The diagnostic yield of thyroid function tests and their cost-effectiveness in the student clinic at Sultan Qaboos University: retrospective chart review: Retrospective chart review

Kawther El Shafie*, Asila Al-Shaqsi, Badriya Al-Mahrouqi, Hadia Al Lawati, Shyam S. Ganguly, Samir Al Adawi, Mohammed Al Shafaee

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the significance of requesting thyroid function tests (TFT) and their cost effectiveness for specific and non-specific symptoms of thyroid disease in a specific 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. The patients’ main complaints and the final diagnoses were collected from their medical records. Results: The 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).The most common diagnoses reached in relation to these complaints were polycystic ovarian syndrome (n = 51); iron deficiency anaemia (n = 42); anxiety and depression (n = 11); thyroid disease (n = 18), and no specific diagnosis (n = 193). The percentage of thyroid diseases among females (7.1%) compared to males (1.2%) was statistically significant (P <0.05). Thyroid 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. The 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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)215-220
Number of pages6
JournalSultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
Volume10
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cost-effective
  • Oman
  • Retrospective study
  • Student clinic
  • Thyroid function tests

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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