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Thyroid function in leprosy
1Department of Skin and V.D., Institute of Medical Sciences, B.H.U. Varanasi.
Indian Journal of Leprosy
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Thyroid function tests in leprosy patients revealed normal serum cholesterol and protein-bound iodine. However, decreased serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were observed across all leprosy types.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
- Thyroid dysfunction can be associated with various chronic infections.
- The impact of leprosy on thyroid function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate thyroid function in patients with different forms of leprosy.
- To assess the correlation between leprosy types, lepra reactions, and thyroid hormone levels.
Main Methods:
- Thyroid function tests were performed on 43 leprosy patients.
- Parameters included serum cholesterol, protein-bound iodine, serum T3, and serum T4.
- Patients were categorized into tuberculoid, borderline, lepromatous leprosy, and lepra reaction groups.
Main Results:
- Serum cholesterol and protein-bound iodine levels were normal in all groups.
- Mean serum T3 and T4 levels were reduced in all leprosy patient groups.
- Statistically significant decreases in T4 were noted in borderline leprosy, lepromatous leprosy, and lepra reaction groups.
Conclusions:
- Leprosy, particularly borderline, lepromatous forms, and lepra reactions, is associated with reduced serum T4 levels.
- Thyroid function, specifically T3 and T4, may be impacted by leprosy and its inflammatory responses.