Epidemiology of thyroid disease in Hamilton (New Zealand) general practice.
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively review health records in two general practices in Hamilton, New Zealand (NZ) linking three data sources to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed thyroid dysfunction (TD).


METHODS
A record-linkage study using computerised searches to find cases of diagnosed TD by diagnostic codes, prescribing data, and laboratory data. Data was verified against computerised and written records.


RESULTS
The prevalence of diagnosed TD was 3.1%. Overt hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 2.5%, overt hyperthyroidism in 0.2% and 'other' conditions such as goitres, nodules and thyroiditis in 0.4% of the study population.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a representation of TD in the community prior to mandatory iodine fortification. Our prevalence data is similar to national and international literature with the burden of TD being greater in women and in the older population.


CONCLUSIONS
A national study with a sufficient sample of Māori and Pacific patients is needed before supplementation with iodine is introduced.
Gibbons
Veronique
V
Waikato Clinical School, University of Auckland, New Zealand. gibbonsv@waikatodhb.govt.nz
Conaglen
John V
JV
Lillis
Steven
S
Naras
Vignesh
V
Lawrenson
Ross
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002231:Carbimazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D007455:Iodine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000172:deficiency*; D008297:Male; D008501:Medical Records, Problem-Oriented; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011441:Propylthiouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D055815:Young Adult
D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D011441:Propylthiouracil; D002231:Carbimazole; D007455:Iodine; D013974:Thyroxine