Hypothyroid Patients on Non-Standard forms of Therapy
Research type
Research Database
IRAS ID
348807
Contact name
Peter Taylor
Contact email
Research summary
Research Database for Hypothyroid Patients on Non-Standard forms of Thyroid Hormone Replacement
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0273
Date of REC Opinion
22 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
We are setting up a research database for people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) who are treated with thyroid hormone medications that are different from the standard treatment, levothyroxine (LT4) alone. These treatments include liothyronine (LT3), which is sometimes taken with levothyroxine or on its own, and desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), often known as Armour.
The aim of this research database is to help doctors and researchers better understand how these treatments work in real life. Some people continue to have symptoms despite standard treatment, and these alternative therapies are used in some specialist clinics. By collecting information that is already gathered during routine clinic visits, we hope to learn more about who may benefit most from these treatments, how best to adjust doses, and what side effects or risks may occur.
Participants who attend the specialist thyroid clinic at University Hospital of Wales and are receiving one of these non-standard thyroid treatments will be invited to take part in this research.
Taking part is entirely voluntary. If they choose not to take part, their decision will not affect their routine medical care, legal rights, or their relationship with your healthcare team.
If they agree to take part, we will ask for their consent to include information from their medical records in the research database. No additional tests or clinic visits will be required. We will also ask them to complete a quality-of-life questionnaire (ThyPro39), which is a validated questionnaire, if they have not already done so, to understand how their thyroid condition and treatment affect their day-to-day life.
There are no direct benefits to participants from taking part, but the information collected may help improve future care for people with hypothyroidism. There are no expected risks, as the project only involves securely storing and analysing existing clinical information.
Personal details will be protected. All data used for research will be coded so that participants cannot be identified, and only approved researchers will be allowed access to the information. Data will be stored securely within NHS systems and handled in line with UK data protection laws.
Participants are free to withdraw from the research database at any time without giving a reason. Information already collected may still be used for research, but no new data will be added after you withdraw.
The results of research studies using this database may be published or presented, but no one can be identified in any reports as only de-identified data will be used.
This research database has been reviewed and approved by an independent NHS Research Ethics Committee- Cambridge East REC. It is organised by the thyroid research team at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Cardiff University.Research programme
This database will be particularly supported by the community of patients with hypothyroidism on non standard thyroid replacement.
Research database title
Research Database for Hypothyroid Patients on Non-Standard forms of Thyroid Hormone Replacement
Establishment organisation
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Establishment organisation address
Heath Park Campus
Cardiff
CF14 4XN