Subclinical hypothyroidism as the main thyroid function disorder in outpatients treated at a primary-level laboratory, Riobamba - Ecuador

Abstract

Introduction: Thyroid function disorders occur when the thyroid gland (small butterfly-shaped gland) does not produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormones. Likewise, it occurs when an abnormal growth progresses and forms a lump or nodule. This affects a variety of metabolic processes, influencing the concentration and activity of various enzymes, substrates, vitamins, and mineral metabolism. Objective: The objective of this work is to categorize the different disorders of thyroid function, to determine their prevalence depending on age and sex, through an analysis of laboratory results performed on outpatients treated in a first-class laboratory. level in the city of Riobamba during the year 2022. Methodology: A retrospective, descriptive and quantitative approach was used, with a design based on secondary sources. The results of thyroid tests such as Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4) and Thyrotropin (TSH) were tabulated and analyzed in relation to the established reference values, considering the age and sex of the patients. The sample included 460 results from outpatients treated at the first-level laboratory in Riobamba during 2022. The prevalence of thyroid disorders was categorized to evaluate its association with demographic variables, identifying the most significant risk factors. Results: The analysis revealed that 192 patients with some thyroid pathologies were registered, of which 130 women and 62 men presented some type of thyroid disorder. It could be observed that the most prevalent thyroid disease was subclinical hypothyroidism, widely followed by primary hypothyroidism, closely followed by subclinical hyperthyroidism, and finally by non-thyroidal disease and primary hyperthyroidism, respectively. Conclusion: The study did not find a significant difference in thyroid tests between males and females. Nor was a significant difference found in thyroid tests between young patients and older adult patients. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common disorder, suggesting the need for additional research to explore the underlying causes of the high prevalence of thyroid disorders in this region, including longitudinal studies to evaluate the evolution of these pathologies and the effectiveness of specific therapeutic interventions.