The evaluation of thyroid function tests in patients presenting to the family medicine clinics

Abstract

Aim Publications concerning the effects in society of recommendations regarding iodine supplementation over the last approximately 30 years are inconsistent. In addition to studies suggesting that iodine supplementation is insufficient, others report that it can lead to hyperthyroidism. We planned this study in order to investigate the results of iodine supplementation in our region through the retrospective screening of records of patients presenting to the family medicine clinics.Methods This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Five hundred seventy-two patients undergoing TSH and free T3 and free T4 measurement were included. All numerical data were categorized and expressed as number and percentage and then subjected to chi square analysis.Results Free T3 and free T4 values were within reference ranges at a level of almost 100%. However, only 85% of TSH values were within references ranges, and 12.9% were low.Conclusion The suppression of TSH values in this study shows an increased predisposition to subclinical hyperthyroidism. In the light of these findings, hyperthyroidism must be carefully monitored in addition to hypothyroidism in the approach to thyroid diseases.

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