Abbott India’s Thyroid Epidemiological Study has assessed the nationwide prevalence of thyroid disorder, particularly hypothyroidism. It has indicated Bengaluru reporting to have large numbers affected with the condition.

The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the developed world is estimated to be about four to five per cent.

The nationwide findings are published in the July 2013 issue of the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Key results from the study stated that hypothyroidism is highly prevalent amongst the surveyed population with one out of ten people being diagnosed with the condition. Hypothyroidism was found to be a common form of thyroid dysfunction affecting 10.95 per cent of the study population. The older population above 35 years seemed to be at higher risk than the younger population estimated at 13.11 per cent versus 7.53 per cent.

The study also reported that women were three times more likely to be affected than men at 15.86 per cent versus. 5.02 per cent, especially those between 46-54 years. Almost one-third of the hypothyroid patients at 3.47 per cent were unaware of the condition and were diagnosed for the first time during the study-related screening. Hypertension accounted 20.4 per cent and diabetes mellitus at 16.2 per cent were other common diseases observed in the study. Inland cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad had higher prevalence of hypothyroidism at 11.73 per cent compared to coastal cities of Chennai, Goa, Mumbai at 9.45 per cent. Kolkata recorded the highest prevalence of hypothyroidism at 21.67 per cent. Approximately one-fifth of the study population had anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies [TPO] positivity, an established autoimmune marker pointing toward a steady risk of thyroid disorders.

The Thyroid Epidemiological Study team was led by Dr A G Unnikrishnan, principal investigator of the study and CEO and endocrinologist, Chellaram Diabetes Institute, Pune and other researchers.

Dr Arun Vadavi, consultant physician, ‘Sudha’ The Prevention Centre, Banashankari, Bengaluru and study investigator, said that of the 5360 people screened for thyroid disorders in India, 16.18 per cent were enrolled from here. Bengaluru reported 9.23 per cent hypothyroidism and more than 40 per cent were unaware of their condition and diagnosed for first time during the study An additional 7.27 per cent population was diagnosed of subclinical hypothyroidism/mild thyroid failure. Also approximately 17.42 per cent of the study population tested positive for anti-TPO antibodies, hence putting them at a greater risk of developing thyroid disorders in the future.

According to Dr Unnikrishnan, since women are more affected than men, it poses major health issues to the former.

“This cross-section multi-city epidemiological study gives a comprehensive picture of the evolving profile of thyroid disorders in the post iodization phase in India. By partnering with various stakeholders, We are  seeking to advance understanding, increase awareness and support proper diagnosis of thyroid disorders in our country,” said Rehan A Khan, managing director, Abbott India.