A Case Control Study Of Serum Lipid Level Alterations In Subclinical Hypothyroid Patients

Abstract

Background and objectives ABSTRACT Subclinical hypothyroidism may be associated with increased risk of CAD, PVD and various biochemical abnormalities including increased LDL-C levels, increased total cholesterol and serum triglyceride values. The present study was aimed to determine lipid abnormalities in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and its interpretation. Methodology This case control study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belgaum from January 2011 to December 2011. A total of 50 patients ( 25 cases with subclinical hypothyroidism and 25 euthyroid controls ) were studied. The thyroid profile was assessed by estimating TSH, FT3 and FT4. A fully automated immunoflorescence immunoassay analyser was used to estimate TSH, FT3 and FT4. Results In the present study among cases 96% were females when compared to 64% in controls ( p=0.013) . It was observed that 80% of the cases were below 45 years of age as compared to 56% in controls ( p=0.262) . Overall, the mean age of cases was 37.25 years and in controls was 20.46 years ( p=<0.001) . Among the cases, 20% had high cholesterol, 40% had high triglycerides and 44% had high LDL. The lower HDL was recorded in 24% of cases. IV Conclusion and interpretation Overall, the present study showed significantly higher levels of triglycerides and low density lipoprotein levels in patients with sub-clinical hypothyroidism. The quantitative analysis of serum cholesterol showed significant raised serum cholesterol levels. No statistically significant relation was found between high density lipoprotein and subclinical hypothyroidism.