ABSTRACT

In this study thyroid function test results in patients with irritable bowel syndrome are investigated and evaluated.

Twenty-four patients were included into study and distributed into two groups. Group 1 had 15 (8 females) patient with irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed by Rome II criteria. Group 2 had 9 (7 females) patients, chosen randomly and applied to the hospital for other reasons that had no systemic disease and gastrointestinal symptoms. Free T3, free T4, T3, T4, TSH levels of all of the patients were done in the same laboratory.

Female patients with IBS were significantly younger than male ones (p0.05). From the hormonal test results only one patient in Group 2 was diagnosed to have hypothyroidism. Comparing the free T3 and free T4 test results, no significant difference occurred between both groups (p0.06) TSH level was found significantly low in 4 patients of Group 1 (0.184± 0.01 uIU/ml, p0.06). T3 results were found to be significantly low in Group 1 (p0.06). Although not regarded as significant, a decrease was observed in T4 results in Group 1 patients.

It was concluded that for differential diagnosis of IBS, metabolic and hormonal conditions must be taken into consideration. As various thyroid hormone abnormalities were observed in these patients, free hormone profile holds a great importance in diagnosing thyroidal disease. With the results of the study, it was decided to carry out the study on a larger scale.

Keywords: Irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid hormone, TSH