Levothyroxine sodium oral solution to control thyroid function in a patient with hypothyroidism and celiac disease

Abstract

Implementing a gluten‐free diet and switching to the levothyroxine oral solution significantly improved malabsorptive and hypothyroid symptoms in a patient with hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, and celiac disease without the need to increase levothyroxine dosage.

Implementing a gluten‐free diet and switching to the levothyroxine oral solution significantly improved malabsorptive and hypothyroid symptoms in a patient with hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, and celiac disease without the need to increase levothyroxine dosage.

1. INTRODUCTION

Levothyroxine (L‐T4) is a synthetic hormone that is structurally identical to T4 and is used as a therapeutic substitute in conditions associated with hypothyroidism. ¹ Treatment of hypothyroidism with L‐T4 sodium tablets often requires multiple dose adjustments and can be complicated by patients with conditions that limit absorption. ¹ , ²

Capsule and tablet formulations of L‐T4 are absorbed throughout the small intestine, and mainly at the jejunum and upper ileum. ² Successful treatment relies on drug delivery to the small intestine and on consistent full daily absorption. Malabsorption of L‐T4 is an important medical problem in patients with hypothyroidism. ² Comorbid conditions, including celiac disease, have been known to limit L‐T4 absorption. ¹ , ² , ³

This case report describes a 62‐year‐old woman patient who was followed for over 12 years. Initially, she presented with hypothyroidism, followed by the diagnosis of Addison's disease and, subsequently, celiac disease. During this period, despite continued L‐T4 treatment, her thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) remained suboptimal, prompting transition to L‐T4 oral solution. This subsequently led to optimal TSH attainment and symptom relief.

The case demonstrates the utility of L‐T4 oral solution following a switch from L‐T4 tablet formulations in a patient with celiac disease, a comorbid malabsorptive disorder.

2. CASE HISTORY

The patient was suffering from general malaise, nausea, vomiting, and >20‐lb weight loss over 2 months. She started treatment with L‐T4 sodium tablets (Synthroid^®) 75 µg in October 2007 after her TSH had been measured by her primary care physician at 34.34 mIU/L (normal range [NR] 0.34‐4.82 mIU/L; Table 1). The patient was compliantly taking the L‐T4 sodium tablets in the morning at least 1 hour before eating or taking any other medications. The symptoms of fatigue, nausea, and vomiting abated at that time.

TABLE 1.

Diagnostic tests and treatment timeline from 2007 until 2018

Date	TSH (mIU/L)	Free T4 (pmol/L)	Additional tests	Dose of L‐T4 (µg)/ action taken
	NR 0.34‐4.82	NR 10.30‐23.17	—	L‐T4 sodium tablets (Synthroid®)
Oct 2007	34.34	Not evaluated	—	75
Dec 5, 2007	—	—	Cortisol: 38.62 nmol/L (NR 165.53‐689.70 nmol/L) Prolactin: 0.126 µg/L (NR 0.006‐0.076 µg/L) CT scan/MRI: no pituitary tumor ACTH 30 minutes cortisol: 49.66 nmol/L (NR 496.58‐551.76 nmol/L)	75
Dec 12, 2007	0.79	15.45	ACTH: 848.32 pmol/L (NR 1.10‐5.94 pmol/L) 21‐Hydroxylase antibody: Positive, 47.4 U/mL (NR <1.0 U/mL) TPO: 53.8 IU/mL (NR 0‐34.9 IU/mL)	75 Started on concomitant treatment: prednisone 5 mg, fludrocortisone acetate 0.1 mg
Jan 16, 2008	6.16	10.17	—	88
Apr 4, 2008	3.26	14.42	—	100
May 19, 2008	3.24	Not evaluated	—	112
Aug 28, 2008	0.28	14.80	—	112
Oct 10, 2008	3.36	11.46	—	125
Apr 8, 2009	1.57	13.39	—	125
Dec 29, 2009	1.04	10.04	—	125
Oct 12, 2010	0.65	13.51	—	125
2010‐2018	Not available	Not available	—	The patient was followed up by her primary care physician from 2010 to 2018. During this time, the patient reported significant changes to her thyroid hormone therapy almost every 3‐6 months on L‐T4 sodium tablets and, at times, generic L‐T4

Abbreviations: ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; CT, computed tomography; L‐T4, levothyroxine; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; NR, normal range; TPO, thyroid peroxidase; TSH, thyroid‐stimulating hormone.

