Subclinical hypothyroidism in a care and residence center for older adults in Paraguay

Hipotiroidismo subclínico en un centro de atención y residencia de adultos mayores en Paraguay

Introduction: hypothyroidism is one of the most common hormonal disorders. The subclinical type in older adults can be difficult to identify due to the increase of TSH levels as part of aging. Objective: to determine the clinical, laboratory and demographic characteristics of older adults who are permanent residents of Complejo Santo Domingo for the elderly, diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, in 2023. Material and methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, non-probability sampling study of 60 cases of adults aged 60 years or older, who are permanent residents of Complejo Santo Domingo for the elderly in Asunción (Paraguay), from January to April 2023. Results and discussion: A total of 60 cases were studied of which 20 (33.3%) presented subclinical hypothyroidism. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism were age: 76.9±8.1 years, male: 12 (60%), 14: with type 2 diabetes (70%), 5 with prior ictus (25%) and 6 with hypertension (30%). TSH levels were: 8.5±3.2 mU/L, T3: 1.2±0.4 mU/L and fT4: 2.5±3.5 mU/L. Conclusion: subclinical hypothyroidism is significantly common in older people who are permanent residents in nursing homes for the elderly.