ABSTRACT
Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level above upper limit of normal despite normal levels of serum free thyroxine, stable over a period of one month in the absence of any non thyroidal illness. Present study is aimed at evaluating prevalence of SCH in developing countries and evaluating the clinical spectrum of these patients highlighting the importance of treatment of SCH.Methods: Total number of 120 patients with established SCH was enrolled for the study over 3 years. The values were measured by third generation non-isotopic immunochemiluminiscence method using the standard protocol as indicated in the kit.Results: Patients were aged 15-50 years old. The most common manifestation was generalized weakness, lethargy and tiredness (60%) followed by generalized body ache (52.5%). 46.7% % of the patients had complaints of weight gain. Triglyceride levels and serum cholesterol levels were deranged in 28.3% of all cases. Body mass index was increased in 28.3% of all patients with obesity in only 2 patients. 15 patients (11.7%) were found to be anaemic with increased MCV and MCH/MCHC, attributable to hypothyroidism.Conclusions: These symptoms caused significant debilitated life style and poor outcome in SCH patients. Treatment of these patients can help in improving their lifestyle and perform better on daily basis.
ABSTRACT
Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism occurs due to an under functioning thyroid gland and presents with varied symptoms and signs. Thyroid disorders are common in Indian population and the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is high. Objective: This study intended to assess the clinical profile of patients presenting with subclinical hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study that analyzed the medical records of adult patients diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism for a period of three years. Results: 71 patients within the age range of 18 years to 77 years were diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. Among these 53 (75%) patients had various clinical symptoms. Body pains were the most common symptom (38 %) followed by weight gain(27%) and tiredness (20%). A significant number of patients were obese (25%). Enlarged thyroid(14%) and dyslipidemia (25%) were also recorded. 63 (75%) patients were initiated on low dose levothyroxine. Conclusion: Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism present with varied non-specific clinical symptoms. Treatment with low dose levothyroxine resulted in lowering of serum TSH to normal range and relief of symptoms
ABSTRACT
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) has been concerned in the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders. It is known to modulate emotion, cognition, endocrine activity, motor function, and pain. In the present study, the effects of exogenous thyroxine (T4) on the postnatal development of serotonin-containing neuron in the rat raphe nuclei with fetal alcohol effects were investigated using immunohistochemistry. These experimental animals were divided into three groups : the alcohol-fed group received 35 calories liquid ethanol diet; the control pair-fed group was fed a liquid diet in dextrin replaced alcohol isocalorically; alcohol+T4 group received alcohol diet and exogenous thyroxine subcutaneously. After the pups were born, the pups of each were fostered by surragate mother. An average of four pups, one from each litter, were killed at days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 for each of the above three groups. As a result, in alcohol group, serotonin-immunoreactivity was weakly stained at all postnatal ages compared to control pair-fed and alcohol+T4 group. The intensity of serotonin immunoreactivity was more prominent in alcohlol+T4 group than in control pair-fed group at P0. Mature patterns of serotonin-containing neurons were observed in control pair-fed and alcohol+T4 group at P7. A similar developmental pattern of serotonin-containing neuron was observed on and after P7 in control pair-fed and alcohol+T4 group. These results suggest that the increase of serotonin synthesis during early postnatal life caused by maternal administration of exogenous thyroxine may ameliorate fetal alcohol effects, one of the ill effects as a result of the dysthyroid state following maternal alcohol abuse.