Subclinical Hypothyroidism among Patients with COVID-19 Infection in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Hypothyroidism occurs as a consequence of chronic autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland, which occurs due to the reduced function in the secretion of thyroid hormones. The coronavirus disease infection has shown many complications in all organic systems, during the acute phase of infection and in the post-COVID-19 period. SARS-CoV-2 may induce thyroid dysfunction that is usually reversible, including subclinical and atypical thyroiditis. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism among patients with COVID-19 infection in a tertiary care centre. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Internal Medicine of a tertiary care centre from 1 September 2022 to 28 February 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Research and Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 15-079/080). Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. RESULTS: Among 38 patients with COVID-19, subclinical hypothyroidism was seen among 23 (60.53%) (44.99-76.07, 95% Confidence Interval). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism among COVID-19 patients was found to be similar to other studies done in similar settings.