Thyrotropin and Free Thyroxine Levels in Industrial Workers with Metabolic Syndrome in Port Harcourt

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome and hypothyroidism are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of each is rising exponentially. It is possible that patients with both disease entities may have a compounded risk especially considering the association of metabolic syndrome with plasma glucose levels and the intricate relationship between plasma glucose and thyroid function. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the possible association between metabolic syndrome and thyroid function in industrial workers. Patients and Methods: A total of 93 subjects were recruited for this study. 48 had metabolic syndrome (using NCEP ATP III criteria) and formed the study group while 45 age- matched subjects were recruited into the control group. Basic demographic data, components of the metabolic syndrome, thyrotropin and free thyroxine were estimated for all subjects using standard methods. Appropriate statistics were used to analyze data. Results: Components of the metabolic syndrome and thyrotropin were significantly higher in the study group (p<0.05) while high density lipoprotein cholesterol and free thyroxine were significantly lower in the study group (p<0.05). 42 (87.5%) of the study group and 8 (18%) of the control group had sub-clinical hypothyroidism (high thyrotropin with normal free thyroxine (p<0.05). Women with metabolic syndrome are more associated with sub-clinical hypothyroidism (p=0.025) CI: 1.950-13.212). Conclusion: Sub-clinical hypothyroidism is significantly associated with metabolic  syndrome in industrial workers. Females have an increased risk of this association. There may be an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and need for thyroid replacement therapy for this group of patients.