Propylthiouracil: An Intriguing Connection Among the Propylthiouracil, Hypothyroidism, and Obesity

Abstract

Hypothyroidism and obesity both are medical conditions that have been connected closely. 6- Propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) is an anti-thyroid drug usually used to treat overactive thyroid, but may cause obesity, which rises morbidity and mortality of patients. Object To explore the prevalence of obesity in hypothyroid patients, who were receiving PTU for the management of overactive thyroid. The aims of current research to access the drug utilization and investigation of PTU which aids in attaining rational therapy and other aspects related to patient’s safety. Method: A cross-sectional research was conducted and 200 participants with overactive thyroid selected by non-probably consecutive sampling method from POD #4 at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hospital, Jamshoro from May 2016 to April 2017 and all adults with overactive thyroid receiving Propylthiouracil were included. Their Thyroid function tests performed on Immunoassay Elecysis 2010 and entire data was evaluated via SPSS version 22.0. Result: The data revealed that the PTU-induced obesity in 52 hypothyroid patients (n=14 males, n=38 females) and the prevalence of PTU-induced obesity was 26.0%. Conclusion: It was perceived that PTU alters the function of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) or thyrotropin and increases the amount of thyrotropin would will be secondary to obesity.