LAUSR

Introduction A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was performed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT). Objective The objective was to assess the safety and actions of LLLT 6 years after completion of the RCT. Materials and Methods Forty-three participants were invited to participate in this study 6 years after completion of the RCT. Twenty-five were subjected to LLLT (group L), and 18 were subjected to placebo (group P). Primary outcome measure: frequency of thyroid nodules, which were subjected to fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Secondary outcome measures: dose of levothyroxine required to treat hypothyroidism, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg). Results In group L, a nodule was observed in three patients, who all had a Bethesda II classification. In group P, a nodule was also observed in three patients, with two classified as Bethesda II and one as Bethesda III. The levothyroxine dose required by group L was significantly lower than that required by group P (P = 0.002). The anti-TPO and anti-Tg levels did not differ between the groups. Conclusion LLLT, by the methods described, has been shown to be safe for the treatment of hypothyroidism resulting from CAT. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02240563.