Early Enteral Levothyroxine as Rescue Therapy in Cardiac Surgery Patients With Delayed Neurologic Recovery: A Randomized Trial.
Sarah Elghareeb, Mohamed Saleh, Mohammed Abd Al Jawad et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated early enteral levothyroxine as a rescue therapy for delayed neurologic recovery in 70 adults post-cardiac surgery. The levothyroxine group demonstrated a significant increase in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (adjusted mean difference +7.81; p < 0.001) and a 128% faster recovery rate compared to placebo, alongside improved cardiac function and reduced 30-day mortality.
Key findings
- Levothyroxine group showed a GCS score increase of +7.81 compared to placebo (p < 0.001).
- Patients receiving levothyroxine had a 128% faster neurologic recovery rate (p < 0.001).
- 30-day mortality was significantly lower in the levothyroxine group at 14.3% vs 45.7% (p = 0.005).
- Ejection fraction decline was attenuated with an adjusted mean difference of +12.99% (p < 0.001).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that early enteral levothyroxine may enhance neurologic recovery and cardiac function in patients with delayed recovery after cardiac surgery, indicating a potential new approach in perioperative management for this vulnerable population.