Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 infection (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and worse outcomes have been reported for various morbidities. The impact of pre-existing hypothyroidism on COVID-19 outcomes is unclear.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of treated hypothyroidism and its effect on disease complications in COVID-19 patients in Razi hospital of Ahvaz.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with a laboratory and computed tomography (CT) confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis between August 2021 and December 2021 in Razi hospital in Ahvaz. The medical records of all patients were reviewed, and patient’s characteristics and outcomes related to COVID-19, including severe disease, hospitalization in intensive care unit (ICU), need for mechanical or invasive ventilation, and all-cause mortality, was collected. The presence of hypothyroidism was identified based on the patient’s medical history in the medical record.
Results: Of 850 patients with COVID-19 positive, 59 patients (6.9%) had pre-existing hypothyroidism and received thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Hypothyroidism was not associated with increased risk of ICU admission (odds ratio [OR]: 0.447; 95% CI: 0.216-0.925, P=0.030), severe disease (OR: 1.237; 95% CI: 0.688-2.223, P=0.447) mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.785; 95% CI: 0.894-3.562; P=0.064) and death (OR: 0.997; 95% CI: 0.478-2.080; P=0.993).
Conclusion: Our study showed that underlying hypothyroidism does not lead to worse outcomes and complications in patients with COVID-19. It suggests that hypothyroidism is not associated with a worse prognosis and should not be considered among the comorbidities that indicate a risk factor for COVID-19 severity and its complication.