Correlation Between Hypothyroidism and Gallstone Disease in Central India

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels impact basal metabolic rate (BMR) and multiple organ systems.
• Lifestyle changes and increased processed food consumption contribute to rising rates of cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism, even in rural areas.
• Subclinical hypothyroidism is often diagnosed and treated early, making overt clinical presentations rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the correlation between cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism.
• To investigate the relationship between gallstone disease and thyroid dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study conducted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital from December 2020 to December 2022.
• Patients presenting with gallstone disease or suggestive symptoms were evaluated for hypothyroidism via thyroid profile tests.
• Data on clinical presentation, demographic factors, and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed for correlations.

Main Results:

• Out of 52 gallstone patients, 17.3% (nine patients) were found to have hypothyroidism (seven subclinical, two overt).
• The majority of patients were over 40 years old (82.7%) and female (61.5%).
• Increased BMI was observed in patients with cholelithiasis and those with co-existing hypothyroidism (57.6%).

Conclusions:

• The study supports a correlation between cholelithiasis and hypothyroidism.
• A notable percentage of gallstone patients exhibited hypothyroidism, emphasizing the need for screening.
• Early detection and management of hypothyroidism in patients with gallstones are recommended.