Endocrine Abstracts

Adjara is a region in Georgia with high level at iodine deficiency.

The aim of the present work was to study the subclinical dysfunctions of thyroid gland in women older than 40 years whose thyroid state hadn’t been examined before.

Materials and Methods: From 1998 to 2005 693 women aged 40–78 had been examined. Primary examination was done by different specialists.

All women were tested on thyreotropic hormone (TSH) by means of immunodiagnostic unit “Digiscan SD-1000” (AUSTRIA). Examination of thyroid gland on the unit Philips SD-800 was done to estimate the volume and echological structure.

The Patients with raised level of TSH (more then 4.1) and lowered of THS (less 0.3) had undergone additional testing on free T₄ and titers of antibodies to thyreoglobulin and thyreoperoxidase.

All patients were divided according to their age. The 1st group=n 372 from 10 to 55 (average age 44+1.3) and the 2nd group n=321 from 56 to 78 (average age 61.5+2.3).

Results: High frequency of subclinical hyporthyreosis has been found in women from the first group 7.9% as well as in the second group −17.7%. Higher frequency of subclinical hypothyreosis was associated with the older age (P<0.001).

In the first group the level of subclinical thyreotoxicosis was lower - 2.2% and in the second group −4.1%. Higher frequency of subclinical hypothyreosis was associated with the older age as well.

Conclusion: The results indicate that in older age group subclinical hypothyreosis is present more frequently than in younger population. It is reasonable to continue the study.