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Volume 3 Issue 4 (August-September ) 2014

Original Articles

Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in elderly patients at hospital
Siva Prasad

Background:Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with normal free thyroxine (FT4), is common in the elderly. Its prevalence and association with comorbidities warrant investigation in hospital settings.Objectives:To determine the prevalence of SCH among elderly patients and evaluate its relationship with demographic factors, symptoms, and comorbidities.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 elderly patients (≥60 years) at a tertiaryhospital. Data were collected through clinical evaluation and laboratory testing of thyroid function. SCH was defined as TSH levels of 4.5–10 mIU/L with normal FT4. Statistical analysis included prevalence estimation and associations between SCH and clinical parameters.Results:The prevalence of SCH was 20.8%, with higher rates in females (25%) compared to males (17%). Patients aged 70 years or older showed a higher prevalence (27%) than those aged 60–69 (18%). Common symptoms in SCH patients included fatigue (50%), mild weight gain (38%), and cold intolerance (15%), though 70% were asymptomatic. SCH patients also had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, including hypertension (58%), diabetes (35%), and cardiovascular disease (27%), compared to euthyroid patients.Conclusion:It is concluded that SCH is prevalent among elderly hospital patients, particularly in females and those aged 70 and older. Its association with comorbidities highlights the importance of targeted screening and individualized management in this population. Further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and treatment effects.

 
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