Estimate of hypothyroidism prevalence in Lleida based on thyroid hormone prescription

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common disease sometimes showing no specific symptoms, thus being difficult to diagnose. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence of hypothyroidism in Lleida by way of thyroid hormone prescriptions and comparing the results with those from other regions. Methods: A retrospective observational study. A total of 2,854 individuals undergoing thyroid hormone treatment through Social Insurance prescriptions. Moths of October-December 2001. Variables: age, sex and healthcare region. Result: The prevalence of hypothyroidism for 2001 is 8.4 cases per 1000 inhabitants/day (IC 95%:9.23-7.47). Average age: 60 (DS<:16.6). Age spread:2.4 among males and 12.4 among females. By age groups: Under age 15: 3.,6, 15- 64 age group, 6.8 and those over age 64, 12.5 . The highest figures were found in the rural areas (Seu d Urgell:10.5 ), and the lowest in urban areas (Eixample:5.8 , Balafia:5.4) Conclusions: Hypothyroidism under treatment figure is, as in other studies, higher among females and predominant among those over 64 years of age. We however found prevalence values lower than the data from a prior populational study for the same region, indicating a possible underdiagnosing of this disease.