Title: Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in general adult population of Northern India
Authors: Sunil Kumar, R C Gupta
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i3.103
Abstract
Introduction: Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as elevated serum TSH concentration with normal Free Thyroxine (FT4) and Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) concentrations, unaccompanied by clinical signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is reportedly a common thyroid disorder affecting 3-15% of the adult population in different parts of world. Community-based studies on prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in general adult population of India are almost non-existent. Hence, the present study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in general adult population of Rajasthan, a North Indian state.
Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 800 adult subjects of both sexes selected randomly from Amber Tehsil of Jaipur District (Rajasthan). Serum thyroid profile (FT3, FT4 and TSH) was analyzed by chemiluminescence. Serum TSH above 5 µIU/ml (with normal FT3 and FT4) was considered as subclinical hypothyroidism.
Results: Subclinical hypothyroidism (serum TSH above 5 µIU/ml with normal FT3 and FT4) was detected in 10.25% (N=82) of the study subjects. The prevalence was 12.8% in women and 8.8% in men.
Conclusion: The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was found to be10.25% in adult population of the study area. The prevalence was higher in women than in men.
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