Thyroid stimulating hormone levels and geriatric syndromes: secondary nested case-control study of the Mexican Health and Aging Study

Purpose To determine the incidence of geriatric syndromes (GS) in community dwelling older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods This is an analysis from the Mexican Health and Aging Study, of a subsample of 2089 subjects with TSH determination. From this last subsample, we included 1628 individuals with TSH levels in the subclinical range (4.5-10 mu U/ml). Results The multivariate analysis showed that when comparing data obtained from the 2012 wave with the 2015 wave results, there was a significant incidence of some GS such as falls (OR 1.79, CI 1.16-2.77, p = 0.0116), fatigue (OR 2.17, CI 1.40-3.38, p = 0.0348) and depression (OR 1.70, CI 1.06-2.71, p = 0.0246) among the subclinical hypothyroidism group. Conclusion This study showed a greater incidence of GS in subjects 50 years and older with sub-clinical hypothyroidism, when compared to those with normal thyroid function. Key summary pointsAim Does geriatric syndrome have an association with subclinical hypothyroidism. Findings This study showed a greater incidence of GS in subjects 50 years and older with sub-clinical hypothyroidism, when compared to those with normal thyroid function. Message Endocrine assessment should be taken in account in frail individuals as part of an integral evaluation for patients.

Automated summary

The study revealed a higher incidence of geriatric syndromes in individuals aged 50 and above with subclinical hypothyroidism compared to those with normal thyroid function.