Unsafe care for thyroid patients in Kalmar County

Hypothyroidism, one of the most common chronic diseases in the country, usually requires lifelong treatment with levothyroxine (Levaxin/Eutyrox). Common symptoms are fatigue, depression, memory problems, pain, and infertility.

Half of those who responded to our survey, 49 percent, have never been called to see a doctor to follow up on their treatment, even though they should have a check-up every or every two years. This is demonstrated by the Thyroid Society's new report, “Hypothyroidism Monitoring in Primary Care,” which is based on a member survey of 2,700 participants.

The survey also shows that more than half, 54%, have been asked to change their dose via text, message or chat based solely on test results, without the doctor asking how they are doing with their current dose.

One in four, 24 percent, said they thought the treatment was working poorly and that they had many residual symptoms of hypothyroidism. Only 16 percent stated that they felt well and had no remaining symptoms.

The consequences of not following through are many. Both undertreatment and overtreatment with levothyroxine result in decreased quality of life, side effects, and complications. There is also a risk of incorrect treatment. For the Kalmar County area, this will likely lead to increased health care costs and for the state to increased sick leave costs.

Our call to Kalmar County is for the region to urgently review its routine procedures for follow-up treatment of hypothyroidism, so that all patients receive follow-up with regular sampling and the recommended clinical evaluation.

In addition, municipalities and regions in Sweden need to produce a national care program for hypothyroidism, with standards for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Overall, this will save resources and create efficiency, as well as improve the lives of thousands of people in Kalmar County who suffer from thyroid disease.