Bangalore, Feb 18: The Indian Thyroid Society (ITS) today launched three guidelines for the Management of Thyroid Dysfunction in Pregnancy, Dyslipidemia and Depression at the 10th Annual Conference ‘ITSCON – 2013’. These guidelines are for managing thyroid dysfunction in Pregnancy to safeguard mother and child health, and for patients of Depression and Dyslipidemia to reduce the co-morbidities associated with thyroid disorders. Thyroid disorders in India are characterized by a high prevalence (approx. 11% of adult population), minimal diagnosis, low awareness and low involvement of doctors in treatment.
The guidelines were developed by Elsevier, a global provider of scientific, technical and medical information, and endorsed by the Indian Thyroid Society, Endocrine Society of India [ESI], Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India [FOGSI] and The Association of Physicians of India [API]. Abbott provided financial assistance for the development of these guidelines.
On the launch of the ITS Guidelines, Dr. R. V. Jayakumar, President, Indian Thyroid Society [ITS], Professor of Endocrinology, AIMS, Cochin said, “Conditions such as depression, cardiovascular disorders, high cholesterol, obesity, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriages are linked to thyroid disorders and these are on the rise in India.. The three independent guidelines for the screening and management of Thyroid Dysfunction will support the medical fraternity in diagnosis and treatment. Timely diagnosis of thyroid disorders in pregnant women is important for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy child. In addition, the guidelines for dyslipidemia and depression offer recommendations to minimize the risk of arising complications.”
Dr. Rakesh Sahay Professor of Endocrinology, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad said “Thyroid disorders are one of the most under-diagnosed medical conditions and often referred to as the hidden disease. The new guidelines for thyroid disorders associated with pregnancy, dyslipidemia and depression will aid doctors like us to educate the masses about the importance of undergoing a TSH test for the correct diagnosis. Timely treatment of thyroid disorders is the key to preventing health problems.”
The Thyroid Dysfunction and Pregnancy Guidelines recommend screening for hypothyroidism in pregnant women at the 1st antenatal visit by measuring TSH levels. In case overt hypothyroidism is diagnosed then expectant mothers should be treated with a full replacement dose of thyroxine to normalize thyroid function as rapidly as possible. It is also important to understand that; thyroid dysfunction by itself is not an indication for termination of pregnancy.
As per the Thyroid Dysfunction and Dyslipidemia Guidelines, overt hypothyroidism is associated with the risk of cardio vascular disease as it causes increased levels of LDL cholesterol and hypertension. It is therefore advised that doctors screen patients with dyslipidemia for abnormal thyroid levels and accordingly prescribe treatment.
According to theThyroid Dysfunction and Depression Guidelines one of the co-morbidities associated with thyroid disorders is depression. It is important for doctors who are treating patients for depression to refer them to undergo a TSH test to detect hypothyroidism. This will help in correct diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage.
Thyroid disorder is a medical condition that impairs the normal functioning of the thyroid gland causing abnormal production of hormones leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Multiple factors such as hereditary, environment and diet can trigger thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid disorders are commonly diagnosed between 20 – 40 years and research has shown that women are more commonly detected with thyroid disorders than men.
Speaking of thyroid disorders in women during pregnancy, Dr. Hema Divakar, President - Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India [FOGSI], Bangalore said “Hypothyroidism is emerging as one of the most common endocrine problem during pregnancy and often goes undetected.
Thyroid disorder is a medical condition that impairs the normal functioning of the thyroid gland causing abnormal production of hormones leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Multiple factors such as hereditary, environment and diet can trigger thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid disorders are commonly diagnosed between 20 – 40 years and research has shown that women are more commonly detected with thyroid disorders than men.
Speaking of thyroid disorders in women during pregnancy, Dr. Hema Divakar, President - Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India [FOGSI], Bangalore said “Hypothyroidism is emerging as one of the most common endocrine problem during pregnancy and often goes undetected.
It increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and placental abnormalities that adversely affects the overall development of the foetus. In the best interest of the mother and baby, we encourage regular screening for thyroid disorders amongst pregnant women. The guidelines recommend screening at the 1st antenatal visit by measuring TSH levels.”
Often symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings and poor concentration are ignored as signs of stress. These could have been triggered due to abnormal levels of thyroid hormone which can push people into depression.
According to Dr Sarita Bajaj, President Endocrine Society of India (ESI), Allahabad, “Thyroid hormones have a tremendous effect on body processes and can even impact cognitive function. There is little awareness that depression is a co-morbidity associated with hypothyroidism. All patients with depression should preferably be screened for thyroid function tests and be appropriately treated with thyroxine as judged by the physician.”
Dr. Shashank Joshi, President Elect - The Association of Physicians of India [API], Mumbai says "Many hypothyroid patients have underlying lipid abnormalities which get controlled by simple thyroxine therapy. Hypothyroidism needs lifelong thyroxine therapy and if controlled well, the patients can lead a normal life."
Hypothyroidism also leads to a co-morbid condition called dyslipidemia indicated with an increase in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a) levels, and possibly triglyceride levels. Dyslipidemia puts a patient at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
The Chairman Organising committee Dr. K. M. Prasanna Kumar confirmed that close to 500 eminent speakers and Key Opinion Leaders from across India were present at the ITSCON-2013 conference. The speakers highlighted various disorders arising from thyroid dysfunctions, the importance of timely screening and recommended treatment to prevent further complications. Till 2012, ITS had screened close to 12 lakh women for thyroid disorders at various diagnostic and education camps throughout India.
Dr. Shashank Joshi, President Elect - The Association of Physicians of India [API], Mumbai says "Many hypothyroid patients have underlying lipid abnormalities which get controlled by simple thyroxine therapy. Hypothyroidism needs lifelong thyroxine therapy and if controlled well, the patients can lead a normal life."
Hypothyroidism also leads to a co-morbid condition called dyslipidemia indicated with an increase in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a) levels, and possibly triglyceride levels. Dyslipidemia puts a patient at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
The Chairman Organising committee Dr. K. M. Prasanna Kumar confirmed that close to 500 eminent speakers and Key Opinion Leaders from across India were present at the ITSCON-2013 conference. The speakers highlighted various disorders arising from thyroid dysfunctions, the importance of timely screening and recommended treatment to prevent further complications. Till 2012, ITS had screened close to 12 lakh women for thyroid disorders at various diagnostic and education camps throughout India.
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