Association of subclinical hypothyroidism with metabolic syndrome components in a group of apparently healthy Syrians: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Thyroid disorders were reported to be associated with various diseases, particularly dyslipidemia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of thyroid disorders in a group of apparently healthy Syrians and investigate the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed at Al-Assad University Hospital. Participants were healthy individuals aged 18 years and older. Data about their biochemical tests, weight, height, BMI, and blood pressure were collected and analyzed. Participants were categorized according to their thyroid tests into euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroid, subclinical hyperthyroid, and according to their BMI into normal, overweight, and obese, and according to the International Diabetes Foundation into normal and having MetS. Results: A total of 1111 participants were involved in this study. Subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism were found in 4.4 and 1.2% of participants, respectively. The incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly increased in females and in the presence of positive antithyroid peroxidase. Subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly associated with MetS, a higher waist circumference, central obesity, and triglycerides; however, there was no correlation with high-density lipoprotein. Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid disorders among Syrians was consistent with the results of other studies. These disorders were significantly more common in females compared to males. Add to that, subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly associated with MetS. Since MetS is a known factor for morbidity and mortality, this may raise the attention needed to perform future prospective trials to evaluate the possible benefits of subclinical hypothyroidism treatment with a low dose of thyroxin.

Association between Hypertension, Antihypertensive Drugs, and Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Syrian Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis and hypertension are frequent and often coexisting diseases among the elderly. Recent studies suggested that both diseases may share the same etiopathology. Moreover, the treatment of hypertension can affect the bone mineral density and worsen osteoporosis. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of low bone mass and osteoporosis in postmenopausal Syrian women and investigate their relationship with hypertension and antihypertensive drugs. METHODS: 813 postmenopausal women were involved in this cross-sectional study, aged between 40 and 96 yrs. Their menopause duration ranged between 1 and 43 yrs. Bone mineral density was measured using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the total lumbar spine (L1-L4) and left hip. T-score values were used to determine the diagnosis of osteoporosis. The existence of HTN was defined as blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg or a history of hypertension medication. RESULTS: Using the world health organization criteria, 24% had osteoporosis and 45.2% had low bone mass. The incidence of osteoporosis and low bone mass significantly increased with age and menopause duration and decreased with BMI. Prevalence of hypertension was almost equal among the women who had or did not have osteoporosis. However, hypertensive women who used thiazides or beta blockers had higher values of total lumbar BMD compared with the women who did not. CONCLUSION: Hypertension in postmenopausal Syrian women aged over 40 was not found to be associated with osteoporosis. However, the mean total lumbar BMD of the hypertensive women who took thiazide diuretics or beta blocker was found to be increased significantly comparing to the women who did not take either.

Diagnostic Dilemma in Two Cases of Hyperandrogenism.

Hirsutism is a common endocrine complaint affecting about 10 percent of women. It may be caused by multiple etiologies including adrenal and ovarian disorders. Usually, it is a result of a benign entity such as PCOs and idiopathic hirsutism. However, sometimes especially when it is severe and rapid in progression an androgen-secreting tumor should be excluded. Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors constitute fewer than 0.5 percent of ovarian tumors and it may be benign or malignant. In this article, we present two cases of hyperandrogenism caused by occult ovarian Leydig cell tumors. one of them was confounded by the presence of coincidental bilateral adrenal nodules that complicated the diagnostic process. Tumor dissection was curative in both cases and the diagnosis was confirmed by pathological and hormonal testing after surgery.