Abstract :
Introduction: Hypothyroidism has been steadily increasing all over the world among all the endocrine
dysfunctions. Subclinical hypothyroidism being more common than overt hypothyroidism, affects 3–15%
of the adult population. Its incidence increases with advanced age, female gender, and increased dietary
iodine intake.
Aims & Objectives: To study the Pulmonary Function Tests in a group of newly diagnosed subclinical
hypothyroid females and to compare the Pulmonary Function Tests in subclinical hypothyroid females
with controls.
Materials and Methods: The present study was undertaken in the Department of Physiology, KIMS,
Hubballi. Thirty females with newly diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism, without any pre-existing cardio
pulmonary disorders in the age group of 20-40 years, residing in and around Hubballi city served as study
subjects. Another group of 30 females, who were similar to study group but healthy persons, were taken
from the staff and friends, served as control group. In the present study Lung function data were collected
using the ndd EasyOn Spirometer (ndd Medical Technologies, Zurich, Switzerland). Clinical, biochemical
& spirometry data were analysed using statistical software, ‘Graphpad – Quickcals’.
Results: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75%, and PEF of spirometry showed significant decrease in
subjects as compared to controls.
Conclusion: In the present study Spirometry changes in subclinical hypothyroidism cases included
significant decrease in the parameters like FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75%, and PEF compared to
controls. This could be because of muscular dysfunction, fatigue and somnolence which have proved to
exist in SCH subjects.
Keyword :
Subclinical hypothyroidism, Thyroid hormones, Spirometry, Lung functions.