Abstract

BACKGROUND:Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as an elevated serum thyroidstimulating
hormone (TSH) level with a normal serum free tri-iodothyronine (FT3) & free
thyroxine(FT4) concentration. Hypothyroidism is associated with dyslipidemia and increased
risk of atherosclerosis. SCH can progress to overt hypothyroidism. Lipid profile changes in
SCH, however, are controversial.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the lipid profile in patients with SCH.
MATERIAL & METHODS:The present study was a case-control study involving 35 individuals
with newly diagnosed / untreated SCH were studied. 35 age and sex matched adults with
normal thyroid profile were taken as controls. Serum TSH, FT3, FT4, Total cholesterol,
Triglyceride, Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), High density lipoprotein
cholesterol (HDL-C)and Very low density lipoprotein cholesterol(VLDL-C) levels were
measured in all study subjects.
RESULTS: The average total cholesterol and LDL-C in the patients with SCH in our research
were statistically significantly higher than the control group. The mean serum triglyceride,
HDL-C and VLDL-C levels were not statistically different in patients as compared to controls.
CONCLUSION: SCH is associated with dyslipidemia which is a risk factor for atherosclerosis,
with a resultant risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Thus, it is important to detect this
condition early so that appropriate steps may be taken to prevent its deadly complications