Do TSH levels in euthyroid patients have an impact on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: Our objective in this study was to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in two different group of patients who had a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level within normal limits. Material and Method: Three hundred and ffty patients, who presented to Aksaray Public Hospital, Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases Outpatient clinic and who had no thyroid disease, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to TSH levels. Group 1 had a TSH level of <2.5 mIU/L and group 2 had a TSH level of >2.5 mIU/L. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and lipid parameters were investigated in both groups. Results: A total of 350 patients were included in the study. Group 1 included 229 (65.5%) patients and group 2 included 121 (34.5%) patients. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 112/229 (48%) in group 1 and 55/121 (45%) in group 2. There was no statistically signifcant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). FT3 level was found to be positively correlated with hip circumference (r=0.10, p=0.04), weight (r=0.12; p=0.016) and waist circumference (r=0.13; p=0.014). FT4 level was found to be positively correlated with height (r=0.12, p=0.02). Discussion: TSH level was not found to be correlated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (p>0.05). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be similar in both groups.