Thyroid Function Tests in Adults with Goitre Attending Specialist Hospital, Gusau, Zamfara State

Goitre secondary to iodine deficiency remains a public health concern in several North West Nigerian states, where dietary iodine intake may be insufficient. This study assessed thyroid function tests in adults presenting with goitre at the Specialist Hospital, Gusau, Zamfara State. Seventy adults with palpable goitre were recruited alongside 35 euthyroid controls without thyroid enlargement. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Urinary iodine concentration was determined by the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction as an indicator of iodine nutritional status. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. Results showed that 38.6 percent of goitre patients were hypothyroid based on elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone and reduced free thyroxine levels. Subclinical hypothyroidism was detected in 22.9 percent of patients. Median urinary iodine was below 100 micrograms per litre in 65.7 percent of goitre patients, indicating iodine deficiency. Control participants had adequate iodine levels. The study concludes that iodine deficiency is a major driver of goitre and thyroid dysfunction in adults in Gusau. Iodine supplementation campaigns, promotion of iodised salt use, and dietary education are critical interventions for this population. Keywords: goitre, thyroid function, iodine deficiency, hypothyroidism, Zamfara State.