Thyroid hormone dysfunction among adolescents in Manipur

In Manipur and perhaps other Northeastern region, thyroid disorders in adolescence have not been sufficiently studied. Where studies are available, they were either conducted decades ago or they were involved only child and adults.

In this retrospective study, the case notes of all adolescents with thyroid disorders seen in the Endocrinology clinic, Psychiatry clinic, Dermatology clinic and of those admitted into the wards of Medicine of Regional institute of medical sciences (RIMS) were audited. Information extracted included age, gender, duration of symptoms before presentation, laboratory test results, management challenges and admission outcome. The total number of cases seen at the Endocrinology clinic, Psychiatry clinic, Dermatology clinic and Medicine ward of RIMS was derived from the clinic attendance register of the department.

Of the 500 cases seen during 5 years period 192(38.4%) cases had thyroid disorders. During the 5-year period, 82(45.55%) female had hyperthyroidism, 78(43.33%) female had hypothyroidism, 11(6.11%)female had subclinical hypothyroidism, 8(4.44%)female had overt hypothyroidism, 1(0.55%)female had central hypothyroidism. In male 29(52.72%) had hyperthyroidism, 17(30.9%)had hypothyroidism,7(12.72)had subclinical hypothyroidism, 2(3.63%)had overt hypothyroidism. Mean age is 15.05(21.2% confidence interval) with median 15 and standard deviation of 2.37(+/- mean) and male-to-female ratio was 3:1. General age group is of 21.2% (15 years). On comparison of sexes male were of 27% and female 73%. The management challenges encountered included suboptimal diagnostic facilities and high clinic default rate.

Hyperthyroidism was the most common form of thyroid disorders observed and patients with thyroid disorders tended to present late. Suboptimal diagnostic facility and high clinic default rate were the principal management challenges encounterd.