An Observational study on High TSH and Start therapy on Subclinical hypothyroidism

Abstract

Background and Objectives- The absence of characteristic clinical symptoms and an increase in serum levels of free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) within the normal range characterize subclinical hypothyroidism
(SCH). The goal of the current study was to analyze the comorbidities linked to (SCH), particularly thyroid autoantibodies and therapy for high TSH in SCH. Methods- The present study was retrospective observational study, which was carried out at Medical Records Section, department of Medicine, of a tertiary care institute. The study period was of 6 months, from July 2022 to February 2023. Medical records of the patients who were diagnosed with SCH during the past two years were analysed.
Results- The most common age group was found to be 21-30 years (34%) followed by 41-50 years (25%). The study was male preponderance (57%). Most common symptom reported was general fatigue, which was encountered in 45 patients, followed by weight gain, menstrual abnormalities, and constipation. Low dose of thyroxin i.e. 12.5 to 50 μg was given in majority of the patients (n=80), 75 μg in 7 patients, and 100 μg in 3 patients. The entire patient on treatment improved clinically.
Conclusion- Despite high prevalence, detection rate of subclinical hypothyroidism is very low. Carrying out epidemiological study on national scale is need of the hour, as lack of typical clinical features makes the detection less likely and it has numerous complications, if untreated.