Research on the correlation between uric acid levels and thyroid nodules and gender differences

Objective To explore the correlation between thyroid nodules and uric acid levels and to find their gender differences. Methods A total of 68 056 subjects in a regional medical physical examination center of Shanxi Province from January 2013 to June 2015 were enrolled in this study. All the participants′ general information and parameters were recorded. Thyroid nodules were detected by color Doppler ultrasonography. Results The total prevalence of thyroid nodule was 35.5%, 30.7% in males and 40.0% in females. The prevalence of single nodule was 50.1%, and multiple 49.9%. Compared with no nodule group, thyroid nodule group tended to be older, with higher BMI, and with a worse metabolic status(all P<0.01). The uric acid levels were lower[(352.37±78.14 vs 357.70±77.51) μmol/L, P<0.01] in thyroid nodule group in male and higher[(260.22±61.91 vs 253.91±59.18) μmol/L, P<0.01] in female. Conclusion Thyroid nodules may be associated with metabolism and inflammation. In males, hyperuricemia group had lower, while in females, hyperuricemia ones were with a higher prevalence of thyroid nodules. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2017, 33: 377-381) Key words: Thyroid nodule; Uric acid; Metabolic disorder; Gender difference