Prevalance of thyroid disorders increases as age progresses [1]. They are challenging to diagnose due to atypical presentation and wide variety of co morbid conditions. Undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction can be associated with significant morbidity as age increases. Objective: To detect undiagnosed thyroid disease in patients age 50 years and above. Methods: The study included 300 subjects (both in patient and outpatient department), age 50 years and above attending Department of medicine at tertiary hospital New Delhi. The Out-patient subjects were asked to return on another day after 10-hour fast for determination of Serum Thyroid stimulating hormon, Free Triiodothyronine, Free Tetraiodothyronine, Antithyroperoxidase antibody levels. Results: Total of 300 subjects (males-171, females-129), aged between 50-93 (Mean62.78 SD: 9) years, were included in the study. Although abnormal thyroid functions were present in 62% of the subjects, definite thyroid disease was present in 15.67%. Amongst 15.67%, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid state was present in 12.67%, and 3% respectively. Prevalence of thyroid disorder was higher in males (16.68%) than females (14.73%). Hyperthyroid state was common in males (3.51%) whereas hypothyroid state was equally common in both males (12.87%) and females (12.40%). Subclinical hypothyroidism (10.67%) was commoner than overt hypothyroidism (2%) amongst those with hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroid state was prevalent in (3%) subjects of which (0.33%) were overt hyperthyroid and (2.67%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism. Anti TPO antibodies were common in hypothyroid state (31.58%) than hyperthyroid (22.22%) state. Conclusion: A strong clinical suspicion of thyroid disease must be considered in elderly patients who present with vague symptoms like generalised weakness, easy fatigability, lethargy and disinterest in daily activities. Therefore patients more than 50 years and above must be screened for abnormal thyroid function.
