Hyperthyroidism linked to rehospitalization, CV morbidity

Rehospitalization and cardiovascular morbidity are more common in patients with hyperthyroidism compared with healthy controls and patients with hypothyroidism, according to study findings presented at the 15th International Thyroid Congress and 85th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association.

“Thyroid dysfunction often runs an indolent course and may be undiagnosed for prolonged periods,” the researchers wrote. “Most patients are treated as outpatients, and effects of [thyroid dysfunction] on hospitalized patients are poorly studied.”

Kristien Boelaert, MD, PhD, MRCP, of the Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and colleagues evaluated data from a computerized system of admissions to a large center between 2007 and 2011 on 147,957 patients. The researchers sought to determine comorbidities, reasons for hospitalization and rehospitalization rates. Overall, 673 patients had hyperthyroidism and 8,035 had hypothyroidism.

Compared with controls and inpatients with hypothyroidism, those with hyperthyroidism were readmitted more frequently (P < .001) and had longer total hospital stays (P < .001). The mean lengths of hospital stays were comparable between patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; however, those with thyroid dysfunction had longer stays compared with controls (P = .005).

Compared with controls and those with hypothyroidism, patients with hyperthyroidism had more frequent admissions for CV disorders (P < .001). Patients with hyperthyroidism presented more frequently with atrial fibrillation (P < .001) and heart failure (P = .002).

“We demonstrate that inpatients with hyperthyroidism are at significantly increased risk of rehospitalization and [CV] morbidity compared with hypothyroid and control subjects,” the researchers wrote. “The identification of these patients and institution of appropriate management and follow-up is likely to alleviate this significant health and financial burden.” – by Amber Cox

Reference:

Torlinska B, et al. Short Oral Communication 30. Presented at: 15th International Thyroid Congress and 85th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association (ITC/ATA); Oct. 18-23, 2015; Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

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