Study of Electrolyte status in patients with Thyroid dysfunction attending a tertiary care hospital of North Bengal.

Abstract

Context : Thyroid disorders have widespread systemic manifestations including their effects on body mineral homeostasis in many different ways. Thyroid hormones control urinary excretion of minerals like Magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium etc and minerals like Zn helps in peripheral conversion of inactive T4 to its active T3 form. Electrolyte abnormality is a common finding in the patients with thyroid dysfunction which can effect the disease morbidity. Aims & Objective : The present study was carried out to access the importance of Electrolyte status in the study subjects and to use the information for lowering the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease process. Materials &Methods : The study population was divided into normal control group consisting of 40 healthy individuals and a test group consisting of 80 patients out of whom 40 were diagnosed to be having primary hypothyroidism and 40 to be having primary hyperthyroidism. Electrolyte status was assessed by serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum magnesium, serum zinc, serum sodium and serum potassium Results : There is a significant increase in levels of serum calcium and phosphorus in group-II (P<0.001) and significant decrease in their levels in group-I (P<0.001) compared to control. Serum Magnesium showed a significant decrease in test groups-II (P<0.001) and increase in test group-I (P<0.001) compared to controls. Serum sodium showed significant decrease in test group-I (P<0.001) and test group-II (P=0.007) but the study did not show any significant difference in level of serum zinc and potassium in test group-I and II when compared to controls. Conclusion : Thyroid dysfunction results in an array of electrolyte abnormalities which increases the morbidity and mortality of the disease process. By proper maintenance of the electrolytes within normal limit, we can employ preventive strategies for better management of the patients and thereby improve their survival.