A Correlation of Thyroid Function Tests in Metabolic Syndrome Patients and Evaluate its Relationship with its Components: A Case-control Study

Aims and background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, including increased blood pressure, elevated plasma glucose levels, central obesity, and dyslipidemia, which together elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Thyroid hormones, including total triiodothyronine (T3) and total thyroxine (T4), are critical in regulating lipid metabolism and energy expenditure.Growing evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship between dysfunction of the thyroid and MetS.Materials and methods: This observational case-control study was conducted over 12 months, involving 50 individuals diagnosed with MetS and 50 non-obese controls.Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid profile, and thyroid function tests (TFT) were performed on morning blood samples.Ethical approval was obtained, and patient confidentiality was maintained. Results:The study included 50 cases and 50 controls.Patients with MetS had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.The frequency of thyroid dysfunction, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism, was significantly higher in the MetS group.While total T3 and total T4 levels were comparable between the groups, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were markedly elevated in MetS patients compared to controls, indicating a strong association between dysfunction of the thyroid and MetS.Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome patients are at an increased risk of developing thyroid dysfunction, especially subclinical hypothyroidism.Regular screening for thyroid hormone levels, particularly TSH, in individuals with MetS, is recommended to facilitate early diagnosis and management of thyroid dysfunction.