Association of Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Dyslipidemia in Children and Adolescents

Abstract Background: Correlation of higher levels of TSH and dyslipidemia in children is controversial. This study was designed to assess the relation between lipid profile components and TSH levels in children. Method: This cross-sectional study was performed in a growth assessment clinic in Shiraz. Children aged between 2 to 18 years that came to the clinic from January till April 2018 were considered. TSH levels equal or above 5 and lower than 10 mIU/L with normal FT4 were considered as subclinical hypothyroidism. Results: 666 children were euthyroid while 181 had subclinical hypothyroidism. Mean total cholesterol in euthyroid children was 160.50 ± 29.070 mg/dl and in SH group 161.39 ± 28.694 mg/dl (P=0.713). Mean LDL-C in euthyroid children was 90.96 ± 24.996 mg/dl and in SH group 89.10 ± 23.852 mg/dl (P=0.369). Mean HDL-C in euthyroid children was 47.94 ± 10.560 mg/dl and in SH group 49.04 ± 10.361 mg/dl. (P=0.211). Mean non HDL-C in euthyroid children was 112.56 ± 27.696 mg/dl and in SH group 112.35 ± 28.136 mg/dl. (P=0.929). Mean triglyceride in euthyroid children was 104.98 ± 54.934 mg/dl and in SH group 113.83 ± 91.342 mg/dl (P=0.215). There was no significant difference in mean serum total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, non-HDL and triglyceride levels between euthyroid and subclinical hypothyroid. Adjusted correlation was not significant between TSH levels and any lipid profile component. Conclusion: By comparing the results of this study with other studies, it is evident that lipid disorder in subclinical hypothyroid children does not have a specific pattern.