PREVALANCE OF SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM IN ADULTS IN DELHI

Sumaira Ashai, Suhail Ashraf and Mohit Srivastava*

ABSTRACT

Background and objectives: Subclinical hypothyroidism is an asymptomatic condition with normal thyroxin and raised thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. The prevalence of this condition varies according to the reference range for TSH and geographic or demographic factors.The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and explore the relationship of TSH level with age, gender and the family history of thyroid disease. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study of adults was done in Ambedkar medical college from January 2019 to January 2020 in which TSH concentration and free T4 levels were measured. Descriptive analysis was performed on all variables in study, and relationships were explored using chi-square, t-test, analysis of variance, and linear regression. Results: A total of 680 adults out of 788 participants in the study gave blood samples. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was identified in 2.1% (p = .001) and subclinical hypothyroidism in 10.3% (p = .001) of the adults .TSH levels were found to be significantly higher (p = .047) in elderly population of ≥60 years and those with family history of thyroid disease. No overt hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism was found in our study sample. Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism has a prevalence of 10% of adults visiting Ambedhkar medical college. TSH levels are higher in the elderly, which warrants screening of those aged 60 years and above.

Keywords: Prevalence, Risk factors, Subclinical hypothyroidism, Subclinical hyperthyroidism.