Abstract

Background: Subclinical thyroid dysfunction (abnormal thyrotropin level and normal serum-free thyroxine level) is a common health problem all over the world. The epidemiological data of subclinical thyroid disorders are still missing among populations in different region of Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical thyroid disease and its risk factors among Saudi population in Al-Baha region, the southwestern, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We reviewed the data of 1000 patients, visiting the central laboratory at Albaha, KSA over the last 8 years, and selected all those who had thyroid function results recorded in their laboratory data (free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone). We examined the laboratory results of the subjects, to assess prevalence of different subclinical thyroid disturbances, in regards to the laboratory standard results. We also analyzed the relationship between abnormal thyroid results and epidemiological data of the studied population.

Results: Of selected 567 subjects, the prevalence of subclinical thyroid disease was 20.3%. The patterns of thyroid dysfunction were as follows, 79.7% were euthyroid, 15.9% had subclinical hypothyroidism and 4.4% had subclinical hyperthyroidism, based on predefined cutoff values of TSH level. The prevalence of subclinical thyroid disease is common among females (13.2% and 3.7%, in subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism respectively).

Conclusion: Subclinical thyroid disease is more prevalent among populations in Al- Baha region, being more prevalent in women than in men. A physician should be aware of screening for subclinical thyroid disease, especially among elderly females with nonspecific symptoms.

Keywords: Subclinical; TSH; FT4; Thyroid disease; Prevalence; Saudi Arabia; Screening