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Hypothyroidism and aging: the Rosses' survey.
B D Bonar1, B McColgan, D F Smith
1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University College, Dublin, Ireland.
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|October 21, 2000
Summary
Hypothyroidism prevalence is high in older Irish women, with 8.6% affected. This study confirms higher rates in the Rosses region, suggesting underdiagnosis and supporting targeted screening for this thyroid disorder.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Thyroid Disorders
- Public Health
Background:
- A previous study suggested a high prevalence of hypothyroidism in the Rosses, Ireland.
- Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder affecting thyroid hormone production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the high prevalence of hypothyroidism in a general practice in the Rosses.
- To compare hypothyroidism prevalence with a national sample and investigate potential contributing factors.
Main Methods:
- Prevalence study in a general practice, including overt spontaneous primary hypothyroidism assessment.
- Radioimmunoassay for thyroid peroxidase antibodies.
- Analysis of HLA phenotype frequencies and urinary iodine excretion.
Main Results:
- Accumulated prevalence of hypothyroidism was 8.6% in females aged 50+ and 0.9% in females aged 18-50.
- Prevalence in females 50+ was double the Irish national average (8.6% vs. 4.6%).
- Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were present in 75.6% of hypothyroid patients versus 18.6% of controls.
Conclusions:
- High hypothyroidism prevalence in older females in the Rosses is confirmed.
- The disorder may be underdiagnosed, supporting targeted screening in this demographic.
- HLA and iodine intake do not appear to be significant contributing factors in this population.