Age related changes in cholesterol level among the patients with subclinical hypothyroidism in eastern Nepal

This study was undertaken at Biochemistry Department (BPKIHS) from 2001 to 2002. The aim of this study was to assess whether subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with abnormal cholesterol level in different age groups. Of the cases referred to the department, 398 euthyroid controls, 189 hypothyroid cases, 179 hyperthyroid cases and 181 subclinical hypothyroid cases were enrolled for further analyses. Both the sexes showed increased total cholesterol levels in hypothyroidism, and were not significantly changed in hyperthyroidism than in euthyroid controls. Female subclinical hypothyroid cases of age group 45-59 years and both the male and female cases of age group > or = 60 years had significantly (p < 0.01) elevated total cholesterol levels (196 +/- 37.36 mg/dl vs.169.37 +/- 29.12 mg/dl, 211.5 +/- 30.48 mg/dl vs. 151.54 +/- 55.84 mg/dl and 225 +/- 25.05 mg/dl vs. 181.73 +/- 32.95 mg/dl respectively) as compared to euthyroid controls. When data were analyzed at 33 and 45 years of age cut offs, the cases of > or = 33 years age in both hypothyroid male and female showed significantly (p < 0.01) elevated cholesterol levels (222.66 +/- 29.26 mg/dl vs. 156 +/- 37.09 mg/dl and 231.66 +/- 46.17 mg/dl vs 198.1 +/- 48.72 mg/dl respectively) where as subclinical hypothyroid female showed increased total cholesterol level (211 +/- 31.2 mg/dl vs. 157.95 +/- 45.92 mg/dl) at > or = 45 years age cut off. It is concluded that hypothyroidism not the hyperthyroidism is associated with increased total cholesterol level in the cases of this region, and we advise routine screening for cholesterol level in both the sexes of hypothyroid (for > or = 33 years) and female subclinical hypothyroid (for > or = 45 years) cases in this area, as they have high risk for higher cholesterol levels and developing related disorders.