Determination of relationship between thyroid gland volume and parity, smoking habits and alcohol consumption

Abstract

Objective: This study is aimed at investigating possible relationship between thyroid gland volume, parity, smoking and alcohol consumption.

Background: The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body that produces thyroid hormones, principally  thyroxine (T ) and triiodothyronine (T ). These hormones regulate the rate of 4 3 metabolism and control the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. Any factor that affects thyroid gland volume, would affect production and function of thyroid hormones in the body.

Materials And Methods: Ultrasound of the neck in patients that fulfill recruitment criteriaand presenting to radiology department
between 2011 and 2012, were evaluated for the study. Demographic data, indications and findings were evaluated.

Results: A total of 400subjects were involved in the study, with more female non-smokers(250) and nonalcoholics(231) than males. There was variation in size of thyroid gland in non-alcoholics (Mean thyroid volume = 5.58±2.60)compared to alcoholics(Mean thyroid volume = 6.14±2.74), indicating the goitrogenic effect of alcohol.There is an increase in thyroid volume with increase in smoking, though not significant. Parity does not have significant effect on thyroid volume in this study, with P-value of 0.128.

Conclusion: Cigarette smoking, alcohol and pregnancy are associated with increase in thyroid volume. This has been attributed to the goitrogenic effect of nicotine, alcohol and pregnancy hormones. The effects of nicotine and alcohol on thyroid gland, is seen in both males and females. Although pregnancy is noted to cause increase thyroid volume, there was increase in volume with increase in
parity in this study.

Key Word: Determination, Thyroid volume, Parity, Smoking and Alcohol consumption.