Thyroid Disorders in Malaysia: A Nationwide Multicentre Study

Overview

This will be a population based study looking at the prevalence of thyroid disorders in Malaysia (including hypo- and hyperthyroidism, subclinical hypo- or hyperthyroidism) and its association with different ethnicity and iodine status. The study will also look at genetic susceptibility for autoimmune thyroid disorders in the Malaysian population General hypotheses: The prevalence of thyroid disorders in Malaysia is 10% for hypothyroidism and 2% for hyperthyroidism Hypo- and hyperthyroidism is associated with iodine status in our population There are different susceptibility gene for autoimmune thyroid disorder in different ethnicity in our population

This will be a cross-sectional population based study involving Malaysian adults (aged 18 year old and above). Cluster sampling will be used to select respondents that will be representative of the Malaysian population. Selected respondent will be interviewed, anthropometric measurement taken, blood and urine sample taken. Blood will be analyzed for thyroid function (thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormone), autoantibodies (anti-thyroperoxidase and anti-thyroglobulin). Urine will be analyzed for urinary iodine. Those diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disorders with strong family history of thyroid disorders (multiplex multi-generation family involvement) will have their blood sent for whole exome sequencing and linkage analysis done to identify possible susceptible gene for autoimmune thyroid disorders Respondents detected to have hypo- or hyper- and subclinical hypo- or hyperthyroidism will be referred to their nearest health centre for further evaluation and treatment appropriate for their condition.

Conditions