Thyroid dysfunction among patients assessed thyroid function tests at a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective study

Abstract Background: Previous studies in African populations have not extensively described the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction using the profile of thyroid hormones. Although iodine deficiency is a common thyroid disorder in Africa, and yet it does not represent the entire the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction seen in patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction among patients seen at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), a tertiary care hospital in Accra, Ghana. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of all consultations on thyroid disorders seen at the Internal Medicine Department of KBTH between January 2019 and December 2021 was conducted. Information on patient demographics, and thyroid hormone profiles (triiodothyronine - FT3, thyroxine - FT4, and thyroid stimulating hormone - TSH) were extracted and subjected to descriptive statistics. Thyroid hormone profiles of subjects were analyzed and classified into thyroid dysfunction categories using guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA). Results: Out of the 215 patients with thyroid disorders enrolled, 85.1% ( n = 183) were females and 14.9% ( n = 32), males. The mean age of patients was 45±14 years, with most of the patients within the age range of 31-50 years (49.3%; n=106). The most reported thyroid function dysfunction was primary hyperthyroidism (57.7%), followed by primary hypothyroidism (22.3%), subclinical hyperthyroidism (9.3%), euthyroid sick syndrome (6.5%), and subclinical hypothyroidism (4.6%) respectively. Conclusion: Primary hyperthyroidism was the most commonly diagnosed thyroid dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism has been linked with cardiac morbidity and mortality. Timely interventions are required to reduce the morbidity risks and burden associated with the hyperthyroid state.