ASSOCIATION OF VISCERAL FAT WITH DETERIORATED PULMONARY FUNCTION IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED HYPOTHYROID PATIENTS

Objectives: To assess the pulmonary function and its association with visceral fat in newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients. Materials & methods: The study group subjects were 37 females and the control group subjects (n=37) were age and gender matched healthy volunteers. Pulmonary functions were assessed by computerized spirometer. The readings for Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), Forced expiratory volume percent (FEV1 /FVC%) and Peak expiratory flow (PEF) were noted for participants in both the groups. Body fat assessment was done with Omron HBF 375, a body fat analyzer. Results: The baseline parameters like mean age and height for each group are comparable and there was a significant difference in weight and BMI between the groups (p = 0.000). The pulmonary function test parameters were significantly less in hypothyroid patients when compared to controls (p = 0.000). Further, association between visceral fat pulmonary function test parameters showed negative correlation for (FVC (L): r = - 0.888; p = 0.000), (FEV1 (L): - 0.811; p = 0.000) and (FEV1/FVC (%): r = 0.430; p = 0.008). Conclusion: It is concluded that deteriorated pulmonary function in hypothyroidism is associated with increased visceral fat. Therapeutic interventions like diet, exercise, yoga to reduce visceral fat should be incorporated as part of treatment to improve the pulmonary function.