Determining Patient-Specific Dosage Scheme Using Integer Programming

Finding the correct substitution dosage of levothyroxine after total thyroidectomy can be time consuming using current methods. We present a mixed integer quadratic programming model for determining correct dosage given characteristics of a patient. The model is flexible in terms of determining fixed daily dosage regime, repeating schedule (e.g. weekly), and may include a loading dosage phase to achieve full substitution quicker. A similar model is used in an ongoing research project to determine dosages for patients. One challenge of the most sophisticated dosage regime is that it increases the burden for patients in following a dosage regime with frequent changes and where pills need to be divided to achieve more precise dosage.