A case control study to assess the association between thyroid function and the risk of cholelithiasis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of our study is to analyze the association between thyroid function and the risk of cholelithiasis. Material and methods: The case control study was conducted Department of  General Surgery, Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, Gaya, Bihar, India for one year. This study was a hospital based case control study where two groups were formed, patients diagnosed as gall stone disease and subjected to elective cholecystectomies (cases) and patients admitted for other diseases (control). Subsequent evaluation was done with emphasis on thyroid profile and lipid profile. Detailed history of the patients, Complete clinical examination, Complete blood count, KFT, Na⁺/K⁺, Blood sugars, LFT Chest radiograph, ECG,Trans abdominal USG, Thyroid profile (T3,T4,FT4,TSH) and Stone analysis were evaluated. Results: Majority of the cases were in the 40-50 year age group (35%) whereas controls were in the 30-40 year age group (34%). The mean age was 43.25 in cases and 45.5 in controls. P value = 0.412 (Insignificant). Maximum number of patients who became a part of this study were from rural areas, thus reflecting the pattern of patients attending our hospital. The number of patients from rural areas was 138 (69%) and those from urban areas were 62 (31%). P value=0.041 (Significant). In our study there was a prevalence of 40% of hypothyroidism in cases as compared to 24% in the controls, showing an increased prevalence in the cases as compared to the control group. This difference was statistically significant. None of our subjects were hyperthyroid. In our study among the cholelithiasis patients (cases) the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 31% and that of overt hypothyroidism was 9% respectively whereas in controls the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 18% and overt hypothyroidism was 6%. The majority of the hypothyroid patients in the cases group (cholelithiasis) were between 40 to 50 years. The males affected with hypothyroidism was (22.5%) as compared to females (77.5%) which shows higher prevalence among females in our population.  Conclusion: Hypothyroidism was more common in the gallstone patients compared with controls. Prevalence of hypothyroidism in gallstone patients was more common in females compared to males.

Keywords: Gall Stones, Hypothyroidism, TSH