RESUMEN
Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is characterized by elevated levels of serum thyroid stimulating hormone in the presence of normal thyroxin levels. Subclinical hypothyroidism is often associated with elevated total cholesterol and other lipid profile parameters. This study was done to evaluate the lipid metabolism in subclinical hypothyroidism.Methods: This case control study was done to compare the lipid profile parameters between subclinical and overt hypothyroidism cases attending the outpatient facility of our tertiary care hospital of our medical college in Puducherry. Newly diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism were selected by convenient sampling. A total of 37 SH cases and 31 overt hypothyroidism cases were included. Blood samples were drawn to measure lipid profile. A 2D echocardiogram was done to evaluate cardiac function. Ultrasonogram was done to evaluate fatty liver.Results: The mean age of the participants in the subclinical hypothyroidism group was 34.2±12.2 years while in the clinical hypothyroidism group was 35.7±9.8 years. About 13.5% of the participants in subclinical hypothyroidism group and 12.9% of the participants in clinical hypothyroidism had fatty liver in ultrasound. A significant difference was observed in the mean values of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels between clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism.Conclusions: This study highlights the need for screening of subclinical hypothyroidism in order to prevent the incidences of cardiovascular complications and other diseases like metabolic syndrome.
RESUMEN
Background: Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CAIMT) measurement in hypothyroidism will help assess the progression of atherosclerosis and timely intervention may prevent vascular complications.Methods: This study included 30 clinical hypothyroid (CH), 30 subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) and 30 euthyroid. As per procedure, informed consent was taken from the patients in prescribed formats before their participation in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups of CHs, SCH and Controls after obtaining the thyroid function test values. CAIMT on the right side was measured in the three groups for comparison. Other parameters included age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol and triglycerides. After 4 months of levothyroxine therapy, CAIMT, total cholesterol and triglycerides were reassessed.Results: The CAIMT was increased in CH and SCH group when compared to euthyroid individuals. The mean CAIMT in CH group was 0.60�009cm, in SCH group it was 0.055�010 cm and in controls it was 0.047�006 cm. After 4 months of levothyroxine therapy, there was no change observed in the mean CAIMT values.Conclusions: CAIMT levels were increased in CH and SCH group when compared to euthyroid group. There was no regression of CAIMT after 4 months of levothyroxine therapy