Abstract

MARI SILVA, Mª Carolina et al. Hypothyroidism under treatment in the Guadalajara (Spain) health care area: characteristics and prevalence based on the intake of thyroid hormone. Rev Clin Med Fam [online]. 2012, vol.5, n.2, pp.89-96. ISSN 2386-8201.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S1699-695X2012000200003.

Objective. It is our aim to estimate the prevalence of hypothyroidism treated in our health care area from the prescription of thyroid hormone. Likewise, we describe its characteristics and differences on the basis of various socio-demographic factors. Design. Cross sectional descriptive-type study. Location. Guadalajara (Spain) health care area. Participants. Subjects under treatment with levothyroxine for hypothyroidism included on health card throughout the year 2009. Main Measures. Distribution by gender, age and place of residence, after rate adjustment. Other analyzed variables were the type of hypothyroidism, last prescribed dosage and TSH levels, compared according to socio-demographic variables. Results. 3,3% of the population (IC 95%: 3,3-3,4) were treated with levothyroxine (5,8% female y 1,0% male), with the highest rate being seen in women over 65 years old (11,9%). The adjusted rate was 38,8/1000 (IC 95%: 37,7-40,0) for urban areas and 34,6/1000 (IC 95%: 33,4-35,8) for rural areas. Average age 56,6 years (DE: 18,2). An autoimmune origin is assumed in 76% of cases with a recognizable cause, using an average dose of 76,84mcg/day. 76,2% of the patients showed a correct level TSH. Conclusions. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a frequent complaint among Health Centre users and has a chiefly autoimmune origin. Diagnosis is more frequent in females and in older members of the population. TSH figures are usually closely checked. Geographical differences of little significance.

Keywords : Hypothyroidism; Subclinical hypothyroidism; Prevalence; Primary health care; Levothyroxine.

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