Study of Thyroid Profiles in the Elderly

Abstract

Background: Advanced age is associated with changes in the pituitary thyroid axis which lead to changes in the thyroid functions in the absence of thyroid diseases. There is limited data regarding the prevalence of thyroid disease in the elderly Egyptian. It is very important to evaluate the thyroid function in the elderly people. Methods: 126 asymptomatic volunteers (41 males & 85 females) were initially interviewed and examined, and those fulfilling the clinical inclusion criteria were selected. Serum samples were taken and free T3, free T4 and TSH were measured. Results: Our study showed that the thyroid function abnormalities were present in 20 subjects (15.9%). The prevalence rates of thyroid function abnormalities occurred in 8 males (19.5%) and 12 females (14.1%). Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid dysfunction which occurred in in 11 subjects (8.7%) 8 females, with prevalence rate of 9.4% in the females and in 3 males with prevalence rate of 7.3%. Subclinical hyperthyroidism was the second most common thyroid abnormality which occurred in 5 subjects (4%) with 7.3% in males (3 males)) and 2.4% in females (2 females). The prevalence rate of clinical hypothyroidism was (1.6%) (2 females) and in males 0%., and of clinical hyperthyroidism was (1.6%) 2 males and no female. According to the age group, thyroid dysfunction as general occurred in 20 subjects (23.5%) in those people < 70 years, and (0%) in those ≥ 70 years, with significant p-value <