Pattern Of Thyroid Dysfunction Research Articles

Patterns of thyroid gland dysfunction among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

BackgroundSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple studies have reported a bidirectional between COVID-19 and dysfunction of the thyroid gland. These studies have identified various forms of thyroid dysfunction that have been found to affect the severity and outcome of COVID-19 infection. However, the data from these studies have been inconsistent and conflicting. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of various types of thyroid dysfunction among moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the outcome of thyroid dysfunction after recovery from COVID-19 infection.Patient and methodsIn this observational prospective study data on the clinical features of individuals with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to Zagazig University isolation hospitals from April to December 2022 and their laboratory results were gathered and examined. Thyroid function tests, including TSH, FT3, and FT4, were conducted for all patients upon admission. Follow-up testing was performed on patients who initially had aberrant thyroid lab results 90 days after recovering from COVID-19 infection.ResultsThe study comprised a total of 136 patients who had moderate (44.1%) to severe (55.9%) COVID-19 infection. Sick euthyroid syndrome was the most prevalent form of thyroid dysfunction, accounting for 58.7% of patients with thyroid disorders on admission. After 90 days of post-COVID-19 examination, thyroid dysfunction recovery was observed in 61% of cases. A statistically significant correlation was noted between the severity of COVID-19 and the levels of TSH, free T3, and the ratio of free T3 to T4. A large percentage of patients who showed complete recovery had sick euthyroid syndrome. All patients diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism maintained their hypothyroidism condition, whereas those with hyperthyroidism showed complete recovery.ConclusionCOVID-19 patients may experience several patterns of thyroid dysfunction, including nonthyroidal illness syndrome. These dysfunctions are associated with the intensity of the inflammatory response and the severity of the COVID-19 infection. Nevertheless, these alterations are predominantly reversible upon recovery from a COVID-19 infection.

Prevalence and Pattern of Gestational Thyroid Dysfunction in a Population of South-East Nigerian Women.

Pregnancy serves as a physiological stress test for the thyroid which often leads to dysfunction in women with limited thyroid reserves. The occurrence of gestational thyroid dysfunction is linked to unfavourable obstetric and foetal outcomes. Globally, iodine deficiency is a prominent causative factor for thyroid dysfunction. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction among pregnant women in Enugu, South-east Nigeria. This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional and observational study was conducted over six months on selected participants from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the study sites. Maternal clinical and demographic risk factors for thyroid dysfunction were evaluated in a cohort of 318 pregnant women. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare participants' thyroid status across different trimesters of pregnancy, and different thyroid and nutritional iodine states. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the study population is 6.6%. Hypothyroidism was detected in 5.3% of the participants, consisting of 3.8% sub-clinical hypothyroidism and 1.6% overt hypothyroidism. Sub-clinical hyperthyroidism accounted for 1.3% of all participants; no overt hyperthyroidism was detected in this study. There is a relatively high prevalence of gestational thyroid dysfunction in the study population with hypothyroidism being the predominant disorder. This highlights the need for region-specific considerations in antenatal care to facilitate early detection and effective management of gestational thyroid dysfunction, thereby mitigating potential adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.

Estimation of Prevalence and Patterns of Thyroid Dysfunction in a Tertiary Care Centre in Uttarakhand, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine disorder, defined as the altered serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels with normal or altered FT3 and FT4 (triiodothyronine and thyroxine) levels. The spectrum of thyroid disorders includes hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter/ iodine deficiency disorders, autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, as well as subclinical hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. However, further research is required on the spectrum of thyroid disorders, apart from goiter/iodine deficiency disorders in the study population mentioned. Aim: To investigate the prevalence and patterns of thyroid disorders in the clinical biochemistry laboratory of a tertiary care hospital in the hilly region of Uttarakhand, India. Materials and Methods: Present cross-sectional study was conducted in the clinical biochemistry laboratory of Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali (VCSG) Govt. Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. The study population consisted of 950 subjects who underwent Thyroid Function Test (TFT) panel investigation from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools (mean, frequency, percentage) and correlation analysis of thyroid disorder with age and gender using Spearman’s rank correlation test. Results: Among 950 TFT panel reports, thyroid dysfunction was prevalent in 386 (40.63%) patients, of which 307 (79.53%) were females and 79 (20.47%) were males. The mean age±SD of the 386 patients with thyroid dysfunction was 32.24±8.77 years. Among these 386 thyroid dysfunction patients, the majority, 264 (68.39%) were in the 19-39 years age group. A very weak statistical correlation was observed between thyroid dysfunction with age and with gender among the 386 patients. Out of the total number of patients (950), 156 patients had euthyroid hyperthyroxinaemia (16.42%), 101 had subclinical hypothyroidism (10.63%), 74 had euthyroid sick syndrome (7.78%), 42 had subclinical hyperthyroidism (4.42%), 10 had primary (overt) hypothyroidism (1.05%), one had primary (overt) hyperthyroidism (0.11%), and two had secondary hyperthyroidism (0.21%). Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the present study was high, with a greater proportion in females and the 19- 39 years age group. The most common disorders observed were euthyroid hyperthyroxinaemia, subclinical hypothyroidism, and euthyroid sick syndrome.

