Impact of thyroid dysfunction on red cell indices in a Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal.

Abstract

Objective: To see the impact of abnormal secretion of thyroid hormones on red cell indices in patients of thyroid disorders. Study Design: Descriptive Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Pathology, Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal. Period: September 2020 to March 2021. Material & Methods: Two hundred and thirty four (234) patients of thyroid disorders were enrolled in total, out of which 44 were hyperthyroid, 102 were euthyroid and 88 were hypothyroid. Patients of both genders with age limit of 20-60 years were included. Blood samples for CBC and serum TSH were analysed. SPSS 20 was used to analyse data. To analyze significance among various groups of thyroid dysfunction, we applied an independent t-test. Results: The comparison of hyperthyroid and euthyroid groups, showed a statistically significant difference in the RBC count (p=0.043) and hematocrit (p=0.032). Between hyperthyroid and hypothyroid groups a statistically significant difference was also noted in the mean hemoglobin (p=0.036) and hematocrit (p=0.022). Comparison of hypothyroid and euthyroid groups remained statistically non-significant for any of the hematological parameters. Conclusion: A fluctuation in hematological indices is seen due to interrelation between erythropoiesis and thyroid dysfunction, therefore in patients with thyroid disorders, monitoring of hematological parameters should be done.