Endocrine Abstracts

Background

The thyroid gland helps regulate the calcium levels in the body. It produces the hormone calcitonin that works by decreasing the available amount calcium in the bloodstream. When the thyroid gland is disrupted, calcium concentrations in the body can be affected as well. It is important that those with thyroid disorders be treated to prevent the effects of hipocalcemia.

Aim

The objective of this study were the measure the serum calcium level in patients with thyroid diseases.

Material and methods

The study includes 110 persons who came to our outpatient service for thyroid diseases from September 2020 to December 2020. Among them 85.4% were female and 14.6% were male. Was measured total calcium level, TSH, freeT4, freeT3, and ultrasound thyroid, total bilirubin, ALT, AST, total protein. The level of calcium was measured with the photometer method. Normal range of calcium 8.5-10.5 mg/dl.

Results

According to thyroid function in 62.7% were determined euthyroid goiter (TSH 1.77 mIU/l), in 12% hyperthyroidism (TSH 0.1 mIU/l), in 9% Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (TSH 10 mIU/l and high levels of antithyroid antibodies) and 16.3% normale people. Low calcium levels were found in 12 patient with euthyroid goiter, the average value of calcium was 7.9 + 0.35 S.D., (min = 7.1 mg/dl, max = 8.4 mg/dl), in 6 patient whith hyperthyroidism, the average value was 8.1 + 0.33 S.D., (min = 7.4 mg/dl, max = 8.4 mg/dl), in 4 normale people, the average value was 8.22 + 0.14 S.D., (min = 8.0 mg/dl, max = 8.4 mg/dl), in 1 patient with Hashimito’s thyroiditis. The average level of calcium it was not comparable between the groups. Lower calcium levels than the norm was more in individuals with euthyroid goiter than in hyperthyroidism, and normale people. There were no significant differences in blood total bilirubin, ALT, AST and total protein.

Conclusion

There was low calcium levels in patient with thyroid diseases when compared to normale people. The number of people with low calcium level was twice high in euthyroid goiter compared to hyperthyroidism, three times higher compared to normale people.

Keywords

Total calcium level, euthyroid goiter, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.