DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i09.012

Pages: 3242-3247

Hypothyroidism is a common problem; it causes symptoms that reduce the functional status and quality of life. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) describes a situation in which thyroid function is only mildly decreased, where the blood level of thyroxine remains within the normal range, but the TSH level in the blood is raised, which indicates mild thyroid failure or impending thyroid failure. Various causes are responsible for this type of medical scenario but the most common cause is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis followed by iodine deficiency, radiation therapy to head and neck region, use of drugs like lithium, amiodarone and unexplainable causes. Prevalence of SCH amounts to approximately 5-10%, being more frequent in women and with increasing prevalence with advancing age. Earlydiagnosis & treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism may prevent the onset of overt hypothyroidism and its associated effects. Our aim was to study the clinical spectrum of subclinical hypothyroidism and its management. All cases are diagnosed to have subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH > 4.0μIU/ml and normal T3, T4 Levels. This study was conducted over a period of one year; total subjects included were 155 and included patients with ages 18- 77 years. Weight gain is the dominant symptom in majority. Goiter was noted in 19 subjects. The patients with subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH level above 10 mIU/L should be managed with low dose thyroxine with proper follow up in order to minimize thyroid deficient related symptoms and signs.