Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Poorly controlled hypothyroidism is a chronic disease frequently associated with an impaired quality of life (QoL). However, persistent symptoms may be observed in well-controlled hypothyroid patients, impacting their QoL. The aim of our study was to assess the QoL in patients with well-controlled primary hypothyroidism and to evaluate the relationship between the TSH level and the QoL.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of our department in December 2021. Patients with well-controlled primary hypothyroidism (TSH level between 0.35-4.94 mIU/l), and aged less than 65 years were enrolled in this study. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected from medical records. QoL was assessed using the SF36 questionnaire.

Results: Seventy patients (65 women and 5 men) were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was of 51.2 ± 9.6 years. The mean duration of hypothyroidism was of 8.4 ± 6.7 years. Primary hypothyroidism was secondary to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroidectomy, and radioactive iodine therapy in 58%, 23%, and 14% of cases, respectively. The average dose of levothyroxine was of 97.32μg/day (25-225). Mental health score (r=-0.24, P=0.045) and social role functioning score (r=-0.257, P=0.032) were negatively correlated with the TSH level. The QoL was good in 52% of patients and moderate to poor in 48% of patients. The mean TSH level was significantly lower in patients with good QoL than in those with moderate to poor QoL (P=0.024). On the other hand, role limitation due to emotional problems score and the SF36 total score were significantly higher in patients with TSH level < 2.5 mIU/l than in those with a TSH level ≥2.5 mIU/l. A TSH level < 2.5 mIU/l was significantly associated with a better QoL (Odds Ratio=2.83, P=0.035, 95% CI: 1.06-7.58).

Conclusion: In patients with well-controlled primary hypothyroidism, mental health and social role functioning scores were negatively correlated with TSH level. A TSH level < 2.5 mIU/l was positively associated with a better QoL. However, many other factors may impact the QoL of patients with hypothyroidism. Therefore, further studies involving larger sample sizes would be useful to confirm our findings.