Clinical Profile of Subclinical Hypothyroidism:A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism occurs due to an under functioning thyroid gland and presents with varied symptoms and signs. Thyroid disorders are common in Indian population and the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is high. Objective: This study intended to assess the clinical profile of patients presenting with subclinical hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study that analyzed the medical records of adult patients diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism for a period of three years. Results: 71 patients within the age range of 18 years to 77 years were diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. Among these 53 (75%) patients had various clinical symptoms. Body pains were the most common symptom (38 %) followed by weight gain(27%) and tiredness (20%). A significant number of patients were obese (25%). Enlarged thyroid(14%) and dyslipidemia (25%) were also recorded. 63 (75%) patients were initiated on low dose levothyroxine. Conclusion: Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism present with varied non-specific clinical symptoms. Treatment with low dose levothyroxine resulted in lowering of serum TSH to normal range and relief of symptoms.