Overview of Thyroid Disorders in Pikine National Hospital Center: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Introduction: Thyroid diseases are common in our region. Their etiologies are diverse and can be classified into two major categories: functional disorders (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) and structural abnormalities (nodules, goiter, and cancer). We conducted this study to assess the epidemiological and diagnostic profiles of thyroid diseases in our hospital. Methodology: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted over a 10-year period, from January 2009 to December 2019. A total of 920 patients diagnosed with thyroid disorders and followed at the Pikine National Hospital Center were included. Results: The mean age of the patients was 44 years, with ages ranging from 1 to 100 years. The highest incidence was observed in the 21 - 40-year age group. The female-to-male ratio was 7.7:1 (sex ratio, 0.13). Functional thyroid disorders were the most common indication for follow-up: hyperthyroidism accounted for 44.56% of cases, while hypothyroidism accounted for 35.87%. Among those with hyperthyroidism, thyrotoxic syndrome was present in 330 patients (81%), with Graves’ disease being the most frequent cause, responsible for 59% of hyperthyroidism cases. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was the leading cause of hypothyroidism, found in 137 patients (41.51%), followed by post-thyroidectomy hypothyroidism, observed in 88 patients (26.66%). Structural thyroid diseases were mainly composed of thyroid nodules, followed by simple goiter and, less frequently, thyroid cancer. Conclusion: Thyroid disorders are frequent and have varied etiologies. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective management. Understanding the current epidemiological trends will facilitate future evaluations and healthcare planning.