Structure of thyroid pathology in young elite athletes according to the results of comprehensive medical examination

Abstract

Objective. To assess the structure of thyroid pathology in young elite athletes, depending on sex and type of sports. Materials and methods. The study included data from outpatient records of members of national sports teams, who underwent a comprehensive medical examination. Data of a random sample of 2307 outpatient records of young athletes in 26 sports were analyzed. Results. The prevalence of thyroid pathology in young elite athletes was 22.5%. Thyroid focal changes were detected in young athletes in 13.74% of cases; chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and subclinical hypothyroidism – in 4.2% and 3.85%, respectively. The frequency of single-node non-toxic goiter was 1.21%. Subclinical hypothyroidism was more often detected in combat and speed-power sports, while thyroid focal changes were more common in cyclic sports, team sports and complex-coordination sports. Nodular goiter was most often diagnosed in athletes engaged in cyclic sports. Conclusion. Young elite athletes are characterized by a high frequency of thyroid diseases. The features of the structure of thyroid pathology in certain sports were revealed. Further studies are needed to identify factors contributing to the development of thyroid diseases in young elite athletes. Key words: children, elite sports, endocrine pathology, thyroid diseases.