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BACKGROUND Thyroid hormone is known to regulate metabolisms which are an integral part of normal growth and development. It affects key metabolisms involved in energy storage and expenditure. We wanted to study the correlation of thyroid function test with metabolic markers. METHODS After appropriate clearance from Human Institutional Ethics Committee and proper permission from author of article by Dr Sindhu et al, the secondary, blinded data was adopted for this study. This is an observational, cross-sectional retrospective study. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and lipid and thyroid profile were analysed in overnight fasting sample. As per our inclusion and exclusion criteria 120 of 253 subjects included in primary study were recruited in our study. Statistical analysis was done in Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS software version 16.0. ATP III criteria were used as a benchmark for metabolic syndrome markers. RESULTS Our study suggests that prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was higher in young South Indian women and it significantly correlated with the markers of metabolic syndrome like BMI, waist circumference, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and systolic blood pressure. TSH values strongly correlated with BMI and LDL values. FT4 values correlated well with LDL. CONCLUSIONS High TSH and lower thyroxine values in blood can be a marker associated with metabolic syndrome. Our study suggests routine screening for thyroid status and lipid profile in young females to categorize them as high risk for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity along with anthropometric measurements. The study can be continued by long term follow up of the study subjects and correlation of these study subjects into mid or old age can give significant information of their cardiac status at that age. Counseling on appropriate diet and lifestyle modification may be beneficial for young people categorized as high risk to reduce the cardiovascular mortality later in life. KEYWORDS Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Free Thyroxine, BMI, Lipid Profile

BACKGROUND Subclinical thyroid disorders with altered Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level, yet normal circulating levels of free thyroid hormones (FT4) include subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of subclinical thyroid disorders is found to be increasing in our country and subclinical hypothyroidism is known to be linked with hypercholesterolemia. Hence, we intend to find the prevalence of subclinical thyroid diseases and its association with lipid profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was done on 253 female medical students of PES institute of medical Sciences and research who were willing to participate in the study. Free T4 (FT4) and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels were estimated by Enzyme Linked Immuno-Fluorescent Assay (ELFA). Lipid Profile of the subjects including total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, HDL, LDL, VLDL was estimated using VITROS instrument. Based on the levels of TSH and FT4 the students were categorized as euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroid and subclinical hyperthyroid. RESULTS The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism was found to be 8.3% and 1.58% respectively among the study population. A statistically significant decrease in FT4 levels as the TSH levels increased was seen. As the TSH value increased, HDL levels significantly decreased, and the LDL levels were found to be increased significantly. CONCLUSION Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is found to be high in our study. The students with subclinical hypothyroidism were found to have significantly increased levels of LDL and decreased levels of HDL, which is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, hypertension and coronary heart disease. Hence early detection of subclinical thyroid disorders would help us prevent the individual from developing the overt disease and its complications.

BACKGROUND Thyroid dysfunction is very common in India. Among the thyroid disorders, it has been found that there is an increase in prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism rather than Hypothyroidism in India. Although it has been three decades since universal salt iodization program was introduced in our country and a transition from iodine deficient to iodine sufficient state was considered to be attained in our country, the prevalence of thyroid disorders is still found to be increasing. Therefore, we aim to find the prevalence of various thyroid dysfunctions among the young adults so that early intervention can prevent the complications associated with thyroid disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was done on 100 first year medical students of PES institute of medical Sciences and research who were willing to participate in the study. Ethical clearance was taken from the institutional ethical committee. Written consent from the subjects was taken and 5 ml venous blood sample was collected from each subject after an overnight fasting. Free T4 (FT4) and Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were estimated by Enzyme linked immuno-fluorescent assay (ELFA) using Biomeriex VIDAS instrument. Based on the levels of TSH and FT4 the students were categorized as Euthyroid, Hypothyroid, Subclinical Hypothyroid, Hyperthyroid or Subclinical Hyperthyroid. RESULTS Among 100 students involved in our study, 22 were males and 78 were females. 89% of the participants were found to be euthyroid. Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism was 8% and Prevalence of Subclinical Hyperthyroidism was 3%. It was found that all the cases of Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism were females. CONCLUSION Early detection of thyroid disorders especially Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism can prevent the complications associated with it.