Serum TSH as a Sensitive Indicator of Thyroid Dysfunction in the Rural Population of North Maharashtra

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is a growing public health concern in rural India. Serum TSH is the most sensitive marker for early detection. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity of serum TSH in detecting thyroid dysfunction and its correlation with fT3 and fT4 levels in rural North Maharashtra. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 300 adults attending Government Medical College, Jalgaon. Fasting venous lood samples were assayed for TSH, fT3, and fT4 using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Sensitivity, specificity, and correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: Of 300 participants, 64 (21.3%) had abnormal TSH (elevated ≥4.0 mIU/L in 46 [15.3%]; suppressed <0.4 mIU/L in 18 [6%]). Females constituted 68% of abnormal cases. TSH had a significant inverse correlation with fT4 (r = –0.62, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Serum TSH is a reliable and sensitive screening tool for early detection of thyroid dysfunction in resource-limited rural settings.