Spirometry in subclinical hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism has been steadily increasing all over the world among all the endocrinedysfunctions. 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 dietaryiodine intake.Aims & Objectives: To study the Pulmonary Function Tests in a group of newly diagnosed subclinicalhypothyroid females and to compare the Pulmonary Function Tests in subclinical hypothyroid femaleswith 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 cardiopulmonary disorders in the age group of 20-40 years, residing in and around Hubballi city served as studysubjects. Another group of 30 females, who were similar to study group but healthy persons, were takenfrom the staff and friends, served as control group. In the present study Lung function data were collectedusing 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 insubjects as compared to controls.Conclusion: In the present study Spirometry changes in subclinical hypothyroidism cases includedsignificant decrease in the parameters like FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25-75%, and PEF compared tocontrols. This could be because of muscular dysfunction, fatigue and somnolence which have proved toexist in SCH subjects.Keywords: Subclinical hypothyroidism, Thyroid hormones, Spirometry, Lung functions.