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Related Experiment Videos

Thyroid dysfunction in the elderly

G M Muller1, N S Levitt, S J Louw

  • 1Medicine, University of Cape Town.

South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|November 14, 1997
PubMed
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Thyroid dysfunction is common in Cape Town

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Thyroid dysfunction prevalence in institutionalized elderly populations requires investigation.
  • Screening tests for thyroid dysfunction in the elderly need validation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Determine thyroid dysfunction prevalence in Cape Town's institutionalized elderly.
  • Assess thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) as a screening tool.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional survey conducted in four Cape Town old-age homes.
  • Included 658 residents aged 60 years and over.
  • Measured serum TSH, free thyroxine, and free tri-iodothyronine.

Main Results:

  • Overall thyroid dysfunction prevalence was 11.2%, with 7.8% newly diagnosed.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Abnormal TSH levels were found in 15.6% of participants.
  • Elevated TSH predicted hypothyroidism (67%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (100%).

    • Conclusions:

    • Thyroid dysfunction prevalence is similar to other centers; many cases were undiagnosed.
    • Serum TSH is a reliable screening test for thyroid dysfunction in the elderly.
    • Elevated TSH is a better predictor than depressed TSH for elderly thyroid dysfunction.