Estimation of the Hypotiroidism Prevalence in Castilla y León, Spain, Using Thyroid Hormones Consumption Data (1992-2000)

Abstract

Background: The significance of hypothyroidism from an epidemiological viewpoint and the difficulty of obtaining updated information have led us to undertake this study, the objective of which is to ascertain the level of consumption of thyroid hormones in the general population within the scope of the Social Security health care system in the Community of Castilla y León, by provinces, together with its progress from 1992 to 2000, as an estimative indicator of the prevalence of hypothyroidism. Methods: With the ECOM data base of the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs as our starting point, we obtained the amounts of thyroid hormones dispensed with prescriptions issued by the Social Security health care services in the provinces of Castilla y León during the period between 1992-2000, estimating the prevalence by means of the Daily Defined Doses (DDD) per 100,000 inhabitants. Results: The prevalence of hypothyroidism in Castilla-León is estimated at 185 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 1992, increasing to 489 in 2000, reflecting a percentage rise of 164%. This result represents between 4,559-4,827 patients in 1992, and between 11,929-12,360 in 2000. The increase in prevalence was observed in all of the provinces. The provinces with the highest prevalence are León, Soria and Avila, while Palencia, Salamanca and Burgos have the least incidence. Conclusions: The specificity of the treatment has enabled us to establish a relationship between the consumption of thyroid hormones and the prevalence of hypothyroidism, as well as its progress from 1992 to 2000, thus providing us with a close estimate of the current situation of this pathology in Castilla-León.