Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine disorder affecting 300 million people around the world and over half are expected to be unaware of the condition. The number of people suffering from metabolic syndrome is also on the rise and it is estimated that a quarter of the world’s adults have metabolic syndrome. Thyroid dysfunction and metabolic syndrome (Met S) are both associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia and low grade inflammation. It is possible that coexistence of these disease entities may substantially increase cardiovascular risk and facts can aid in early treatment that might reduce the risk. Moreover, little is known about the relationship between metabolic syndrome and thyroid function. Thus, the current study was intended to determine the pattern of thyroid dysfunction in metabolic syndrome subjects.

Methods: A total of 128 previously diagnosed subjects with Met S (defined by NCEP-ATP III panel and IDF guidelines) were recruited during a routine health checkup at Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital in Dhulikhel, Nepal. The serum TSH, free T₃ and free T₄ levels were measured to categorize thyroid dysfunction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 11.5. The results were expressed as percentage to determine the pattern of thyroid dysfunction in Met S.

Results: The overall prevalence of the thyroid dysfunction was 31.25% (40). Of the 128 subjects, 28.90% (37) had subclinical hypothyroidism, 1.55% (2) had overt hyperthyroidism, 0.80% (1) had subclinical hyperthyroidism and 68.75% (88) were euthyroid. Overt hypothyroidism was not present in any of the subject.

Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is associated with metabolic syndrome in particular subclinical hypothyroidism and the coexistence of the two will substantially increase cardiovascular risk. Thus, it necessitate the need for evaluating the thyroid status in patients with metabolic syndrome which can help in early treatment that might reduce the risk.

Declaration of interest: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.