A Clinical Study of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Special Reference to Thyroid Function Test and Its Correlation with the Severity of the Disease: A Hospital-based Study

A bstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading global health concern, placing a significant burden on societies and economies worldwide. In India, COPD ranks second in terms of disability-adjusted life years and deaths, according to the Global Burden of Disease report. COPD patients are at increased risk of developing hypothyroidism due to various factors, including severe airflow obstruction, hypoxemia, and corticosteroid use. Respiratory muscle dysfunction can be a consequence of hypothyroidism, affecting patients both with and without COPD. Patients with COPD who suffer from cachexia should have their hyperthyroidism assessed as well. Hyperthyroidism may exacerbate muscle loss already present in COPD patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 113 COPD patients attending the Department of Medicine, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, with a history, signs, and symptoms suggestive of COPD, meeting the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, were included in the study. COPD was diagnosed by spirometry. Routine blood tests such as hemoglobin, total leukocyte count, differential count, random blood sugar, renal function test, liver function test and thyroid function test (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH], freeT3 and freeT4) were done. Results: In our study, we found the correlation between COPD severity and thyroid dysfunction. A negative correlation ( r = −0.4509) between TSH and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) ( P < 0.001) was observed. There is a positive correlation ( r = 0.4168) between FEV1 and FT4 ( P < 0.001). There is a positive correlation ( r = 0.3681) between FEV1 and FT3 ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: In our study, it was found that there is a positive correlation between thyroid dysfunction and COPD. We have categorized the severity of COPD according to the GOLD guidelines, and the various severity levels were correlated with the thyroid function test. There was a positive correlation between the severity of COPD, that is, FEV1, and FT3/FT4, and a negative correlation with TSH. So early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders will lead to better control of COPD.