Body mass index and the development of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis in adults with congenital heart disease—A cohort study

Abstract Introduction Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is a recognized complication of amiodarone treatment with limited management options. Its predisposing factors are incompletely defined yet a higher prevalence was reported in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Therefore we sought to determine the incidence and risk factors for AIT in adults with CHD. Methods At a tertiary care center we followed a historical cohort of amiodarone-treated CHD patients for the period 1987–2009. Follow-up concluded at AIT diagnosis or with last thyroid assessment on amiodarone. Cumulative incidence of AIT was calculated. AIT association with nutritional status was hypothesized a priori. Results AIT developed in 23/169 patients or 13.6%. The AIT incidence peaked in the 3rd year at 7.7%. AIT patients had a lower body mass index (BMI) at AMIO initiation compared with the rest of the cohort (mean±standard deviation: 21.9±2.9 vs. 25.1±5.0; p 25 (p Conclusions BMI