COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF THYROID FUNCTION TESTS IN EVALUATION OF THYROIDECTOMY PATIENTS

Abstract

Thyroid function tests are in use to evaluate thyroid dysfunctions in possible pathologies of the gland. During the last five decades, many tests were developed to fulfill this ambition. Currently, serum thyrotropin and anti-microsomal antibody levels are more preferably used. However, in our country, many other parameters were also measured to evaluate the thyroid functions. The aim of this study was to discuss the cost-effectiveness of thyroid function test panel (TT3, TT4, sT3, sT4, TSH) compared to the determination of sTSH blood level alone or sTSH + sT4, in evaluation of thyroid dysfunction in 205patients operated in our clinic between March 1997-September 2000. Their differences regarding the operation indications were also evaluated. Costs of TFT panel were determined as 2.255.000.000 TL, while sTSH alone, and sTSH + sT4 costs were calculated as 369.000.000 TL and 881.500.000 TL, respectively. In conclusion, we suggest that serum sTSH measurements in patients with possible thyroid dysfunction is sufficient and much less expensive. In selected cases, addition of sT4 measurement to sTSH may help to evaluate subclinical patients.