Thyroid function tests andhypothyroidismBMJ2003;326doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7384.295(Published 08 February 2003)
Cite this as: BMJ 2003;326:295
Open questions to the authors
Dear Sirs
I have no training or clinical experience of endocrinology, so I will not attempt to present any evidence which would contradict your views.
Although my wife developed a hoarse voice with all the other symptoms, the ENT hospital department have suggested hypothyroidism, but of course they cannot prescribe thyroxine.) However as the husband of one of the people you condemm as having “psycho-social problems” I feel at least I am entitled to ask some very basic questions……
http://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/29/open-questions-authors
…….I have a nagging suspicion that the medical profession have seized on these hormone levels as an OBJECTIVE method to decide the course of treatment, without having to make any clinical judgement which they fear might result in litigation. But gentlemen, I must point out that litigation can work both ways. If one day a high court judge finally decides that hundreds, thousands of patients have suffered crippling illness and disability due to medical neglect, the litigation will be severe indeed against those who so “vociferously” blocked any patient choice.
So once again, are you still totally opposed to seriously disabled patients being give a small test of thyroxine if all else has failed ?
Your banning policy may not quite be as risk-free as you think.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests