Thyroid disorders laid bare | |
Fast facts: thyroid disorders. Gilbert H Daniels, Colin M Dayan. Oxford: Health Press, 2006 (143 pp). ISBN 1 903734 65 7. |
Thyroid disorders are common, and encountered by all in clinical practice. In the population, evident hyperthyroidism is present in 0.5% and subclinical hyperthyroidism in a further 0.7%. Frank hypothyroidism (treated and untreated) has a prevalence of 0.3% and subclinical hypothyroidism is present in over 4%. Clinically evident thyroid nodules or goitre are found in 5%, with ultrasonographically detectable nodules in over 50% by the age of 60 years. The incidence of new thyroid nodules is one per 1000 per year and about one in 25 is malignant. Mild iodine deficiency has re-emerged in Australia, at least in the south-eastern states. Forty million dollars worth of thyroid function tests are ordered every year in Australia. Despite all this, recognition and treatment of thyroid disease could still be much improved throughout Australia. While Werner and Ingbar’s The thyroid, now in its eighth edition, remains the authoritative text, at over 2.5 kg it is not likely to become the bedside reading of any but the most devoted subspecialists. Various brief books have been produced to serve patient education on thyroid disease but we lack a brief text specifically on the thyroid for the non-endocrinologist. This book sets out to fulfil this need and does so admirably. Gil Daniels and Colin Dayan are eminent endocrinologists, well credentialled in the thyroid field, from the United States (Massachusetts General Hospital) and the United Kingdom (University of Bristol), respectively. They have produced a practical and very readable account of clinical thyroidology. As I agree completely with virtually all of their text, I think they have a remarkably clear understanding of thyroid disease and its treatment options. In addition to a clearly written text, the book is well provided with tables, figures, key point summaries, and key references. Duncan J Topliss
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