Characteristics and Blood Pressure Profile of Goitre Patients in A Tertiary Hospital in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Goitre remains endemic in iodine deficient areas of the world despite widespread introduction of iodine fortified food. In Nigeria, it is the second most common condition in endocrinology clinic. There is a therefore a need to document the blood pressure profile and clinical characteristics of this condition.
Objective: This study assessed the clinical characteristics, biochemical and blood pressure profile of patients with goitre in the study area and assessed their knowledge and practice of preventive measures against goitre.
Methodology: A comparative study of 103 adults with goitres and 103 healthy controls. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used and venous blood samples were obtained for analyses. Variables of interest included socio-demographic, anthropometric, thyroid function, and blood pressure.
Results: The mean age of the goitre group was 46.92 ± 13.85 years with 86.4% carrying the swelling for up to 5 years. Anthropometric parameters, social habits, knowledge, and practice of the preventive role of iodized salt were similar between the goitre and control  groups. Forty-six percent of the goitrous subjects were hyperthyroid. Weight and BMI were significantly higher among the hypothyroid subgroup (p<0.001), with subjects in the hyperthyroid subgroup having significantly higher pulse rate and systolic blood pressure  (p<0.001). The hypothyroid subgroup had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure and lower pulse pressure (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: This study concluded that patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were more likely to have elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively. Routine cardiovascular status check is therefore important in goitrous patients.