Prevalence of Hypovitaminosis D in Hypothyroid Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital of Bihar.

Abstract

Background: Globally, hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder linked to metabolic abnormalities, is rising. The association between vitamin D insufficiency and thyroid dysfunction is unclear, but it has been suggested. Indian researchers, especially in Bihar, where hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency are common, need to study the relationship.

Objective: At Patna's Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), researchers investigated whether hypothyroid patients' vitamin D levels affected thyroid function. We measured free thyroxine (FT3), free ferritin (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Methods: A six-month hospital-based cross-sectional observational study included 75 hypothyroid patients aged 18–70. Patient data came from outpatient and inpatient departments. Morning blood samples (10 ml) were taken to test Vitamin D and thyroid function (FT4, FT3, TSH, and anti-TPO). Statistical analysis included correlation and association tests such as Chi-square and t-tests.

Results: Among the 75 participants, 58% had a deficiency in Vitamin D, 34% had insufficiency, and only 8% had sufficient Vitamin D levels. An important positive correlation was found among low Vitamin D levels and elevated TSH (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher anti-TPO antibody levels were found in Vitamin D deficient patients, suggesting a potential autoimmune link. Deficiency of Vitamin D was more predominant amongst those with more severe hypothyroidism.

Conclusion: The outcomes of this study recommend an important association between hypothyroidism and Vitamin D deficiency. Routine Vitamin D screening in hypothyroid-affected people may be beneficial, especially in regions with a high incidence of deficiency.