Effects of long-term L-thyroxine treatment on endothelial function and arterial distensibility in young adults with congenital hypothyroidism

ObjectivePatients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) display subclinical abnormalities of the cardiovascular system that are related to unphysiological fluctuations of TSH levels and occur despite careful replacement therapy.DesignThe aim of the present case–control study was to evaluate the effects of long-term levothyroxine (l-T4) replacement therapy on the vascular district in CH patients by assessing endothelial function with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and brachial artery distensibility with the measurement of the coefficient of distensibility (DC).MethodsThirty-two young adults with CH aged 18.9±0.2 years and 32 age- and sex-matched controls underwent brachial Doppler ultrasound examination to measure FMD and DC at the time of the study. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed by neonatal screening, and l-T4 treatment was initiated within the first month of life.ResultsCompared to healthy controls, CH patients had significantly reduced brachial artery reactivity with lower FMD values (8.9±5.7 vs 14.1±5.1% P=0.003) and decreased vascular distensibility (24.6±1.6 vs 27.3±3 kPa−1×10−3, Pr=0.81 and r=0.87 respectively, PConclusionsYoung adults with CH treated with long-term l-T4 replacement therapy may have significant impairment of both FMD and DC. Our data suggest that high TSH levels, inadequately corrected by l-T4 replacement therapy in CH patients especially during puberty, can exert significant effects on the elastic and functional vessel properties.