Frequency and Pattern of Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of thyroid dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
 Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Endocrinology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from Jan from Jun 2017.
 Methodology: Seventy-seven patients diagnosed with PCOS, based on Rotterdam criteria, were enrolled in the study. Thyroid function status was evaluated using measurement of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, T4 and anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies.
 Results: The mean age of the study population was 29.0±9.2 years. Out of 77 females with PCOS, 63(81.8%) were euthyroid, five (6.5%) patients were diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism, and nine (11.7%) were found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. Anti-TPO antibodies were detected in 18 patients (23.4%), including 12(19.0%) euthyroid females.
 Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction was found among patients with PCOS. Evidence of autoimmunity was seen even in euthyroid patients.

Prevalence and Pattern of Thyroid Dysfunction in HAART-Naïve HIV Patients in Enugu, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Background: HIV/AIDS is a multi-system disease that has been associated with several endocrinopathies including thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction in patients with HIV/AIDS, among other factors, may arise from the direct cytopathic effects of HIV on the thyroid gland in addition to the adverse effects of highly active anti-retroviral drugs (HAART).
 Study objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction in HAART naïve HIV patients in Enugu.
 Materials & methods: Study was cross sectional, casecontrol based, involving 250 HAART naïve HIV sero-positive patients and 250 HIV sero-negative subjects. Anthropometric measurements and physical examination were done. Assay for fT3, fT4, TSH (for thyroid function) was done using the Enzyme Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) method. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
 Results: The HAART naïve sero-positive cohorts comprised 112 males and 138 females while the control subjects consisted of 125 males and 125 females. Mean ages (years) of test and control groups were 38.84± 10.60 and 39.58 ±11.68 respectively. Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among the study subjects was 36.4% and 7.6% in the controls. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common prevalent type of thyroid dysfunction in both test and control groups at 17.6% and 7.2% respectively. In the test group, sick euthyroid syndrome (17.2%) ranked second while in the controls, primary hypothyroidism (7.2%) was the second commonest dysfunction.
 Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction was more common in HAART-naïve HIV sero-positive subjects than in the general population with subclinical hypothyroidism emerging as the commonest abnormality.

Evaluation of the frequency and patterns of thyroid dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) and thyroid dysfunction have a degree of close association, and each of them affects the other. Due to the associated cardiovascular events, MetS has increased morbidity and mortality. The study tried to detect the frequency of thyroid function in patients with MetS. This is a case control study that recruited 100 patients with MetS and 100 healthy control subjects.ResultsPatients with MetS had significantly higher body mass index and waist circumference. Also, frequency of thyroid dysfunction was significantly higher in MetS group (32% vs. 9%; P<0.001). The most frequent form of thyroid dysfunction was subclinical hypothyroidism: 21% of the MetS group and 6% of the control group. Out of the studied patients with MetS, 13 (13%) patients had three criteria, 55 (55%) patients had four criteria, and 32 (32%) patients had five criteria for MetS.ConclusionPatients with MetS are vulnerable to develop thyroid dysfunction mainly subclinical hypothyroidism. So, it is recommended to perform regular screening for those patients as regard thyroid dysfunction.

