SICK EUTHYROIDISM IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE FACILITY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of sick euthyroidism in critically ill patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital.

METHODOLOGY

This research was carried out in the ICU of SMBBMU, Civil Hospital Larkana, focusing on critically ill individuals aged 18 to 70 years, each requiring at least a 24-hour ICU stay. To prevent potential biases, participants with a history of thyroid disorders, endocrine-related tumors, or pregnancy were omitted. Blood samples were collected and examined to assess thyroid function, diagnosing sick euthyroidism based on variations in T3, rT3, and TSH levels. Statistical computations were performed using SPSS 26.0, applying descriptive metrics and Chi-square assessments to analyze findings (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

Among the 186 patients in intensive care, the average age was 56.70 ± 11.70 years, with 78.0% being older than 50 years and 22.0% falling within the 20–50 age range. Women (68.3%) were more frequently affected than men (31.7%). Sick euthyroidism was observed in 39.24% of cases. Those diagnosed with the condition exhibited notably reduced FT3 (p=0.026) and TSH levels (p=0.032) and had longer ICU stays compared to others (p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Sick euthyroidism is commonly prevalent in tertiary care ICU's among critically ill patients and is associated with prolonged ICU stay but relatively older age and female predominance. The observed thyroid dysfunction, especially low FT3 and TSH levels, may indicate disease severity by affecting immune function, metabolism, and morbidity. The long-term prognostic value and potential benefits of thyroid hormone therapy in critically ill patients need further study.