Study of Subclinical Hypothyroidism and its Association with Lipid Profile Among the Rural Population of...

Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) patients are at an increased risk of coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease complications. The association between SCH and dyslipidemia is still controversial.

To study the prevalence of SCH in Chamarajanagara district and to find its association with lipid profile.

A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at Chamarajanagara Institute of Medical Sciences hospital, Chamarajanagar. Age group of more than 18 years and less than 75 years were included in the study. All patients serum samples were processed for thyroid function tests and lipid profile.

A total of 496 rural subjects were enrolled. Among them, six had T4/T3 values above the normal levels and were excluded. Out of 490 subjects, 16.3% had thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values more than 5 μIU/ml and were considered as the SCH group. The remaining 410 subjects, grouped as the euthyroid group (EUT). Median values of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were increased and statistically significant in the SCH group compared with EUT group. There was no difference between the groups with respect to high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein. Dyslipidemia was common in the SCH group compared to the EUT group (P = 0.0308). In the SCH group, TG levels were elevated in 68.7% vs 29.7% in the EUT group (P < 0.0001) and TC levels were increased in 26.2% of subjects in the SCH group compared to 13.6% in the EUT group (P = 0.0046).

SCH is an important endocrinological health problem in India. Dyslipidemia is more common in the SCH group and the consequences can be detrimental, leading to complications. Therefore, routine serum TSH estimation to detect SCH in clinical practice as a screening test is recommended.