Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunctions are relatively common presentations in Endocrine Practice. They are second to diabetes mellitus (DM) among endocrine disorders. However, management often involves the endocrinologists and surgeons.

Aims: The aim of this review is to determine the spectrum of thyroid disorders and the pattern of presentation seen in our hospital.

Method: It is a five (5) years study (June 2004–April 2009) that looked at the records of patients presenting with thyroid disorders in the medicine and surgery departments. The review excluded the pediatrics and obstetrics and gynaecology departments.

Results: Ninety-two case notes out of one hundred and one patients with thyroid disorders were reviewed. Females were 79 (85.9%) and males 13 (14.1%). Female to male ratio was 6:1. Age range 40–60 years has highest number of cases, 44 cases (47.8%) followed by the age range 21–40 years, 39 cases (42.4%). The general age range was between 17 and 79 years with mean age of 41.1 years. However female age range was between 17 and 79 years while male age range was 29 and 71 years showing that females present earlier. Osun state has largest number of cases, 37 patients (40.2%) followed by Ondo, 25 (27.1%) patients and Ekiti, 9 patients (9.8%) in that order. Of the occupation group of those that presented, traders had highest number with 41cases (44.5%) followed by civil servants 24 cases (26.1%).

The commonest symptom at presentation was anterior neck swelling, 89 cases (96.7%) while 6 cases (6.5%) presented with proptosis, palpitation and other thyrotoxic features. Simple multinodular goitre is the commonest thyroid disorder at diagnosed with 76 cases (82.6%).

Conclusion: Simple multinodular goitre is the commonest form of thyroid disorders presenting in our hospital.