A Study on Correlation of Thyroid Profile with the Components of Metabolic Syndrome

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome and sub-clinical/overt thyroid dysfunction are independent risk factors, in the genesis of cardiovascular diseases. Hence, it is plausible that persons affected with both these conditions, could have more than additive hazard. This study is a step towards ascertaining the possible positive link of thyroid dysfunction with the components of MetS. In this study, TSH has been used as the prime indicator of thyroid dysfunction, as it increases before the elevation of FT4 and also before clinical manifestation. OBJECTIVES: 1. To find out the type of thyroid dysfunction in metabolic syndrome. 2. To find out the association of thyroid dysfunction with the components of metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Source of Data: Patients attending OPD of Dept. of Internal Medicine, Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, who are being diagnosed as metabolic syndrome and fulfill inclusion and exclusion criteria. Method of Collection of Data: Sample Size: 100 subjects with MetS & 50 controls. Sampling Method: Simple random sampling. Inclusion Criteria: Patients fulfilling the criteria for metabolic syndrome by International diabetic foundation [IDF] were taken into study. Patients with metabolic syndrome not on any medications – newly detected metabolic syndrome patients. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Known patients of hypothyroid or sub-clinical hypothyroid or hyperthyroidism, 2. Patients on medications for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid disorders and dyslipidemia, 3. Patients on steroids, 4. Acutely ill patients, 5. Individuals less than 18 years age, who cannot give consent. Method of study: The purpose of the study was explained to the patient and informed consent was obtained. Data was collected using a pretested proforma meeting the objectives of the study. Detailed history and necessary investigations were undertaken. Patients were selected for study who satisfied all the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were diagnosed having metabolic syndrome by the, IDF criteria. DISCUSSION: In our study, of 100 MetS, majority were in the 30-40yrs age group, highlighting the at-risk population. Fast changing food habits and sedentary life style pattern, in the last two decades, could be the answer for this metabolic abnormality. This means, economic backbone of our country, is amidst a crisis regarding to health issues. The prevalence of MetS in women is more than two times, compared to men, in this study. The prevalence of SCH in MetS, was found to be 21%, when compared to only 6% in the control population. This association with SCH, is more frequent among women. Due to increasing sedentary life style changes, the natural immunity against cardiovascular diseases for the women, is at risk. The thyroid dysfunction in MetS, is statistically significantly associated with the serum triglycerides, followed closely by the waist circumference. This association is not found with the other components of MetS. The almost nil difference among the subjects, in regard to HDL, once again reiterates the fact that non-HDL cholesterol has to be closely monitored. Unless, strictly managed this double whammy of SCH and MetS will result in a heavy toll, in our growing economy. Intensive lifestyle, has to be initiated in a much younger population, i.e. school going children. Only this primordial intervention, can produce significant changes, helping to avert this middle-age menace.