The role of severity and duration of inflammation and hematological parameters on the outcome of subacute thyroiditis

Background: The role of severity and duration of inflammatory findings on the development of persistent hypothyroidism and anemia has not been clarified in subacute thyroiditis (SAT). Methods: Demographic data and laboratory parameters of patients with SAT were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Permanent hypothyroidism was observed in 28.1% of patients. Baseline elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate as defined >74.5 mm/h was found to be associated with permanent hypothyroidism, but the duration of inflammation was not different between the recovered and hypothyroid patients. Baseline hemoglobin values improved without specific therapy in 3.5 months. Conclusion: The initial severity but not the duration of inflammation increases the risk for the development of permanent thyroid dysfunction, and anemia improves with the resolution of inflammation.