Anemia types in hypothyroid patients in a Coimbatore tertiary care hospital: A prospective observational study

Objective. Hypothyroidism is a syndrome characterized by clinical manifestations associated with thyroid hormone deficiency. The thyroid hormone plays a pivotal role in the hematopoietic system and stimulates precursors of erythropoietin gene expression. Therefore, anemia is a common clinical manifestation in hypothyroid individuals. The goal of this study was to carry out a prospective analysis of the prevalence of anemia, its types, and the etiology behind the differing anemia morphology among hypothyroid patients. Methods. The study was conducted with a sample size of 100 patients suffering from hypothyroidism. The methodology of the study included a questionnaire and consent filling for general information followed by a complete blood test for assessment of blood count, peripheral smear, FT3/FT4 (free triiodothyronine/thyroxine), anemia profile, vitamin B12, folate, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), reticulocyte count, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Results. The results of the study are in line with the previous studies and showed severe anemia and prevalence among women of reproductive age. Microcyte hypochromic anemia was found to be the most common type of morphological anemia, which was validated with low hemoglobin (Hb) levels, vitamin B12, FT3, and FT4. Additionally, TSH showed a positive correlation with reticulocyte count, LDH, and Hb in Pearson's correlation test. Conclusion. The study summarizes the need to investigate the underlying etiological agent responsible for better therapy and management of hypothyroidism and anemia suggesting also the use of oral iron supplements along with levothyroxine therapy.