title: [Ultrasensitive TSH screening for detection of thyroid gland dysfunctions in women of a medical ambulatory care patient group].
abstract: This aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of unsuspected thyroid dysfunction in a female population attending a medical primary care unit (case-finding study). A TSH assay of the third generation was used as a screening test. The overall prevalence of unsuspected thyroid dysfunction in 1061 female patients was 2.5% (0.5% overt hyperthyroidism, 0.3% overt hypothyroidism, 0.5% subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 1.2% subclinical hypothyroidism). The prevalence of thyroid disease is clearly age dependent with 4.3% over the age of 40 and 5.9% for 50-60 year-olds. The ratio for females below 40 and over 40 was 10.75 (Odds ratio, p < 0.0001). We conclude from our study and from the literature that TSH screening as a case-finding strategy is indicated, and also seems cost-effective, in women over 40 years of age.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Endokrinologie, Universitätskliniken, Kantonsspital Basel.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Staub
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Roth
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kunz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guglielmetti
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Martina
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Huber
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015994:Incidence; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D013972:Thyrotropin
vernacular_title: Ultrasensitives TSH-Screening zur Erfassung von Schilddrüsendysfunktionen bei Frauen eines ambulanten medizinischen Krankenguts.