ASSOCIATION OF THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE IN SEVERITY OF COVID-19 FEVER: A REPORT FROM DISTRICT FAISALABAD AND OKARA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has presented unprecedented global health challenge, prompting extensive research into multifaceted determinants of disease severity. While established risk factors like age and comorbidities influence the clinical course of COVID-19, emerging evidence suggesting endocrine dysfunction, particularly alterations in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone levels, may significantly impact disease progression. Objective: This study investigated the association between TSH levels with age groups of COVID-19 patients in District Faisalabad and District Okara, Pakistan. Methodology: This study utilized a Systematic Sampling Method to select 168 patients with COVID-19 and thyroid gland dysfunction. TSH levels were determined using the ichroma TSH method, which employs Fluorescence Immunoassay. Results: This study analyzes clinical data, including thyroid function markers, disease progression, and patient outcomes, to elucidate the role of TSH in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and its potential clinical implications. The Fisher’s Exact Test yielded a p-value of 0.267, indicating no statistically significant association between Thyroid Stimulating Hormone levels and respondents' age groups at the 5% significance level. This suggests that TSH levels are independent of age. Conclusion: Identifying an association between TSH levels and COVID-19 severity has significant implications for risk stratification, clinical decision-making, and the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. These findings highlight the importance of considering endocrine factors in the context of COVID-19 severity, contributing valuable insights to the evolving landscape of pandemic research. Further research is warranted to validate and expand upon these preliminary findings to enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between thyroid function and COVID-19 outcomes.