Consequences of early thyroid ultrasound on subsequent tests, morbidity and costs: an explorative analysis of routine health data from German ambulatory care.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate whether the use of thyroid ultrasound (US) early in the work-up of suspected thyroid disorders triggers cascade effects of medical procedures and to analyse effects on morbidity, healthcare usage and costs.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of claims data from ambulatory care (2012-2017).

Setting

Primary care in Bavaria, Germany, 13 million inhabitants.

Participants

Patients having received a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test were allocated to (1) observation group: TSH test followed by an early US within 28 days or (2) control group: TSH test, but no early US. Propensity score matching was used adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, morbidity and symptom diagnosis (N=41 065 per group after matching).

P

SUBMITTER: Hueber S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10008444 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature