Thyroid gland

As the body's largest endocrine gland, the thyroid plays a key role in regulating metabolism. If patients notice changes in their metabolism, their GP practice is often the first port of call. The need for GP consultations for therapy and/or further diagnostics is constantly increasing due to technical advances.

In the GP setting, a significant contribution is made to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders and, if necessary, referrals are made to other specialist areas for further treatment.

Our main areas of focus are currently

• DELTA-PIA - Worldwide, there is an increasing overuse of levothyroxine for latent hypothyroidism.

  In the "DELTA-PIA" project, methods for the controlled discontinuation of levothyroxine in latent hypothyroidism in GP care are being developed in a participatory manner with patients, GPs and medical assistants in group discussions and workshops in order to counteract the overuse in the long term.

• Guidelines - Revision: Elevated TSH -

  Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a central marker for thyroid dysfunction and is frequently determined on an outpatient or inpatient basis. On the one hand, TSH determinations are carried out when there is a suspicion of thyroid disease due to symptoms, but on the other hand also for routine laboratory determinations. As a result of the TSH value determinations, GP-patient contacts often arise with the consultation cause "elevated TSH" with the question of further diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

  This guideline is intended to provide GPs with recommendations on which diagnostic and therapeutic procedures should be initiated in adult patients (aged 18 and over) with elevated TSH values (target group).

• LeiSE new development of the S3 guideline "Thyroid nodules in adults"