ASSESSMENT OF THYROID FUNCTION DISORDERS AMONG THE SUBJECTS ATTENDING CENTRAL LABORATORY OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: AN OBSERVATIONAL, CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: Thyroid disorders are the most common endocrine disorders worldwide and India is not an exception. Several factors may determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction including age, gender, geographical and ethnic background and most importantly on iodine intake. Therefore, data related to thyroid disorders from one population cannot be extrapolated to other. In this study we aimed to assess the disorders of thyroid function among the subjects attending the Central Laboratory of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: This observational, cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology and the department of Biochemistry of the same institute over a period of three months. All subjects of either sex attending the Central Laboratory of the Institute for estimating thyroid function on their outpatient visit during the study period were included. Subjects who were on any medications known to alter the thyroid hormone status or diagnosed with thyroid disorder and/or on therapy were excluded. A pre-designed and pretested data collection form was used for taking interview to collect relevant data including socio-demographic characteristics, co morbid conditions, thyroid illness and investigational reports.

 Results: A total of 132 subjects were included in the study. Majority of them were female (72.27%) and resident of urban area (52.27%). Most common co morbid condition and presenting symptoms were hypertension (25.76%) and fatigue (46.97%) respectively. Majority of the subjects were found to be euthyroid (81.81%). About 18.19% of the study subjects were having thyroid disorders, most commonly subclinical hypothyroidism (13.64%), followed by primary hypothyroidism (2.27%), secondary hyperthyroidism (1.52%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (0.76%). Thyroid disorders were mainly found in the females, like primary hypothyroidism (66.67%), subclinical hypothyroidism (66.67%), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (100%). Majority of the thyroid disorders were found in the age group of 26-50 years (20.27%), where females were found to have more primary hypothyroidism (3.17%), and subclinical hypothyroidism (12.70%).

Conclusion: The findings of our study calls for a review of current practices regarding thyroid disorders to include active screening of thyroid function among the subjects at greater risks and an emphasis on regular monitoring of the thyroid status.