Prevalence and Characteristics of Thyroid Abnormalities and Its Association with Anemia in ASIR Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The thyroid gland plays a significant role in the metabolism and proliferation of blood cells; hematological disorders are frequently observed in patients with thyroid disorders, and the most frequent problem is anemia. The main objective of this research work is to evaluate the prevalence and types of thyroid dysfunction and their association with anemia in different gender stratified by age in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. Four years of data from July 2016 to July 2020 for 9992 study subjects were collected. Statistical analysis was performed based on thyroid disorder and anemia stratified by gender and age subgroup. The mean age of the study subject was 43.4 ± 15.8 years, and females constituted 61.7% of cases. Thyroid dysfunction was observed in 49.76% (4973), and subclinical hypothyroidism was the most prevalent type (3922/9992), followed by primary hypothyroidism (530/9992). Females have a significantly higher overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction than males (p < 0.05). Anemia was detected in 1344 females and 465 males with a thyroid disorder, and also, the prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05), compared to the normal thyroid group. Thyroid disorders are a common problem in our population, more prevalent in females than males, with the peak age of above 30 years, and are associated with an increased prevalence of anemia.

Evaluation of clinical knowledge and perceptions about the development of thyroid cancer—An observational study of healthcare undergraduates in Saudi Arabia

“…In the United States, the American Thyroid Association estimated that at least 20 million US adults have some form of thyroid disease; interestingly, the majority of the thyroids were unaware of their disease status ( 7 ). In Saudi Arabia, the overall prevalence was 49.76%, among which subclinical hypothyroidism was the most prevalent type (3922/9992), followed by primary hypothyroidism (530/9992) ( 8 ). However, studies found that the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction varies by age, gender, race/ethnicity, geographical distribution, and the amount of dietary iodine intake ( 8 , 9 ).…”

Association between serum uric acid with diabetes and other biochemical markers

“…[ 2 14 ] HbA1c level is commonly used as a clinical indicator for glycemic control and is used as a tool to diagnose people with unidentified diabetes or who are at risk. [ 17 ] The relationship between UA levels and impaired glucose metabolism has long been a hot research topic. A large number of studies have demonstrated the “bell” fit association between UA and plasma glucose level.…”

“…T-test was used to assess the difference between group means of parametric variables, while Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare groups of independent nonparametric variables. [ 16 17 ] Logistic regression analysis and receiver operator characteristics (ROCs) curves were used to analyze biochemical parameters against the risk of diabetes in the study population. [ 30 31 ] The significance level was set at P < 0.05.…”

“…The traditional lifestyle with its characteristics, dietary habits, and exercise pattern has changed to a modernized western lifestyle. [ 16 17 ] This change coincided with a significant increase in chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and other degenerative diseases. [ 17 18 19 20 ] In Saudi Arabia, the overall prevalence of diabetes in adults is 18.3%.…”

“…[ 16 17 ] This change coincided with a significant increase in chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and other degenerative diseases. [ 17 18 19 20 ] In Saudi Arabia, the overall prevalence of diabetes in adults is 18.3%. [ 21 ] A serum UA content >6.57 mg/dL increases the risk of all-cause mortality.…”