Prevalence of Subclinical Thyroid Disorders in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Saif Elden B. Abdalla, Muntaser Mohammed Fadoul Alhassen, Mohamed Mubark Almaki, Mohamed H. Abdelrahman, Nusayba Abdelrhman Alagab, Badreldin S. R. Ahmed

Abstract: Background and Aims: Subclinical thyroid disease or subclinical thyroid dysfunction which defined as abnormal thyrotropin level (thyroid stimulating hormone: TSH) and normal serum-free thyroxin level (FT4) is a common health problem all over the world. The epidemiological data of subclinical thyroid disorders are still missing among populations in some different region of Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical thyroid disease among Saudi population in Jazan region, the southwestern, Saudi Arabia. Methods: We review the data of 100 patient that visited private laboratory in Jazan region over the last two years and selected all those who had thyroid function test recorded in their laboratory data (TSH, FT4, and FT3). Result: Of the 100 study subject with no history of thyroid disease, the patterns of thyroid dysfunction were as follows: 10% had subclinical hypothyroidism and 8% subclinical hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is high in female (12%) than male (8%) and also in subclinical hyperthyroidism is high among female than male (10% in female while it is 6% in male). Conclusion and Recommendation: Subclinical thyroid dysfunction is more prevalent among population in Jazan region and being more in female than male so it is very important to physician or clinician to be aware of subclinical thyroid disease especially among healthy female.

Keywords: Subclinical, TSH, FT4, FT3 Prevalence, Screening