A few weeks later, in early December 2007, the patient was again suffering from nausea and vomiting along with continued weight loss. Further testing revealed her cortisol level to be 38.62 nmol/L (NR 165.53‐689.70 nmol/L) and her prolactin level to be 0.126 µg/L (NR 0.006‐0.076 µg/L), while no pituitary tumor was observed on the CT scan and MRI performed. An adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test showed 30 minutes of cortisol at 49.66 nmol/L (NR 496.58‐551.76 nmol/L), confirming adrenal insufficiency (Table 1).

On December 12, 2007, the patient was referred for endocrine consultation. Additional medical history included hypertension and cholecystectomy. The patient worked as a cook and had a family history of thyroid disease (her mother was on thyroid hormone therapy); no other family history of thyroid disease or endocrinopathy was reported. Based on the initial work‐up presentation and treatment, the patient's diagnosis of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis [HT]) was confirmed, and she was also diagnosed with autoimmune adrenal failure (Addison's disease). Two or more concurrent autoimmune diseases qualified the patient for the diagnosis of polyglandular autoimmune syndrome II. To confirm the new diagnoses, several diagnostic tests were performed (Table 2). The patient continued L‐T4 sodium tablets 75 µg daily for hypothyroidism. Concomitant treatments included prednisone 5 mg daily and fludrocortisone acetate (Florinef^®) 0.1 mg daily for adrenal insufficiency (Table 1). The patient was adequately treated for adrenal insufficiency with 5 mg prednisone daily as she preferred this treatment as opposed to hydrocortisone twice daily.

TABLE 2.

Diagnostic tests performed on December 12, 2007

Diagnostic test	Result
Adrenocorticotropic hormone	848.32 pmol/L (NR 1.10‐5.94 pmol/L)
21‐Hydroxylase antibody	Positive, 47.4 U/mL (NR <1.0 U/mL)
Thyroid peroxidase antibody	53.8 IU/mL (NR 0‐34.9 IU/mL)
Thyroid‐stimulating hormone	0.79 mIU/L (NR 0.34‐4.82 mIU/L)
Free thyroxine (T4)	15.45 pmol/L (NR 10.30‐23.17 pmol/L)

Abbreviation: NR, normal range.

One month later, on January 16, 2008, the patient's TSH levels were measured at 6.16 mIU/L (NR 0.34‐4.82 mIU/L), resulting in regular subsequent dose increments of the L‐T4 sodium tablets every 1‐3 months (until October 2008 [Table 1]); changes in L‐T4 dosage continued for approximately 10 years. During this time, thyroid hormone replacement therapy was changed every 3‐6 months and treatment with L‐T4 sodium tablets (Synthroid^®) was alternated with generic L‐T4.

3. FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS AND TREATMENT

In August 2018, the patient presented with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and was further diagnosed with celiac disease following a series of tests (Table 3). The patient was switched from generic L‐T4 to L‐T4 sodium tablets (Synthroid^®) and the dose was increased from 125 to 137 µg due to hypothyroid symptoms of fatigue and mental “fogginess” (Table 4). In addition, the patient was advised to stay on a gluten‐free diet, 1 month after initiation of which she felt better, as her GI symptoms had significantly improved, but were not completely resolved.

TABLE 3.

