[Thyroid function tests in patients with chalazia]

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the prevalence of clinical and subclinical thyroid disorders using thyroid function tests in patients with single and multiple chalazia. A complete ophthalmologic examination and thyroid function tests including thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH], thyroxine [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3] were performed in 60 patients with single chalazia and 50 patients with multiple chalazia, consecutively referred to Poostchi Eye Clinic, Shiraz, Iran and compared with 60 age- and gender-matched control subjects. Mean TSH values were higher in patients with single [3.89 Mu/l] and multiple [4.80 Mu/l] chalazia as compared to controls [3.02 Mu/l] [P= 0.23]. No significant difference was detected for T4 levels between patients with single or multiple chalazia as compared to controls. The prevalence of blepharitis was 18% in patients with single chalazia, 34% in patients with multiple chalazia, both of which were higher than controls [5%] [P<0.001]. The difference between patients with single and multiple chalazia in terms of the prevalence of blepharitis was also significant [P<0.05]. There was no significant difference between patients with single and multiple chalazia in comparison with controls regarding thyroid function tests; however the prevalence of blepharitis in patients with multiple chalazia was higher than patients with single chalazia and both figures were higher than controls