Abstract #1004170: Patterns of Thyroid Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Patients and Its Relationship with Components of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract #1004170: Patterns of Thyroid Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Patients and Its Relationship with Components of Metabolic Syndrome

THYROID PROFILE IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED HIV PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF NORTH BENGAL-A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: HIV infection can lead to thyroid gland endocrinopathy. There is limited data regarding prevalence, pattern and correlates associated with thyroid dysfunction in India. The study will help to assess whether universal screening of thyroid function should be enforced in HIV infected patients. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction and also to nd out association between thyroid dysfunction with other factors like age, gender, and CD4 count in newly diagnosed HIV infected patients attending North Bengal Medical College. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 95 HIV infected patients attending indoor and outdoor of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital after fullment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using predesigned pre tested schedule after having informed consent and subjected to clinical and laboratory examination. Collected data were analysed using SPSS statistical software and presented using principles of descriptive statistics. Results: Overall 34.7% of study subjects had thyroid dysfunction. Mostly found dysfunction was subclinical hypothyroidism (23.2%). Direct correlation was observed between T3, T4, CD4 Count whereas TSH was inversely correlated with all others parameters. Conclusion: Biochemical abnormalities in thyroid function is commoner among patients with HIV. The severity of hypothyroidism is inversely correlated with CD4 counts. The screening of thyroid function in HIV patients thus indicated to improve the quality of life.

Frequency and pattern of thyroid dysfunction in diabetic and non-diabetic women with primary infertility: experience in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background: Thyroid hormones have profound effects on reproduction and pregnancy. A relationship betweenthe thyroid gland and the gonads is suggested by the far more frequent occurrence of thyroid disorders inwomen. Hormonal disorders of female reproductive system are comprised of a number of problems resultingfrom dysfunction of hypo-thalamic-pituitary ovarian axis. These relatively common disorders often lead toinfertility. Concomitant Diabetes and other metabolic abnormalities or endocrinopathy flare up the condition.This study was conducted to find out any difference in thyroid function among diabetic and non-diabeticpatient presenting with primary infertility.&#x0D; Methods: In this study total 174 patients were included and allocated into two groups, 87 in each group.Group I were diabetic infertile women and group II were non diabetic infertile women. Thyroid hormoneprofile were done and compared between groups. The data were based on the answers came from interviewsand medical records registered in the OPD follow up, investigation report, treatment paper and notes inhospital file sheet. Data processing work was consisted of registration schedules, editing computerization,preparation of dummy table, analyzing and matching of data.&#x0D; Results: No difference was observed in respect of demographic profile. It was observed that, majority ofpatients 73(41.9%) belonged to age 26-33 years, mean age was found 26.3±10.9 years in Group-I and 26.7±11.6years in Group-II. Low T3 was found in 15(17.2%) patients and in 9(10.3%) patients group I and group IIrespectively. Mean FT4 was found 8.25±1.5 pmol/L in group I and 10.57±1.82 pmol/L in group II. Raised TSHwas found in 23(26.4%) patients and 13(14.9%) patients in group I and group II respectively. On interpretationof thyroid function test, 71.8% (125/174) patients had normal finding or in euthyroid status (64.3% in group Iand 79.3% in group II). Present study shows that, frequency of thyroid dysfunction was common in group-Ipatients than group-II (35.6% vs. 20.6%). primary hypothyroidism was predominant abnormality, noted15(17.2%) patients in group I and 9(10.3%) patients in group II patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid dysfunction found in infertile females and it ispredominant in diabetic infertile group. Hence assessment of thyroid function should be considered as animportant component in infertility work up of women.&#x0D; Birdem Med J 2020; 10(2): 92-96

Thyroid dysfunction in lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI): Role of race, gender, and concurrent chemotherapy in a multiethnic urban cohort.

e21622 Background: Immune-related adverse events (irAE) associated with ICI have been reported, but remain poorly understood. We sought to characterize patterns of thyroid dysfunction—one of the most common irAE—in a large cohort of ethnically-diverse lung cancer patients treated with ICI. Methods: A retrospective chart review of lung cancer patients receiving an anti-PD1 or PD-L1 agent from January 2016 to July 2019 was performed. Subjects included had normal baseline thyroid function. Thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism was defined as thyroid-stimulating hormone level less than 0.4 and greater than 4.6, respectively. Time to event analysis with inverted Kaplan Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to compare thyroid dysfunction among race, gender, and treatment subgroups. Results: We identified 256 subjects: 206 had normal baseline thyroid function and 76 went on to develop thyroid dysfunction. Rates of thyroid dysfunction by one year occurred at similar frequencies among all races. Thyrotoxicosis occurred at significantly higher rates in Black (25, 31.7%) than in White (8, 12.9%) and Hispanic (7, 16.7%) subjects. In contrast, hypothyroidism occurred more often in White (13, 21.0%) and Hispanic (18, 42.9%) than in Black (12, 15.2%) subjects. Gender and concurrent chemotherapy showed no significant association with thyroid dysfunction. Of subjects with thyrotoxicosis (N = 42), hypothyroidism followed in 33.3% (N = 14) with 1 subject receiving methimazole and 13 levothyroxine. In those subjects, median time to thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism was 4.0 and 7.2 weeks, respectively. Conclusions: Despite the higher prevalence of non-ICI-related thyroid disease among females and the anticipated immunosuppressive effect of chemotherapy, neither gender nor chemotherapy correlated with thyroid dysfunction; however, race did. Black subjects exhibited significantly higher rates of thyrotoxicosis. Our findings are consistent with prior research showing that thyrotoxicosis, including Graves’ disease, occurs more often in Blacks. While the pathogenesis of ICI-related thyroid dysfunction is unclear, the early onset of thyrotoxicosis demonstrated by our study calls for careful monitoring, especially for particular races. [Table: see text]

