Role of liothyronine in rapid preoperative optimization of hypothyroid patients: A case series

ABSTRACT

In patients with hypothyroidism, surgery is often postponed until thyroid function is adequately stabilized. Traditional treatment strategies with levothyroxine have a delayed onset, which leads to prolonged waiting periods. This delay might pose challenges in conditions where emergency intervention is required. Oral liothyronine (LT3), with its rapid onset of action, may provide a viable alternative for urgent preoperative correction of hypothyroid states. LT3 therapy helped in faster correction of thyroid hormone levels, and patients were able to undergo the desired surgery as early as possible. Oral LT3 therapy can be considered a promising approach in the rapid management of preoperative hypothyroidism. However, this should be based on the patient profile and requires monitoring and mandates the need for further large-scale studies in this field.