ASSOCIATION OF HYPERURICEMIA AND PERCEIVED STRESS IN ADULT AGE NEWLY DIAGNOSED THYROID DYSFUNCTION PATIENTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL BANNU- A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Thyroid hormones are crucial for the normal functioning of virtually all body tissues. The abnormal levels of thyroid hormones result in several biochemical alterations that increase the risk of various diseases including uric acid levels and stress. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hyperuricemia and perceived stress and their association with thyroid hormone levels in patients with newly diagnosed thyroid dysfunction.

Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted at Khalifa Gulnawaz Teaching Hospital included 500 newly diagnosed patients of thyroid dysfunction through non- probability purposive sampling. Sociodemographic variables, perceived stress scale-10 (PSS-10), a detailed medical history and blood sampling for biochemical analysis were done. Frequency and percentages were calculated for qualitative variables. For categorical variables, a chi-square test was used.

Results: Of the 500 participants 65% had hyperthyroidism and 35% had hypothyroidism (p=0.02). 61% were females while 39% were males (p= 0.04). The mean serum TSH levels in the hyperthyroid group were 1.9±0.68 while 15.25±0.27 in the hypothyroid group. Although, the mean levels of serum uric acid were deranged in both the groups, 5.9 ± 1.88 and 5.3 ± 1.9, the difference was not statistically significant p=0.06. The prevalence of hyperuricemia in hyperthyroid group was 47% and in hypothyroid group 69%. The hypothyroid group showed a significantly higher level of PSS -10 score p=0.05.

Conclusion: Patients with thyroid dysfunction have elevated serum uric acid levels and high PSS scores. Future studies focusing on variables like the dietary history, physical activity and genetic analysis may help further clarify this association.