Abstract 128: Thyroid function abnormalities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection – A cross-sectional study

Background: Thyroid gland expresses ACE-2 receptors. It is thus a potential target for involvement by the COVID virus. Also, the cytokine storm and various drugs used in the treatment for COVID-19 can affect the thyroid function tests. Aim: To study thyroid function abnormalities in hospitalized patients with COVID19 infection. Objective: To study the proportion of patients with thyroid function abnormalities in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection. Results: Total 271 Covid -19 patients were included in the study, of which 27 were asymptomatic, 158 mild, 39 moderate and 47 severe categories classified according to the MOHFW criteria. The mean age was 49 ±17 years, 64.9% were male. Abnormal thyroid function test was present in 37.2% (101/271) patients. Low fT3, low fT4 and low TSH were present in 21.03%, 15.9% and 4.5%, respectively. Mean fT3 and fT3/fT4 ratio decreased with increasing severity of COVID-19 illness (p=0.000). In multivariate analysis, low fT3 was associated with increased risk of mortality (OR 12.36, 95% CI: 1.23-124.19; P=0.033). Conclusion: Low fT3 and fT3/fT4 ratio helps to predicts disease severity. Low fT3 is associated with increased risk of mortality.