A Cross-Sectional Study on Motor and Sensory Nerve Functions in Women Newly Diagnosed and Untreated for Hypothyroidism in a Tribal Area of Odisha, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Altered levels of thyroid hormones can impact various body systems, including the nervous system. Hypothyroidism may disrupt nerve conduction due to pathophysiological changes associated with hormone deficiency. The tribal population, characterized by distinct lifestyles and dietary habits, may experience unique influences on their growth and development. Aim: This study aimed to compare nerve conduction in newly diagnosed and untreated tribal women affected by hypothyroidism with euthyroid tribal women. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Odisha, India, spanning from April 2020 to January 2021. Forty-five newly diagnosed hypothyroid tribal women were enlisted from the outpatient department of general medicine as the case group. Additionally, 45 age-matched apparently healthy euthyroid tribal women were included as the control group. The subjects' height and weight were measured by an expert clinician. Nerve conduction (motor and sensory) study on both extremities (left and right side) were conducted for all participants in the human physiology laboratory. Results:The mean age of participants was 48.13±12.12 years in the case group and 47.18±12.2 years in the control group. In hypothyroid tribal women, a significant decrease in conduction velocity was observed in the majority of motor nerves (right median [p = .03], left median [p = .02], left ulnar [p = .04], right posterior tibial [p = .001], left posterior tibial [p = .0001]) and sensory nerves (right median [p =.005], right ulnar [p = .02], right sural [p = .001], and left sural [p = .02]). Conclusion:In newly diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism in tribal women, there is a risk of neuropathy that impacts both motor and sensory neurons. Therefore, it is crucial to initiate early diagnosis and immediate treatment to prevent additional neurological damage.