Thyroid dysfunction in Congolese subjects with Down syndrome

Objective: The present study aims to assess the proportion and the pattern of thyroid dysfunction in a population of Congolese subjects with Down Syndrome. Methods: A total of 34 subjects with Down syndrome were recruited from Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of Congo). Thyroid morphology was assessed by sonography. Serum T3, T4, FT4, TSH, Thyroglobulin, Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) were measured. Results: The mean age of the patients was 13 years (range: 3 and 47 years). Of 34 Down syndrome subjects, 6 cases (17.6%) were found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. No patient had hyperthyroidism. Among 29 subjects with a thyroid ultrasound imaging, 25 patients (86.2%) were found to have morphological abnormalities of the gland. Regarding thyroid autoantibodies, TPOAb was positive in 1 case (2.9%) and TgAb was positive in 1 case (2.9%). The results were compared between patients with hypothyroidism and with normal thyroid function. There was no statistical difference in terms of age, sex, nutritional status, antibody levels and thyroid volume between these two groups. Conclusions: In our series, the proportion of hypothyroidism is relatively important but it remains largely under the prevalence reported in international studies.

Pattern of Thyroid Dysfunction in HIV Patients

Introduction: Abnormalities of the endocrine glands functions are not uncommon in patients infected with HIV. Many studies have shown high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in HIV patients. We have undertaken this study to know pattern of thyroid dysfunction in patients registered to our ART centre. Materials and methods: 100 HIV patients registered in ARTcentre of government medical college Jammu were enrolled for study. Besides baseline investigation FT3, FT4, TSH levels and CD4 counts were assessed in all patients. Results: 64% were women and 36% were men and mean age of our study group patients was 37.19±8.79. Out of 100 seropositive HIV patients, 69% were on antiretroviral therapy. Sick euthyroid syndrome was observed in 13% patients, subclinical hypothyroidism in 9% and 78% were euthyroid. Point prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in HIV infected patients was observed to be 22%. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is very common in patients infected with HIV and should be assessed in all patients, as thyroid hormones play important role not only in metabolism but also in uence immune system.

English

Thyroid disorder is most common endocrine abnormality in the general population and its prevalence increases with age. Thyroid disorder may occur at any stage of life. They are more commonly encountered in the mid age and adulthood. The screening of thyroid disorder is advised in high risk population. Materials and Methods: This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry, Late Shree BRKM, Government Medical College, Jagdalpur. Thyroid parameters such as T3, T4 and TSH were measured by ELISA technique. Results: Among total 878 subjects 740 (84.28%) were female whereas 138 (15.71%) were male. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 31.32% (n=275). The different patterns of thyroid dysfunction in Bastar Chattisgarh were: hypothyroid (15.94%), subclinical hypothyroid (6.71%), hyperthyroid (5.01%), and subclinical hyperthyroid (3.64%) respectively. Subjects having all thyroid parameters normal i.e. euthyroid were 68.67%. Conclusion: This study reveals a higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Bastar region. This study recommends community based epidemiological studies on a regular basis to monitor thyroid dysfunction in the populations.

Pattern of thyroid dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome and its relationship with components of metabolic syndrome.

