The Frequency of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Obese Children and Adolescents and Its Relationship with Metabolic Parameters and Atherogenic Index

OBJECTIVE: The effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on glucose and lipid metabolism in obese children is controversial. This study aims to compare cardiovascular risk factors in obese patients with or without subclinical hypothyroidism and determine the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in obese children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1130 obese children and adolescents aged 6–18 years were included in this single-center cross-sectional study. Metabolic parameters such as thyrotropin, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, atherogenic index, and lipids were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups—subclinical hypothyroidism group (free thyroxine normal, thyroid-stimulating hormone 5.5–10 mIU/L) (n = 59) and the control group (free thyroxine normal, thyroid-stimulating hormone < 5 mIU/L) (n = 1071). RESULTS: Subclinical hypothyroidism was detected in 59 (5.2%) of 1130 patients. The mean body mass index was similar in both groups. The mean serum insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, triglyceride, atherogenic index of plasma, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels were higher in the subclinical hypothyroidism group, and the mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was lower than the control group (P = .005, P < .001, P = .028, P < .001, P = .001, P < .001, and P = .018, respectively). While a positive correlation was observed between the thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, and basal cortisol levels, a negative correlation was found between thyroid-stimulating hormone and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Subclinical hypothyroidism can negatively affect the lipid and glucose profile.