Vinay A. V, Santosh Vastrad, Sindhu R, Pramila T, Vastrad B. C, Kavita R, Chandana G, Janakiraman P
BACKGROUND Thyroid dysfunction is very common in India. Among the thyroid disorders, it has been found that there is an increase in prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism rather than Hypothyroidism in India. Although it has been three decades since universal salt iodization program was introduced in our country and a transition from iodine deficient to iodine sufficient state was considered to be attained in our country, the prevalence of thyroid disorders is still found to be increasing. Therefore, we aim to find the prevalence of various thyroid dysfunctions among the young adults so that early intervention can prevent the complications associated with thyroid disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was done on 100 first year medical students of PES institute of medical Sciences and research who were willing to participate in the study. Ethical clearance was taken from the institutional ethical committee. Written consent from the subjects was taken and 5 ml venous blood sample was collected from each subject after an overnight fasting. Free T4 (FT4) and Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were estimated by Enzyme linked immuno-fluorescent assay (ELFA) using Biomeriex VIDAS instrument. Based on the levels of TSH and FT4 the students were categorized as Euthyroid, Hypothyroid, Subclinical Hypothyroid, Hyperthyroid or Subclinical Hyperthyroid. RESULTS Among 100 students involved in our study, 22 were males and 78 were females. 89% of the participants were found to be euthyroid. Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism was 8% and Prevalence of Subclinical Hyperthyroidism was 3%. It was found that all the cases of Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism were females. CONCLUSION Early detection of thyroid disorders especially Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism can prevent the complications associated with it.
