The Spectrum of Biochemical Changes in Thyroid Function Tests, Performed at Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal

Abstract

Background: Thyroid disorders are among one the leading causes of endocrine problems worldwide. Hypothyroidism is very common and usually is more prevalent in females. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) play a vital role in the diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid diseases.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal after approval from the Institutional review board. The results of 2281 specimens tested for TFTs in the Pathology laboratory between August 2018 to December 2020 were included. Samples were analyzed by immunochemiluminescent assay method on an Access 2 analyzer by Beckman Coulter. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. A chi-square test was applied. P-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A total of 2281 patient data was included in the study. The mean age of participants was 38.86±15.30 years and the majority were females. 64.1% of results were within the normal limit (euthyroid) while the remaining 35.9% had abnormal thyroid profiles. Hyperthyroidism was the most common abnormality (9.5%) followed by subclinical hypothyroidism (8.9%). Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant difference in age groups, with p-value of 0.004.

Conclusion: Thyroid diseases are quite common. Hyperthyroidism is slightly more prevalent than hypothyroidism in our community.

 Key words: Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid disorders, Subclinical thyroid disease.