Diagnostic tests performed on August 28, 2018

Diagnostic test	Result
Gliadin IgG	Positive, 20.6 kU/L (NR 0.0‐14.9 kU/L; positive for >14.9 kU/L)
Gliadin IgA	Positive, 18.3 kU/L (NR 0.0‐14.9 kU/L)
Gliadin TTG	Positive, 15 kU/L (NR 0.0‐14.9 kU/L)

Abbreviations: IgA, immunoglobulin A; IgG, immunoglobulin G; NR, normal range; TTG, tissue transglutaminase.

TABLE 4.

Diagnostic tests and treatment timeline from August 28, 2018 until January 7, 2020

Date	TSH (mIU/L) NR 0.34‐4.82	Free T4 (pmol/L) NR 10.30‐23.17	Additional tests	Dose of L‐T4 (µg)/ action taken
Aug 28, 2018	3.57	11.97	Gliadin IgG: Positive, 20.6 kU/L (NR 0.0‐14.9 kU/L; positive for >14.9 kU/L) Gliadin IgA: Positive, 18.3 kU/L (NR 0.0‐14.9 kU/L) Gliadin TTG: Positive, 15 kU/L (NR 0.0‐14.9 kU/L)	Generic L‐T4 changed to Synthroid® and dose raised to 137 µg due to hypothyroid symptoms of fatigue and mental fogginess Concomitant intervention: gluten‐free diet
Nov 6, 2018	0.77	13.13	—	137
May 30, 2019	3.20	13.26	—	Switched to L‐T4 oral solution (Tirosint®‐SOL) 125 µg due to persistent hypothyroid symptoms
Aug 13, 2019	0.45	14.80	—	125 (symptoms improved significantly)
Sep 18, 2019	0.37	14.67	—	125
Jan 7, 2020	0.51	15.06	—	125 (patient continues to feel fine)

Abbreviations: IgA, immunoglobulin A; IgG, immunoglobulin G; L‐T4, levothyroxine; NR, normal range; T4, free thyroxine; TSH, thyroid‐stimulating hormone; TTG, tissue transglutaminase.

In May 2019, despite her TSH levels being within the normal range, they continued to fluctuate, and the patient again presented with persistent hypothyroid symptoms, including malaise, fatigue, and mental “fogginess” (Table 4). The patient was very frustrated because of her persistent symptoms and the frequent changes to her therapy. After a thorough discussion about L‐T4 oral solution, and considering its reliable absorption, more consistent TSH levels, and possible hypothyroid symptom improvement, the patient was switched from L‐T4 sodium tablets 137 µg to L‐T4 oral solution 125 µg (Table 4). Concomitant treatment with fludrocortisone acetate 0.1 mg, prednisone 5 mg, and calcium plus vitamin D supplements was continued.

4. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW‐UP

This is a case of treatment‐resistant or refractory hypothyroidism, because when the patient did not feel well, the TSH levels were in the normal range (August 2018 to May 2019; Table 4). Although TSH levels were in the normal range, there was considerable fluctuation despite the patient's treatment compliance. Two and a half months following the switch to L‐T4 oral solution, the patient's symptoms finally resolved without any need for an L‐T4 dose increase. The gluten‐free diet significantly reduced her GI symptoms and, along with the switch to L‐T4 oral solution, enhanced the absorption of the thyroid hormone therapy, controlled fluctuations in TSH levels, and resolved persistent symptoms.

5. DISCUSSION

Celiac disease is characterized by a permanent intolerance to gluten, causing damage to the small intestinal mucosa. ⁴ Mucosal damage in the proximal small bowel consists of inflammation, crypt hyperplasia, and villous atrophy, which have been seen to regress upon withdrawal of gluten from the diet. ⁵

A strong association between celiac disease and HT has been documented. Celiac and autoimmune thyroid diseases share multiple clinical features, and patients with celiac disease have exhibited a prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease ~4 times higher than that in the general population. ⁶ An increased prevalence of celiac disease‐associated antibodies has been seen in patients with HT, meaning that screening these patients for celiac autoimmunity is recommended. ⁶

