THYROID FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS ADMITTED IN MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the thyroid hormone levels in patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) for various critical medical conditions. Methods: This was a prospective and observational study conducted in the department of medicine of a tertiary care medical college. One hundred and twenty patients admitted in medical ICU for various medical conditions were included in this study on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A detailed history with respect to demographic details such as age, gender, and body mass index was noted. APACHE II score of the patients were noted with an objective to assess the severity of the illness. The incidence of thyroid function abnormalities as well as the analysis of patients’ outcome in terms of thyroid function abnormalities was determined. p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Out of these 120 patients, there were 78 (65%) were males and 42 (35%) were females with a M: F ratio of 1:1.0.53. The mean age of patients was found to be 44.52±11.27 years. The most common indication for admission was diabetic ketoacidosis (23.33%) followed by stroke (15.00%) and renal failure (11.67%). Thyroid function abnormalities were seen in 26 (21.67%) patients. These abnormalities were seen in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (4.17%), congestive cardiac failure (4.17%), stroke (3.33%), renal failure (2.50%), hypertensive crisis, and multiorgan dysfunction (2.50%). Mortality was found to be significantly high in patients having thyroid function abnormalities as compared to those who had normal thyroid function. Conclusion: Thyroid function abnormalities are common in patients admitted in ICU and are associated with adverse outcome.