European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background and objectives: Subclinical hypothyroidism is an asymptomatic condition
with normal thyroxin and raised thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. It affects 3-
15% of adult population. Large scale population based studies on the prevalence of
subclinical hypothyroidism in India are scarce. So this study was done to estimate the
prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients attending OPD in ANMMCH,
GAYA and find out the relationship of TSH level with age, sex, family history, body
mass index, and other co-morbid conditions.
Subjects and methods: An observational study was carried out on adult persons visiting
OPD at ANMMCH GAYA. TSH, T3, and T4 levels were measured. Data about
demography and other parameters and co-morbid conditions were collected during
routine visits. Analysis was carried out on all variables in the study, and relationships
were explored. Serum TSH above 5 μIU/ml(with normal T3 and T4) was considered as a
case of subclinical hypothyroidism
Results: A total of 1457 participants (1042 females and 415 males) in the study gave
consent for study and blood samples. subclinical hypothyroidism was seen in 113
(10.84%) females and 27 (6.5% males). No significant relationship were noted in TSH
levels with dyslipidemia and increasing blood pressure. 5 cases of overt hypothyroidism
(all females) was found in our study sample. There was a trend of raised TSH among
perimenopausal women in our study. No patient presented with thyroid enlargement.
Conclusion: Subclinical hypothyroidism has a prevalence of 9.6% of adults visiting
OPD. TSH levels tends to be higher in the perimenopausal women, which warrants
particular attention to the females aged 40 years and above.