Pattern of thyroid diseases and their impact on health related quality of life

ABSTRACT

The importance of patient-reported outcomes such as health-related quality of life [HRQL] in clinical research is increasingly acknowledged. In order to yield valid results, the measurement properties of HRQL questionnaires must be thoroughly investigated. Objectives: To study the pattern of thyroid disorders [hyperthyroidism and recurrent goitre] in surgical department at Al-Wahda Hospital, Derna, Libya, 2004-2006 and their impact on HRQL. Two hundred and ninety six [296] patients admitted to surgery department at Al-Wahda Hospital, Derna, Libya, 2004-2006 were studied. T3,T4 and TSH estimations was done. A hyperthyroidism Complaint Questionnaire was preformed on 57 patients and Chronic Thyroid Questionnaire was preformed on 46 patients. Out of 296 patients with age ranging between 14 and 70 years, 276 [93.2%] were females and 20 [6.8%] were males. Fifty seven [19.3%] of cases showed hyperthyroidism and 46 [15.5%] showed hypothyroidism [recurrent goitre] by laboratory hormonal assays. Lobectomy was done to 146 [49.3%] of cases [65 cases right, 35 cases were left and 46 cases were isthmusectomy]. Near total thyroidectomy was done in 67 [22.6%] cases, subtotal in 53 [17.9%] cases, recurrence in 13 cases and total thyroidectomy in 2 cases. About half of the patients had reduced overall quality of life and general health, limitation in usual activities, as well as social and emotional problems. Two thirds were fatigued and about one third were anxious and had cognitive as well as sexual problems. It appears that persistent HRQL impairment is very frequent among patients with both hyper-and hypothyroidism