LIPID PROFILE AND HIGH SENSITIVITY C- REACTIVE PROTEIN (HS-CRP) IN WOMEN WITH SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM: BEFORE AND AFTER THERAPY

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as an asymptomatic condition with raised levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and normal levels of free thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4). The effect of subclinical hypothyroidism and its therapy on risk factors for cardiovascular disease remains controversial. Objective: To study serum lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) levels in women with subclinical hypothyroidism, before and after therapy. Methods: For this study, 50 newly diagnosed and untreated subclinical hypothyroid (SCH) female patients between the age group 18-45 years and age matched 50 healthy euthyroid female volunteers as controls were selected and enrolled in the study. Serum lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) were evaluated in controls and in cases, before and after therapy (irrespective of therapy). Results: Total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol, triglyceride (TG) and HS-CRP levels were significantly increased whereas HDL- C was found to be decreased in the SCH group as compared to the control group. TSH was significantly positively correlated with total cholesterol, LDL-C, TG, and negatively correlated with HDL-C in SCH patients. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, TG and HS-CRP levels were significantly decreased, and HDL-C level was found to be increased in SCH patients after therapy as compared to before therapy. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia and a state of low-grade inflammation as indicated by elevated levels of HS-CRP starts in the early stages of hypothyroidism predicting an increased risk of CVD. Early screening and proper treatment may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve the quality of life in these patients.