The Department of Endocrinology at Government Rajaji Hospital will soon get a ‘Chemiluminescence Immunoassay’ machine which will aid in testing patients for thyroid, said J. Sangumani, head of the department, here on Friday.
“Efforts are being taken by Dean Revwathy Kailarajan and our department to procure the machine as we treat a large number of patients for thyroid.
Last year alone, nearly 70,000 patients from the southern districts visited the hospital for treatment and at least 4,000 are tested and treated for thyroid every month,” he said.
A continuing education programme (CME) was organised at the auditorium on the GRH premises on Friday to mark the World Thyroid Week. The Dean inaugurated it and delivered the presidential address.
Dr. Sangumani said that awareness of hypothyroidism had been steadily increasing among people in the last few years. “Endocrinologists stress the importance of hypothyroidism being treated and kept under check among people who are above 70 years of age, pregnant women and adolescents, as otherwise it can lead to further complications,” he said.
“In case of cold intolerance, unexplained weight gain, hair loss, dry and coarse skin, swelling and puffiness of face, constant sleepiness and body pain among other symptoms, it is advisable that the patient is tested for issues with the thyroid gland,” Dr. Sangumani added.
As part of the CME, scientific sessions were held. S. Sridhar, Assistant Professor, Endocrinology, spoke on ‘Interpretation of thyroid function tests in clinical practice.’ Dr. Sangumani spoke on ‘Management of hypothyroidism in special populations.’
