Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common condition affecting 7.5–8.5% of women and 2.8–4.4% of men. Overt hypothyroidism is characterized by dyslipidemia, however the controversy persists regarding the lipids level in subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and its clinical significance. Recent evidence also shows that T4 replacement therapy may improve lipid profile.

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in subclinical hypothyroidism, to the best of our knowledge; this is the first study to assess dyslipidemia among patients with subclinical hypothyroidism in Duhok, Iraq.

Methods: This is a case-control study, consisted of a total 120 individuals, the case group composed of 60 patients diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, while control group composed of 60 healthy individuals (matched for age and gender). The study conducted at the endocrine clinic at Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region, Iraq from from 1st June 2016 to 1st June 2017.

Results: Dyslipidemia was much more prevalent in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism in comparison to control group (P value<0.001). In further analysis of dyslipidemia total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were statistically higher among cases in comparison to controls (P value <0.001) for both. LDL level was higher among cases in comparison to controls; however it didn’t reach statistical significance (P value of 0.087). While there was significant difference regarding HDL level among female gender cases and Controls (P value of 0.003), there was no significant difference regarding difference in HDL level among male gender cases and Controls (P value is 0.653).

Conclusion and recommendations: SCH is considered atherogenic condition as it increases dyslipidemia and it increases overall cardiovascular risk. It’s reasonable to assess lipid profile and CVS risk in these patients and to treat with levothyroxine when it’s clinically applicable.