[Significance of hypophyseo-thyroid disorders in chronic obstructive bronchitis]

Blood levels of TSH, T3 and T4 were evaluated in patients suffering from aggravated chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB). Low levels of T3, T4, and T3 plus T4 were recorded in 55.4%, 13.9% and 20.8% of patients, respectively. Though TSH levels were elevated in 71.3%, its hyposecretion was present as well (in 17.8% of the examinees). The findings suggest a conclusion on a secondary, compensatory nature of hypothyroidism in COB, therefore no specific treatment is needed.