Assessment of thyroid profile and mineral status in patients with hypothyroidism – A hospital based case-control study

Introduction: Thyroid hormones are major contributors to numerous physiological processes in the body. Thyroid disorders are frequently associated with an imbalance in the homeostasis of calcium and phosphorus. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the mineral status of hypothyroid patients and euthyroid controls by determining the serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. The aim is to identify any significant differences in the concentrations of these minerals between hypothyroid individuals and healthy controls, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the potential metabolic disturbances associated with hypothyroidism. Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It involved 35 hypothyroidism cases and 35 euthyroid controls attending the outpatient department, aged 18-45 years. The control group had normal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Free Thyroxine (FT4) levels, while the case group had hypothyroidism, diagnosed by increased TSH levels and decreased FT4. Serum samples were evaluated for TSH, Free Triiodothyronine (FT3), FT4, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in both case and control groups. Results: Serum calcium levels were found to be significantly decreased (p<0.001) and serum magnesium and phosphorus were found to be slightly elevated (p>0.05) in the hypothyroid cases compared to euthyroid controls. Calcium positively correlated with FT3 and negatively correlated with FT4, while phosphorus levels positively correlated with TSH levels and negatively correlated with FT4, calcium, and magnesium levels. Conclusion: Hypothyroid individuals have an altered mineral profile, necessitating comprehensive treatment procedures and monitoring of serum levels. Early assessment of mineral status in terms of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus can aid in the treatment and management of hypothyroidism, preventing further complications.