title: Thyroid dysfunctions and sonographic characteristics in northern Turkey: a population-based study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, it was aimed to investigate thyroid functions, sonographic characteristics of thyroid gland, relation of thyroid functions, and cardiovascular risk factors in adult population living in northern Turkey.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in 70 areas (12 urban and 58 rural) in the province of Tokat in northern Turkey from 2005 to 2006.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included about 530000 inhabitants of 18 years and older. Demographic characteristics and thyroid sonographic findings were noted for each subject, and blood samples were collected for measuring serum lipids and thyroid function tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1095 subjects (541 males, 554 females) were included, and their mean age (SD) was 41.4 (17) years. Mean thyrotropin (TSH) and free T4 levels (SD) were 1.5 (1.6) micro IU/mL and 1.2 (0.1) ng/dL, respectively, in males, and 2.2 (6.6) micro IU/mL and 1.2 (0.3) ng/dL, respectively, in females (P < .05). According to mean TSH levels, the prevalence of overt hypothyroidism, overt hyperthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and subclinical hyperthyroidism was detected as 1.6%, 0.5%, 2.7%, and 4.9%, respectively. Nodular goiter, multi-nodular goiter, and thyroid heterogeneity were determined as 13.8, 32.1, and 15.6%, respectively. The correlation between cardiovascular risk factors and serum TSH levels was not statistically significant (P > .05). The age was independently and significantly associated with serum TSH levels (P < .0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In terms of high prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and nodular goiter, thyroid diseases must be concluded as a public health problem, and accurate and effective strategies must be identified.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, Endorcrinology and Metabolism, Gaziosmanpa University, Tokat, Turkey. fkutluturk@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Faruk
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kutluturk
authors.forename: Beytullah
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Yildirim
authors.forename: Banu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ozturk
authors.forename: Huseyin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ozyurt
authors.forename: Ulku
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Bekar
authors.forename: Semsettin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sahin
authors.forename: Yeliz
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Akturk
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Akbas
authors.forename: Ilker
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Etikan
authors.forename: Ilhan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cetin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006044:Goiter, Nodular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013972:Thyrotropin; D013974:Thyroxine