Table 1.
Baseline Characteristics of all Participants Randomized (n = 276)
| Characteristic | Placebo (N = 134) | Levothyroxine (N = 142) |
|---|---|---|
| Age (y) | ||
| Mean ± SD | 73.5 ± 6.3 | 73.9 ± 5.1 |
| Range | 65.1–92.9 | 65.3–88.6 |
| Female sex—no. (%) | 60 (44.8) | 62 (43.4) |
| White race—no. (%)a | 132 (99) | 141 (99) |
| Standard housing—no. (%)b | 130 (97) | 140/142 (99) |
| Weight <50 kg—no. (%) | 3 (2) | 3 (2) |
| Body-mass index, kg/m2, mean ± SDc | 27.5 ± 4.6 | 28.0 ± 4.6 |
| Previous medical conditions and clinical descriptors—no. (%) | ||
| Ischemic heart diseased | 13 (9.7) | 14 (9.9) |
| Atrial fibrillation | 16 (11.9) | 15 (10.7) |
| Hypertension | 8 (6.0) | 4 (2.8) |
| Diabetes mellituse | 14 (10.4) | 24 (16.9) |
| Osteoporosis | 17 (12.7) | 14 (10.1) |
| Current smokingf | 12 (9.0) | 8 (5.6) |
| No. of concomitant medicines—median (IQRg) | 4 (2–6) | 5 (3–5.5) |
| Laboratory results | ||
| Thyrotropin—mIU/L, mean ± SD | 6.31 ± 2.00 | 6.12 ± 1.90 |
| Median (IQRg) | 5.70 (5.02–6.79) | 5.60 (5.04–6.80) |
| Range | 4.60–17.00 | 4.62–16.76 |
| Free thyroxine—pmol/L, mean ± SD | 13.5 ± 1.9 | 13.7 ± 2.0 |
| Levothyroxine dose of 25 μg at randomization (%) | 14 (10.5) | 17 (11.9) |
Notes: aRace was reported by the participants.
bStandard housing was defined as non-sheltered community accommodation, whereas sheltered housing means a purposed-built grouped housing for older persons.
cCalculated as weight (kilograms) divided by squared height (meters).
dDefined as history of angina pectoris or previous myocardial infarction.
e p = .12.
fDefined as current smoking at the time of baseline exam.
gIQR denotes interquartile range.