Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction and Antithyroid Antibodies in North India

Abstract

Background: Thyroid hormones control metabolism and growth functions. Incidence of thyroid dysfunction – hypothyroidism,  hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune disorders are on the rise. There are minimal data reports regarding thyroid disorders prevalence in  North India. The present study aims to report their prevalence in the general population.

Methods: The current retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care institute for five years. Archives of thyroid function tests (Free  T3 [FT3], Free T4 [FT4], and Thyroid-stimulating Hormone [TSH]) and antithyroid antibodies (Antithyroid Peroxidase and Anti- thyroglobulin) were screened. Duplicate/repeated test entries and follow-ups were excluded. For data analysis, the study population was  grouped into hypothyroid (low FT3, low FT4, and high TSH), hyperthyroid (high FT3, high FT4, and low TSH), and others – including all  other biochemical patterns. Statistical analysis was done using the IBM-SPSS software, version 20. 

Results: Out of the initially screened  16,884 patients, a total of 12,775 meeting inclusion criteria were included in the study. The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 24% (3133/12,775). Hypothyroidism was most prevalent, constituting 51% (1603/3133), followed by hyperthyroidism in 26% (819/3133).  The majority affected were females – 68% (2136/3133), commonly occurring in the 18–35 years of age range. The prevalence of  antithyroid antibodies was 34% (1073/3133), anti-TPO constituted 77.6% (833/1073), and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies 22.4% (270/1073).   

Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid disorders is high in North India. Females in reproductive age group of 18–35 years are commonly  affected. Study aids in early recognition of vulnerable populations for timely treatment of thyroid disorders.