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Pulmonary functions in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Gulfidan Cakmak1, Tayyibe Saler, Zuhal Aydan Saglam
14th Clinic of Internal Medicine, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Haseki Millet Caddesi, Aksaray, Turkey.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|February 24, 2012
Summary
Subclinical hypothyroidism significantly impairs pulmonary function, including diffusion lung capacity and muscle strength. Early spirometry screening is recommended for at-risk individuals to detect these lung function changes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH) is a condition characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with normal free thyroxine (T4).
- The impact of ScH on pulmonary function remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate alterations in pulmonary function, specifically diffusion lung capacity and muscle strength, in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study involving 126 patients with ScH and 58 healthy controls was conducted.
- Pulmonary function was assessed using simple spirometry, measuring parameters like forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).
- Diffusion lung capacity (DLco) and respiratory muscle strength (Pimax, Pemax) were also measured.
Main Results:
- Patients with ScH demonstrated significant reductions in FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, FEF25-75, FEF25-75%, DLco, DLco/VA, Pimax, Pimax%, and Pemax% compared to controls.
- These findings indicate a widespread impairment in lung function and respiratory muscle strength in individuals with ScH.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary functions are demonstrably affected in subclinical hypothyroidism.
- Evaluation of pulmonary functions using simple spirometry is advised for patients with or at high risk of ScH.
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