2023: Thyroid Disorders in Nalgonda District

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Akinepalli P, Badam A, Vithpala P, Bandaru AK - "Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders in and around Nalgonda District, Telangana, India: A Cross-sectional Study" Natl J Lab Med. 12(1):BO20-BO24 (2023) doi:10.7860/NJLM/2023/59070.2694. PFPC Library
The study used a TSH reference range for euthyroidism of 0.35-4.94 µIU/mL, which is higher than the upper limit typically accepted in many other regions or guidelines. This broader range likely resulted in an underestimation of the incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism, suggesting that its actual prevalence was significantly higher than reported.

Additionally, several references cited in the study are either incorrect or fail to adequately support the conclusions drawn. This raises concerns about the reliability and validity of the findings and interpretations presented in the study.

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Among endocrine disorders, thyroid disorders are the most common. Long-term and excessive intake of fluoride plays a significant role in the development of thyroid disorders. Nalgonda is one of the highly drought-prone districts in Southern India, with groundwater containing 10 to 15 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride, far exceeding the maximum permitted level of 1.5 ppm. The entire Nalgonda division is under the threat of fluorosis due to the high concentration of fluoride in drinking water.

Aim:

To assess the prevalence of thyroid disorders in and around areas of Nalgonda district, Telangana, India.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Nalgonda, Telangana, India, from December 2021 to May 2022. A total of 391 subjects attending the Outpatient Department (OPD) of General Medicine, Nalgonda, were included in the study. Samples were analyzed for thyroid function tests (total T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone) using the chemiluminescence immunoassay method on an Abbott Architect ci4100 automated analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and results were expressed as prevalence percentages, mean ± standard deviation (SD).

Results:

The mean age of participants was 39.5 ± 20.506 years. Out of the total participants, 273 (69.8%) were euthyroid, while 118 (30.2%) had thyroid disorders. Among the 30.2% with thyroid disorders, 32 (8.2%) were hypothyroid, 19 (4.9%) were hyperthyroid, 54 (13.8%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, and 13 (3.3%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of thyroid disorders was higher in females compared with males, with a ratio of 3:1, with females contributing to the major disease burden.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of thyroid disorders in this study was 30.2%, with a higher disease burden observed in females. Subclinical hypothyroidism contributed the most to the overall disease burden.