Study of the relationship of thyroid status and frailty in older Egyptian men

Abstract

Background This study was conducted in Endocrine and Diabetes Clinic (Cairo University) and National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinal Glands from 2016 to 2017. Aim To recognize the relationship between thyroid status and frailty in older Egyptian men, as distinguishing proof of contrasts in thyroid function as a hazard factor for frailty gives added chances to recognize men in danger of more unfortunate well- being results. Methods The study included 100 geriatric Egyptians men without overt thyroid disorder. All patients were subjected to medical history and physical measurement including assessment of frailty by using FRAIL scale (Fatigue, Résistance, Ambulation, Illnesses and Loss of weight, with frailty represented by the presence of three or more of these elements), free thyroxine level and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Results The average age of the patients was 67.34±3.42 years. of 100 men, four patients were classified as having overt hyperthyroidism, two patients having overt hypothyroidism (2.0%), 10 patients having subclinical hyperthyroidism (10%), one patient with subclinical hypothyroidism (1.0%), and 83 patients were euthyroid (83%), and 40 men were classified as being frail. The authors found a positive correlation of frailty with age (P<0.001). Conclusion There is a statistically significant association of frailty with smoking (P=0.014) and hypertension (P=0.003). There was no factually noteworthy relationship between frailty and thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4, and free T3, and no measurably statistically significant difference between frailty and change in thyroid function (P=0.592).

Keywords

• egyptian men
• frailty
• thyroid disorders