Study To Assess Serum Homocysteine Levels in Patients with Hypothyroidism

Abstract Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient thyroid hormone production, resulting in the slowing of metabolic processes. Elevated homocysteine levels have been observed in patients with hypothyroidism and are recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Objective: To assess serum homocysteine levels in patients with hypothyroidism Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at K.P.S. Post Graduate Institute of Medicine, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur. A total of 280 newly diagnosed hypothyroid patients aged 18 years and above were enrolled. Inclusion criteria required TSH levels above 5 mU/L. Patients with conditions affecting homocysteine metabolism, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, or those with a history of stroke, were excluded. Serum homocysteine levels were measured using photometry). Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, with results presented through tables and graphs. Results: The mean age of study participants was 40.57 ± 13.26 years, with a female predominance (86.4%). Serum homocysteine levels were found to be elevated in 58.2% of participants. Homocysteine levels did not show significant age-dependent variations (p = 0.08), nor were there significant gender-based differences (p = 0.50) A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.3084, p < 0.00001) was observed between serum TSH and serum homocysteine levels, indicating that increased TSH levels were associated with higher homocysteine levels. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant association between elevated homocysteine levels and hypothyroidism, suggesting that hypothyroid patients are at increased risk for cardiovascular complications.