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction (TD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are known risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). TD is risk factor for ASCVD mediated by the effects of thyroid hormones on lipid metabolism and blood pressure hence the components of MetS. It is possible that coexistence of these two disease entities and unrecognized TD in patients with MetS might substantially increase ASCVD risk. Moreover, little is known about the relationship between TD and the components of MetS. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of TD in patients with MetS and its relationship with components of the MetS.MethodsA total of 358 previously diagnosed patients with MetS were recruited in the study. The thyroid function test parameters were measured to classify TD at Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16.0 to evaluate pattern and relationship.ResultsThe overall prevalence of TD in patients with MetS was 31.84% with high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (29.32%). We found no evidence of a relationship between TD and components of MetS, although there was significant difference in waist circumference between four groups of TD.ConclusionPatients with MetS had subclinical hypothyroidism greatly. Although there was no evidence of any relationship between thyroid status and all components of MetS, TD should be taken into account when evaluating and treating patients with MetS to reduce the impending risk.

Prevalence and Patterns of Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: The relationship between Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Autoimmune Thyroid disturbance is one of the numerous examples of autoimmune comorbidities that are already established. This has been investigated in many countries and different populations, but data are still missing in some countries. We aimed to investigate comorbid RA and autoimmune thyroid disturbance in the Saudi population. Methods: We conducted this retrospective study at a tertiary-teaching center, in Saudi Arabia. We reviewed data of all RA patients, over the last 14 years, and selected all those who had thyroid function results recorded in their laboratory data (free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine and Thyroid-stimulating hormone). We examined all laboratory results of the sample, to assess prevalence of different thyroid disturbances, in regards to the laboratory standard results. We also analyzed the relationship between abnormal thyroid results and the usual inflammatory and autoimmune parameters: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein level (CRP), Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti- Cycliccitrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP). We used both Chi-square testing and Pearson correlation test, whenever indicated, and P-value less than 0.05 to assess significance. Results: One hundred and fifty one (151) patients had their thyroid function tests recorded. We observed the following: high prevalence of thyroid function disturbances in our sample of RA patients, compared to non-RA patients). (26.3% and 7% respectively), with the patterns of thyroid dysfunction as follows: Subclinical hypothyroidism in 29 patients (19%), Hypothyroidism in 6 patients (4%), Subclinical hyperthyroidism in 4 patients (2.6%) and hyperthyroidism in 1 patient (0.7%). No patients were recorded as Euthyroid sick syndrome. Also there was a significant positive correlation between TSH and CRP (r=0.22, P=0.029). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of comorbid hypothyroidism in our RA patients, in a tertiary care hospital in Western Saudi Arabia. Physicians should be aware of screening RA patients for this comorbidity, especially when the specific symptoms may overlap between both diagnoses.

Incidence and Pattern of Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients on Chronic Amiodarone Therapy: Experience at a Tertiary Care Centre in Oman

Objective: To determine the incidence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction (TD) in patients on chronic amiodarone therapy. Methods: A retrospective study which evaluated 59 patients who had received amiodarone therapy regularly for at least 12 months from a period of 3 years from October 2007 to October 2010. The patients were followed-up at the cardiac clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 63 ± 13 years ranging from 27 to 98 years. Fifty-one percent (n = 30) of the patients were female. There were 11 (19%) cases of thyroid dysfunction (TD). Seven (12%) patients were hypothyroid, 3 (5%) had hyperthyroidism and 1 (2%) patient had sub-clinical hypothyroidism; no cases of sub-clinical hyperthyroidism were noted. Female gender and presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies were significantly associated with amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (p = 0.001) while age, amiodarone dose and duration of therapy were not correlated with the development of TD (all p-values > 0.05). Conclusion: Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is prevalent. Hypothyroidism was more frequent and seen more in female patients and those who had positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Initial screening and periodic monitoring of thyroid function is mandatory for all patients on amiodarone therapy.

P03-345 - Thyroid dysfunction in chronic schizophrenia in albania

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction is relatively common in patients with schizophrenia.This study seeks to determine the prevalence and pattern of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid antibodies presence in a group of adult psychiatric inpatients with chronic schizophrenia.MethodsThyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies measurement were performed on 88 patients hospitalized in Psichiatric Clinic of UHC “Mother Teresa” from december 2006 to december 2007.55 of them (62,5%) were females and 33 of them (37,5%) males. A median age of 43 years (range16 to 70 years) and a median duration of hospitalization of 10 years (range 1 to 30 years) was assessed.ResultsTAb were found in 22 patients (25%), of which 18 females and 4 males. 16% of them resulted with positive anticorps for Hashimoto Thyroiditis; 9% for Graves‘disease.According to thyroid function tests70% had normal test, 8% had elevated TSH: 3% of them with low thyroid hormones and 5% with normal thyroid hormones. 20% of cases had low TSH: 5% of them with high level of thyroid hormones, 15% with normal thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism was more frequent in elderly patients ( &gt; 60 years old), and in those treated with Risperidone. Most of cases (73%) with thyroid disorders resulted from endemic geographic areas. 37% of them mentioned familial history for thyroid pathology, and 23% for diabetes mellitus type 1.ConclusionThyroid abnormalities are common in patients with chronic schizophrenia.This fact call for caution in the use and interpretation of thyroid function tests in these patients.

