Association between subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic disorders: A retrospective chart review study in an emerging university hospital

BACKGROUND: Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as an increase in serum levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) above the normal range, without alteration of total T4 concentrations that is reported to have association with various metabolic conditions. The study aimed to investigate any association between subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic disorders in Al Kharj city. METHODS: This is a cross‐sectional study that included review of patients’ charts from prince Sattam bin Abdul‐Aziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, from August 1 to November 30, 2016. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were obtained as frequencies. Pearson chi‐square analysis was used to assess any differences between disease status and study variables. P‐value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The mean age was 30.65 ± 13.3 with a female predominance. The average BMI was 29.5 ± 7.71; 46 (11.5%) had hypertension, 52 (46.8%) had diabetes, 173 (44%) had anemia, and 192 (56%) had vitamin D deficiency. Due to increased TSH levels, male gender had higher prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism with P‐value < 0.001 and 0.011, respectively. CONCLUSION: Subclinical hypothyroidism is a significant topic worldwide whose prevalence is rising. In this study, we could not find any significant association between subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic disorder. Further longitudinal studies with large sample size are needed to study this association.