Pattern of Thyroid Disorders at a Tertiary Hospital in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Disorders of the thyroid gland may be structural or functional with the functional abnormalities resulting from hypersecretion and hyposecretion of thyroid hormones. Subclinical forms which are mild forms of thyroid disorders can also occur, with euthyroid goitre and thyroid cancers being encountered often. Abnormalities of the thyroid gland are associated with clinical consequences and their pattern and prevalence in a particular area depends on the presence or absence of iodine in the diet. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among patients presenting for the first time with any form of thyroid disorder to the medical and surgical out-patient departments of the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Patients were recruited consecutively using a structured questionnaire after consent was obtained. Results: The study had more females (81; 95.3%) with the female to male ratio of 20:1. The age range of the study population was 18-78 years (mean ± SD = 42±13 years). Thyroid disorders seen in this study included euthyroid goitre in 45 (52.9%) persons, hyperthyroidism in 36 (42.4%) persons, hypothyroidism in 2 (2.4%) persons, subclinical hyperthyroidism in 1 (1.2%) person and thyroid cancer in 1 (1.2%) person. The common clinical presentations among persons with hyperthyroidism were palpable goitre in 32 (88.9%) persons and palpitation in 30 (83.3%) persons. Conclusion- Euthyroid goitre is the most common thyroid disorder in this study which may be an indication of iodine deficiency in our environment. We suggest that the populace be educated on the importance of eating iodine fortified food.