Lower prevalence of mild hyperthyroidism related to a higher iodine intake in the population: prospective study of a mandatory iodization programme

Marked differences in pattern of thyroid dysfunction are seen in populations with different iodine intakes. We evaluated the influence of a higher iodine intake on thyroid hormone levels and the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the Danish population. Two cross-sectional studies matched on a group level according to sex and age. In all, 8219 individuals were examined before (n = 4649) or after (n = 3570) the introduction of a mandatory iodization programme in 2000 in two regions with established mild and moderate iodine deficiency. Serum TSH, fT(4) and fT(3 )were measured. An ultrasonography of the thyroid was performed. We found a higher median serum TSH after the introduction of mandatory iodization of salt: 1.51 mU/l (10-90th percentiles: 0.72-3.00) vs. 1.30 mU/l (10-90th percentiles: 0.59-2.66) before iodization. The difference was found in both regions and across age groups. There was a lower prevalence of mild hyperthyroidism and a tendency towards a lower prevalence of overt hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of mild hypothyroidism increased, most pronounced among young women after iodization. Conversely, there was a lower prevalence of undiagnosed overt hypothyroidism. However, when currently treated participants were included, the prevalence of hypothyroidism increased after iodization in the area with formerly mild iodine deficiency. A change in pattern of thyroid dysfunction was seen in relation to mandatory iodization of salt. There was no rise in the prevalence of hyperthyroidism and the prevalence of mild hyperthyroidism was halved. Conversely, prevalence of hypothyroidism increased.

Thyroid dysfunction in patients with Down syndrome.

The close relationship between thyroid disorder and Down syndrome (DS) had been widely reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence rate and the pattern of thyroid dysfunction in DS in Taiwan. A total of 50 Down syndrome (DS) patients from Yang-Ming Home for Disabled, were recruited. In all patients, serum T3, T4, free T4, TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) and anti-TSH receptor antibody were measured. The control group consisted of 212 healthy adults who underwent routine health examination in this hospital. Among 50 DS patients, 8 had subclinical hypothyroidism and one had hyperthyroidism. There was no statistically significant in gender and age between DS and control groups, however, TSH anomaly was significantly higher in the DS group (p = 0.008). Regarding thyroid autoantibodies, anti-TPO was positive in 13 cases (26%) and anti-TSH receptor was positive in 2 cases (4%). Statistically, there was no significant difference in TSH anomaly (p = 0.7), positive anti-TPO antibody (p = 0.097) and positive anti-TSH receptor antibody (p = 1.0) between males and females. The increased TSH levels had no statistically positive correlation with anti-TPO (p = 0.386) or anti-TSH receptor antibody (p=1) in this study. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 18% (9/50) in DS patients in Taiwan. Most of them showed subclinical compensated hypothyroidism (16%, 8/50), and one (2%, 1/50) showed hyperthyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction is common in DS patients, so periodic thyroid function tests should be performed and early treatment should be given to prevent further intellectual deterioration and improve overall development.

Thyroid dysfunction in aged persons

This is a short review about thyroid dysfunction in the elderly. Screening investigations from the United States have shown that nearly every 4th woman above the age of 65 is affected. Therefore a state-of-the-art article about this phenomenon seems justified. Epidemiologic studies show that the pattern of thyroid dysfunction depends on the iodine-nutrient status, thyrotoxicosis being more common in countries with iodine deficiency, overt and subclinical hypothyroidism occurring very frequently in areas with sufficient iodine supplementation. After discussing the state of the art of what is known about physiologic changes induced by age in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, it is pointed out that abnormal values of thyroid function parameters in serum should be further investigated. Symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are very rare and often unspecific. Therefore, laboratory screening in women above the age of 65 seems to be justified. Finally, the differences of treating elderly patients with thyroid dysfunction in comparison to treating young patients is discussed. In this discussion the impact of subclinical disturbances of thyroid dysfunction is included.