Altered Iron Metabolism in Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Myth or Reality

Abstract

Introduction: Subclinical hypothyroidism refers to thyroid hormone deficiency in patients who have no apparent clinical features. Both iron deficiency anemia and subclinical hypothyroidism, due to their high prevalence and close interrelation, are significant clinical problems.
 Aims and Objectives: Association of subclinical hypothyroidism and disordered iron metabolism was studied so that better management of iron deficiency could be advised in these patients.
 Materials and Methods: 150 newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroid patients and 150 healthy euthyroid controls were included. Total T3, total T4, TSH, iron, TIBC, transferrin and ferritin were measured. Data was analysed by student‘t’ test and Person’s formula.
 Results: Mean total T3, total T4, iron, TIBC, transferrin and ferritin values of study group were lower than that of control group (p < 0.05). Mean TSH values of study group was higher than that of control group (p < 0.05). Total T4 and T3 were positively correlated with transferrin (p < 0.05). The patients of subclinical hypothyroidism had altered iron metabolism.
 Conclusion: Decreased iron profile in subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly high. It was suggestive to regularly investigate iron profile for early detection and its early management in case of subclinical hypothyroidism.
 Keywords: Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Serum Iron, TIBC, Ferritin, Transferrin