Study of serum iron and Vitamin B12 status in primary hypothyroidism at a tertiary care hospital in eastern region of India

Abstract

Background: Reduced production of thyroid hormone is central feature of the clinical state termed as hypothyroidism. In approximately 99% of cases of hypothyroidism, the pathology lies in the gland itself, rest due to thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency, or other causes. The prevalence of hypothyroidism is 11% in India. There are various metabolic abnormalities associated with hypothyroidism. The literature has revealed alteration of various micronutrients in hypothyroidism in different parts of the world. In this background, the serum levels of iron and Vitamin B12 in primary hypothyroidism have been studied in tertiary care hospital in eastern region of India. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to delineate if there is any significant association between serum iron and Vitamin B12 levels with primary hypothyroidism cases belonging to the eastern India. Materials and Methods: It was an observational, noninterventional, hospital-based, and cross-sectional study with 160 cases and same number of controls based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Serum levels of iron and Vitamin B12 were analyzed in both cases and controls with the help of Erba EM-600 Autoanalyzer and ADVIA Centaur CP (Siemens). Statistical analysis was performed by Microsoft excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software; P < 0.05 had been taken as significant. Results: There was statistically significant difference in serum iron and Vitamin B12 levels in cases compare to controls with P = 0.0001. Conclusion: Routine estimation of serum iron and Vitamin B12 should be mandatory in primary hypothyroidism for early detection and intervention if required.