frequency of subclinical thyroid disorders in geriatric patients

ABSTRACT

Thyroid dysfunctions are common among the elderly, but their clinical manifestations are more vague, subtle and often hidden. The aim of this study was to determine the thyroid functions in people over 55 years old for determining sub clinical thyroid disorders. This investigation was performed on 25 men and 25 women over 55 years old who had referred to the outpatient clinics of Islamic Azad University of Mashhad during the period of 2007-2008. For each patient, a questionnaire was filled out by a physician. The questionnaire contained some information about the patient's individual data, his/her past record of thyroid dysfunctions, clinical signs and symptoms and the results of thyroid tests. The laboratory tests included TSH and total T4. Also, if required complement tests for diagnosing the disease and complications were preformed. Finally, the results were compared with those in the reference books and the related articles. The prevalence rate of thyroid dysfunctions was 14% [7 cases]. The frequency rate of the identified disorders were as follows 4 persons [8%] were suffering from clinical hypothyroidism; 2 persons [%4] from subclinical hypothyroidism and one person [2%] from clinical hyperthyroidism. However, no case of subclinical hyperthyroidism was observed. Two persons [4%] had a previous history of clinical hypothyroidism. Among the patients, 20% of the women and 8% of the men were involved in thyroid dysfunctions, but there was no. Significant correlation between the factor of gender and thyroid dysfunction [P=.417]. Also, there was not any significant association between the age group and thyroid dysfunctions [P=0.687]. The most frequent symptoms in hypothyroid patients were fatigue [66%] and weakness [50%]. The other manifestations were as follows constipation%33], dry skin [%33] and cold intolerance [%33]. Moreover, hypercholesterolemia was observed in 50% of the hypothyroid patients and there was a significant relationship between hypothyroidism and hypercholesterolemia. [P=0.01 86]. For senile subjects complaining about fatigue, a test of thyroid function is recommended. Hypercholesterolemia was significantly higher among hypothyroid patients