Prevalence and determinants of anemia in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Thyroid hormones are essential for metabolic control and red blood cell production. Imbalances in these hormones can cause anemia by disrupting erythropoiesis. Low thyroid hormone levels in hypothyroidism impair red blood cell production by inhibiting erythroid progenitor activity and erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, can cause oxidative stress and accelerate red blood cell turnover, resulting in increased red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of size variability. This research emphasizes the complex relationship between thyroid dysfunction and anemia, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of these mechanisms in order to improve anemia diagnosis and management in patients with thyroid disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia from March 12, 2022, to May 26, 2022. The study involved 308 participants selected consecutively. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire and data extraction sheet. Venous blood samples were analyzed for complete blood cell counts using the Beckman-Coulter DxH-800 hematology analyzer. Data entry was performed with EpiData version 3.1, and statistical analysis was conducted using Stata version 14. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with hematological abnormalities. Statistical significance was determined by a P-value of less than 0.05. The overall magnitude of anemia, was 26.3%. Hypothyroidism (AOR = 2, 95% CI:1.0- 3.6), alcohol consumption (AOR = 4, 95% CI: 1.7–9.2), not consume meat (AOR = 4, 95% CI: 1.6–10.4), vegetable consumption (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI:1.1–5.5) and febrile illness (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI:1.3–5.4) were found to be associated with anemia. Anemia was a moderate public health problem among thyroid dysfunction patients, mainly normocytic normochromic anemia was the most common type of anemia, leukopenia was second major hematological abnormality. Hypothyroidism, alcohol consumption, meat consumption, vegetable consumption, and febrile illness were associated with anemia. Thus, all patients with thyroid dysfunction should have regular anemia screenings, particularly those with important risk factors. This could aid in the early identification and efficient treatment of anemia, improving the patients’ quality of life.