Levothyroxine is absorbed primarily at the jejunum and upper ileum; patients with malabsorptive disorders such as celiac disease can have limited L‐T4 absorption, requiring increased L‐T4 therapy. ¹ , ² , ³ Interestingly, it has been shown that increases in L‐T4 doses have not been required in some patients with HT and celiac disease who are on a gluten‐free diet, while those not on such a diet required increases in L‐T4 therapy of 50%. ⁷ For patients with malabsorption on L‐T4 therapy presenting with poor TSH control, disorders such as celiac disease should be considered as differential diagnoses. ⁴ , ⁸

Addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency) may also cause treatment‐refractory hypothyroidism. ² , ⁹ In this case report, following diagnosis of Addison's disease, the patient was prescribed treatment with fludrocortisone and prednisone. Glucocorticoid agents may suppress TSH secretion and such patients should be referred to endocrinologists. ⁹

It has been shown that patients with HT on tablet L‐T4 whose TSH levels were poorly controlled improved after switching to a liquid L‐T4 formulation without increasing the L‐T4 dose. ¹⁰ Fluctuating TSH levels were reflected in this patient's frequent dose adjustments, along with the deterioration of hypothyroidism symptoms. L‐T4 has a narrow therapeutic index, so bioequivalence differences exist between the various products available. ¹¹ A pH‐dissolution profile study on L‐T4 tablet products showed that dissolution of L‐T4 was limited thus limiting the rate of absorption. ¹¹ Dissolution is considered a contributing factor to the bioequivalence problems between various L‐T4 products. ¹¹ L‐T4 oral solution contains only L‐T4, glycerol, and water; ¹² it does not require a gastric phase of dissolution and is therefore more readily absorbed than tablets. ¹³

Patients with autoimmune thyroid disease have a higher risk for other autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease. ¹⁴ , ¹⁵ The patient described here suffered from three concurrent autoimmune conditions (HT, Addison's disease, and celiac disease), symptoms of which overlapped. Fatigue is a common presentation in both hypothyroidism and Addison's disease. The patient's fluctuating thyroid function test results and the new GI symptoms of bloating, abdominal discomfort and intolerance of certain foods led to further testing and diagnosis of celiac disease. Implementation of a gluten‐free diet improved the GI symptoms and, along with the switch to L‐T4 oral solution, enhanced L‐T4 absorption and led to more stable TSH levels without the need to regularly increase L‐T4 dosage. Patients with malabsorption on L‐T4 therapy who present with fluctuating TSH levels prompting L‐T4 dose changes should be assessed for concurrent autoimmune conditions such as celiac disease. ⁴ , ⁵ Tirosint^®‐SOL may provide an alternative formulation to tablets and should be considered to yield more stable TSH levels and provide symptomatic control.

6. CONCLUDING REMARKS

This case report showed L‐T4 oral solution to stabilize thyroid function and improve hypothyroidism symptoms in a patient with three autoimmune disorders, including celiac disease, which, until diagnosed and treated, negatively affected L‐T4 absorption, resulting in significant fluctuations of TSH levels and frequent L‐T4 dose adjustments (mostly with incremental doses). Following implementation of a gluten‐free diet and a switch to L‐T4 oral solution, the patient's GI and hypothyroid symptoms improved significantly without the need to increase L‐T4 dosage. Tirosint^®‐SOL is a highly absorbable and effective option for patients with HT and celiac disease when standard tablets and capsules are inefficiently absorbed in the small intestine.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None declared.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

EA: provided the case report and final approval of the version to be published, and is accountable for the integrity of the content and for addressing questions.

ETHICAL STATEMENT

Written informed consent for publication of this case report was obtained from the patient.

Asamoah E. Levothyroxine sodium oral solution to control thyroid function in a patient with hypothyroidism and celiac disease. Clin Case Rep. 2021;9:e04170. 10.1002/ccr3.4170

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support this case report are available from the author upon reasonable request.