Spirometry in adult hypothyroid patients: a comparative study.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pulmonology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Hypothyroidism is known to negatively impact pulmonary function.
• Limited research exists on spirometric parameter changes in hypothyroid adults in Basra, Iraq.
• The effect of thyroxine therapy on these lung function changes remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate pulmonary function in adult hypothyroid patients using spirometry.
• To identify any pulmonary impairment and its type in hypothyroidism.
• To assess the impact of thyroxine therapy on spirometric parameters.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving four groups: uncontrolled hypothyroid (n=72), controlled hypothyroid (n=60), newly diagnosed hypothyroid (n=52), and a control group (n=110).
• Spirometry was performed on all subjects in a sitting position, with at least three attempts recorded.
• Data collected from Al-Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Center, Basrah, Iraq.

Main Results:

• Hypothyroid groups exhibited significantly reduced spirometric parameters and increased abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFTs) (p<0.05).
• The most pronounced reductions were observed in the uncontrolled hypothyroid group.
• Pulmonary function abnormalities were predominantly of the restrictive type, with significant correlations between thyroid hormones and spirometry (negative for TSH, positive for fT4).

Conclusions:

• Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low free thyroxine (fT4) levels contribute to reduced spirometric parameters in hypothyroidism.
• Spirometry is a valuable tool for detecting pulmonary function alterations in patients with hypothyroidism.
• Thyroxine therapy holds potential for improving lung function in hypothyroid individuals.