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Hypothyroidism in Adults Early Clinical Presentation in Relation to Age | ||
| Kerbala Journal of Medicine | ||
| Article 1, Volume 2, Issue 3, 2009, Pages 352-356 PDF (0 K) | ||
| Authors | ||
| Karim O. Al-Naffii; Hassan A. A. Nasseralah; Kadhum A. Al-Hillali; Akram F. M. Ali | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Hypothyroidism in adults is not a rare disease but has non –specific clinical presentation which may delay its diagnosis. Objective: the aim of the study is to identify the presenting symptoms of hypothyroidism, their frequency & their relation to age. Patients & Method : All adult patients > over 18 years of age who attended the consultation clinic, in Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital / Karbala, from January 2002 to December 2007 showing clinical features suggestive of hypothyroidism were sent for T3, T4 & TSH. Results: Sixty eight patients were found to have hypothyroidism, 52 females & 16 males (F/M ratio 4.7:1). Seventy percent of the group are less than 55 yr of age, their mean age is 42.3 yr. Malaise & arthralgia were the main complaints especially in those aged 55year & over (69% & 25%) respectively while skin changes were the main early physical signs in those less than 55yr of age (26%). Discussion: Hypothyroidism is a disease which may present in a nonspecific clinical picture such as malaise or fatigability especially in elderly or skin changes in young age group or as menstrual irregularities in young females. Conclusion: High index of suspicion is the main initial tool for diagnosis of hypothyroidism & should be considered in any elderly patient with unexplained malaise or fatigability or in young females with unexplained menstrual irregularities. To look for other physical symptoms & signs in those patients which may mandate sending them for thyroid function test or at least only TSH level. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Hypothyroidism; clinical presentation; elderly | ||
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