Study of Thyroid Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Thyroid dysfunction are independent risk factors in the development of atherosclerotic cardio vascular disease (CVD) and their coexistence further increases the risk. A study on the magnitude of overlap of these two entities may highlight the importance of thyroid function tests in patients with metabolic syndrome.

To find out the prevalence and type of thyroid dysfunction in metabolic syndrome.

The patients attending the OPD and admitted in Medicine wards in G.R.Medical College Gwalior were randomly selected. Fifty patients with Metabolic syndrome (IDF criteria) were included in the study group. Fifty patients who had no features of MetS were included in the control group. Tests for Thyroid function were done in both groups.

The prevalence of hypothyroidism (subclinical and overt) was 24% (subclinical hypothyroidism-14% and overt hypothyroidism -10%) in MetS group. Subclinical hypothyroidism among control group was 2 (4%) and none had overt hypothyroidism. In both groups none had hyperthyroidism. Metabolic syndrome was found to be a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction.(O.R:7.57,p=0.004).

Out of 50 cases 28 (56%) were females and 22 (44%) were males. For males with MetS, mean age was 53.14±11.32 and for females mean age was 50.86±10.66 yrs. In both groups hypothyroidism also was more above 40 yrs of age.

Hypothyroidism is more prevalent among metabolic syndrome patients & especially females are at risk. Both of them are common above 40 yrs of age which increases cardiovascular disease risk, hence necessitates routine thyroid screening among MetS patients.