Hormonal harmony disrupted: hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus in interstitial lung disease. An observational study

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory diseases that affect the lungs and airways. ILD encompasses approximately 200 different conditions with known and unknown causes. Various comorbidities, such as cardiovascular, psychological, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal disorders, are often associated with them. However, little is known about the relationship and prevalence of hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus (DM) in ILD and COPD. Therefore, understanding these connections is crucial for proper treatment. This cross-sectional, prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India. After obtaining informed consent, we consecutively enrolled 100 patients with ILD and 100 patients with COPD who reported to the Respiratory Medicine Outpatient Department. We collected demographic, clinical, and medical data from the patients and conducted appropriate statistical analysis to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism and DM in patients with ILD. ILD patients exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of hypothyroidism (24% vs. 4%) and DM (24% vs. 4%) compared to those with COPD (p<0.05). Additionally, the study showed that ILD patients also had a significantly higher prevalence of self-reported gastroesophageal reflux disease (30%), had a higher body mass index, and consulted a pulmonologist earlier than COPD patients after the onset of symptoms (p<0.05). Therefore, it is important to screen for hypothyroidism and DM in ILD patients due to their high prevalence and potential impact on disease progression and management. Additionally, evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between these conditions, making it essential to screen patients with hypothyroidism and DM for ILD if there is any suspicion. These screening measures could contribute to the early detection and management of these comorbidities, thereby improving the overall outcome for ILD patients.