Thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity in a large unselected population of elderly subjects in Poland - the ‘PolSenior’ multicentre crossover study

Abstract

Introduction: Data on the thyroid function of a randomly chosen elderly population was collected during a multicentre study performed in Poland (PolSenior) in 2007-2010.
Material and methods: The population of 4,190 participants under study was divided into six age subgroups of > 65 to > 90 years of age and a younger group aged between 55 and 59 years. Assessment of thyroid function was based on hormonal measurements.
Results: Concentrations of both TSH and fT₄ were significantly higher in females than in males. No differences in TSH and fT₄ concentrations between different age groups were found. Thyroid dysfunction was revealed in more than10% of participants, hypothyroidism in 7.95%, and hyperthyroidism in 2.95%. Both types of dysfunction were more prevalent in women, and in more than 80% both dysfunctions were subclinical. In 1,542 participants, concentrations of TPOAb were measured. Increased TPOAb was revealed in 19% of the cohort and the prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity was higher in women and also more often found in participants with hypothyroidism.
Conclusions: Cross sectional survey revealed thyroid dysfunctions in over 10% of non selected elderly population. No age related differences were found in TSH concentrations, TPOAb positivity and prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions. (Endokrynol Pol 2012; 63 (5): 346-355)