PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF THYROID DISORDERS BY AGE AND GENDER IN A PAKISTANI POPULATION: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Thyroid disorders, Prevalence, Age and gender, Pakistani population, Retrospective study
Abstract
Background: The thyroid gland produces hormones vital for metabolic rate, growth, and development, influencing functions such as digestion, cardiovascular health, and brain development. Thyroid disorders, including autoimmune conditions like primary hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, pose significant public health challenges globally, with prevalence rates of 5% to 10%. In Pakistan, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism rates are reported at 4.1% and 5.1%, respectively.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the clinical profile of thyroid dysfunction concerning age and gender.
Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted from April to December 2020 at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi, Pakistan. Patient records of thyroid profiles (TSH, T3, and T4) were analyzed according to American Thyroid Association guidelines, utilizing R Studio (2024.04.0).
Results: The sample included 290 males and 1,050 females, with mean ages of 38.84 ± 16.02 years for males and 37.30 ± 12.65 years for females. Euthyroidism was the most prevalent condition (54%), more common in males (57%) than females (53%). Hyperthyroidism was more prevalent in females (22% vs. 14% in males), while overt hypothyroidism was higher in males (3.4% vs. 1.3% in females). Significant differences in thyroid disorder prevalence by gender and age were noted (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted screening and tailored treatment strategies, particularly for older males at heightened risk for severe thyroid conditions.
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Dr. Amtul Quddos Latif
Associate Professor Pathology, Main Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Kauser Saldera
Professor Physiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Erum Amir
Assistant Professor Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMDC), Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Shayan Zufishan
Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMDC), Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Rabia Arshad
Professor of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences
Dr. Samira Azim
Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMDC), Karachi, Pakistan