Study of iron in hypothyroidism and Grave's hyperthyroidism as compared to euthyroidism in Northern Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Iron metabolism has an intricate relationship with thyroid metabolism. The deficiency of one parameter affects the other. Iron is an important component of the thyroid peroxidase enzyme and 5'deiodinase, which are integral parts of thyroid metabolism. Aim and Objectives: The study evaluates the status of serum iron, ferritin, and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) in hypothyroidism and Grave's hyperthyroidism with euthyroid subjects as control. Material and Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that included 100 cases of hypothyroidism and 60 cases of Grave's hyperthyroidism compared with 100 euthyroid subjects aged 15-60 years. After detailed case history and examination, the blood samples were collected and analysed the same day for free T3, free T4, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), serum iron, ferritin, and TIBC levels. Results: Compared to euthyroid subjects, patients with clinical hypothyroidism had statistically significant (p<0.05) lower levels of iron and ferritin levels with higher levels of TIBC, while patients with Grave's hyperthyroidism had statistically significant (p<0.05) higher levels of ferritin and iron levels with lower levels of TIBC. Conclusion: Our study found a strong relationship between the iron profile and the thyroid profile. The deficiency of one parameter will affect the other.

Keywords

• iron
• ferritin
• total iron binding capacity
• hypothyroidism
• grave's hyperthyroidism