THE MAINTENANCE OF NORMAL METABOLISM IN ATHYREOTIC PATIENTS BY SODIUM DEXTRO-THYROXINE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soduim dextro-thyroxine alone, when given to completely athyreotoxic patients, maintains the basal metabolism and the serum cholesterol concentration at a normal level: the blood pressure is unchanged; the body weight may be reduced; the pulse rate seems increased less than would be expected from the rise in basal metabolism; and the electrocardiogram shows the changes characteristic of recovery from the myxoedematous state. Subjective and objective clinical findings indicating correction of the myxoedematous state occurred early in the course of treatment.