Evaluation of the Effects of Thyroid Functions on Frailty in Geriatric Patients Using the Edmonton, SOF and FRAIL Scales

Abstract Background and rationale:Thyroid dysfunction in elderly individuals often mimics signs of aging,impacting metabolism and body balance,yet the connection between thyroid function and frailty levels remains underresearched despite numerous studies on age-related chronic conditions Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various thyroid states on frailty in individuals aged 65 and older.This investigation included analyzing TSH, fT3, fT4 and anti-TPO.The correlation of these thyroid states with chronic diseases,sociodemographic factors and optimal TSH levels in relation to frailty was also examined using the SOF,Edmonton and FRAIL scale Methods:This study included 220 elderly patients (150 women,70 men)who either received thyroid treatment or were untreated but who hadthyroid dysfunction. Comprehensive geriatric assessments were conducted,including recording medical history and demographic data and conducting thyroid function tests.Frailty was evaluated using the SOF,Edmonton and FRAIL scales Results:The participants had a median age of 73 years, with 68.2% women. Frailty was notably more prevalent among patients with abnormal TSH levels (outside the 0.5-6 mIU/L range).Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant differences in parameters across TSH categories.Key findings included a greater likelihood of frailty on the SOF scale with increased odds in anti-TPO-positive patients and significant differences in fT3 levels and fT3/fT4 ratios between frailty groups according to the EFS and FRAIL scales Conclusion:This study revealed the impact of thyroid function on frailty, particularly considering fT3 levels and the fT3/fT4 ratio as indicators.Optimal TSH levels reduced frailty, while abnormal levels increased it,notably on the SOF scale.Additionally,comorbidities,thyroid medication,sex,age and education were also influential factors in frailty assessment