The Diagnostic Yield of Thyroid Function Tests and their Cost-effectiveness in the Student Clinic at Sultan Qaboos University Retrospective chart review
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2010, Vol 10, Issue 2
Abstract
To assess the signifcance of requesting thyroid function tests (TFT) and their cost effectiveness for specifc and non-specifc symptoms of thyroid disease in a specifc population in Oman. Methods: A retrospective chart review study was conducted in the student clinic at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman in the year 2007–2008. It included all patients (N = 319) of both sexes for whom TFTs were requested. Te patients’ main complaints and the fnal diagnoses were collected from their medical records. Results: Te most common presentations for which TFTs were requested were irregular periods (n = 82); fatiguability (n = 49), palpitations (n = 39); weight changes (n = 22); hair changes (n= 20); sensation of heat and cold (n= 18); diarrhoea and constipation (n = 13), and neck swelling (n = 13).Te most common diagnoses reached in relation to these complaints were polycystic ovarian syndrome (n = 51); iron defciency anaemia (n = 42); anxiety and depression (n = 11); thyroid disease (n = 18), and no specifc diagnosis (n = 193). Te percentage of thyroid diseases among females (7.1%) compared to males (1.2%) was statistically signifcant (P <0.05). Tyroid disease accounted for 61.5% of those patient with neck swelling, 7.7% of those with palpitations, 4.1% of those with fatigue, 3% of those with other complaints, and 1.2% of those with irregular periods. Te cost of the tests was around 20,000 US dollars. Conclusion: TFT is necessary for those presenting with neck swelling, but restraint should be used in administering the test for those complaining of palpitations or fatigue. Additionally, irregular periods have little link with TFT abnormality.
Authors and Affiliations
Kawther El Shafe| Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Asila Al-Shaqsi| Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman, Badriya Al-Mahrouqi| Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman, Hadia Al Lawati| Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman, Shyam S Ganguly| Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman, Samir Al Adawi| Departments of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman, Mohammed Al Shafaee| Departments of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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