang in general quality of life using SF-36 (Short Form Health Survey) questionnaire.
secondary outcome include :-2-Patient Adherence Rates1-from baseline(day 1) until 36 months 2-Monthly from Baseline to Week 52 3-- 12 weeks from Week 52 to study completion2-Patient Adherence Rates :Measured via self-report, pill counts, or pharmacy refill records. Criteria for adherence (e.g., ≥80% of doses taken).

Countries

Egypt

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026