THYROID FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study is to study the presence of thyroid function abnormalities in cases with metabolic syndrome. Methods: This was a prospective observational study done in the department of biochemistry of a tertiary care medical college. 60 patients fulfilling the criteria for metabolic syndrome as per the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria were included in this study. Demographic details of all the patients were noted. A detailed history was taken and thorough clinical examination was done. Thyroid function test was done in all cases. The presence of thyroid function test abnormalities was analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using SSPS 21.0 software and p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Out of these 60 cases, there were 37 (61.67%) males and 23 (38.33%) females with a M: F ratio of 1:0.62. The mean age of male and female patients was found to be 47.96±14.78 and 45.78±13.26 years, respectively. The mean age of male and female patients was found to be comparable with no statistically significant difference. Skin changes were present in 23 (38.33%) cases followed by tiredness (36.67%), constipation (25.00%), weight gain (21.67%), and pallor (15%). 29 (48.33%) were euthyroid whereas subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism was present in 18 (30%) and 10 (16.67%), respectively. 3 (5%) patients were found to have subclinical hyperthyroidism whereas there was no patient with clinical hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: Thyroid function abnormalities are common in patients with metabolic syndrome. It is therefore important to screen patients for thyroid function abnormalities so that appropriate interventions can be undertaken if necessary.