One in every 10 persons has hypothyroidism with women and the aged having higher risk, said Dr. Nayyar Iqbal at a Continuing Medical Education programme organised at the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences here.
Organised by the Department of General Medicine in collaboration with the Departments of Endocrinology, Anatomy, Physiology and Obstetrics, the CME, ‘Pearls in Thyroidology,’ focused on the high prevalence of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is the reduced functioning of the thyroid gland leading to insufficient production of thyroid hormone.
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Around 10 to 12 per cent of the population suffers from hypothyroidism as some cases can be asymptomatic. The speakers highlighted the need to identify the disorder early, and the effective and inexpensive treatment which is available.
The symposium was moderated by Dr. Ashok Kumar Das and Dr. Aneesh, and targeted an audience of MBBS students, postgraduates and doctors, a press release from the institute said.
Most patients require lifelong treatment, said endocrinologist Vasanthi, calling on doctors to ensure that patients do not default on medication. Dr. Priyadarshini, Department of Anatomy, spoke about reducing complications during thyroid surgery by being armed with the knowledge of surgical anatomy of the gland.
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Obstetrician Lal B. Palo dealt with the controversies regarding screening of all pregnant women for thyroid disease, and the risk that reduced thyroid activity during pregnancy poses in causing still births, preterm deliveries and mental retardation in the newborn.