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Abstract
Objective: To determine the association between serum ferritin levels and thyroid hormone profile (TSH, fT3, fT4) among patients with hypothyroidism
Study Design: Analytical Cross-sectional Study
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Internal (General) Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from November 2024 to April 2025.
Methodology: Adults between 18 and 65 years of age, with newly diagnosed or untreated hypothyroidism were included. Patients who had chronic liver or kidney disease, acute or chronic infection or on drugs that alter thyroid function (lithium, steroids) were excluded. Demographic information (gender and age) and relevant clinical history, including comorbid conditions and previous therapy, were recorded using a structured proforma. A 5 mL fasting venous blood sample was drawn for serum TSH, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and serum ferritin were measured using the chemiluminescence immunoassay technique.
Results: Among the ninety patients, the majority, 59 (65.56%) were females. The included patients had a mean age of 42.76±11.63 years, median ferritin levels were 84.00 (32.75-147.00) ng/ml, and the median TSH was 7.10 (5.60-13.10) IU/l. Serum TSH and Serum ferritin showed a statistically significant negative correlation (r= -0.589, p<0.001). Free T4 had an insignificant negative correlation (r= -0.133, p=0.211). However, there was positive correlation between serum ferritin and free T3 (r=0.255, 0=p=0.025). Additionally, strong positive correlation was observed between cardiovascular disease and serum TSH (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Serum ferritin was significantly correlated with serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and serum free tri-iodothyronine.