SERUM LIPOIDS AND PROTEINS IN HYPOTHYROIDISM 1

Abstract

In the search for additional criteria of thyroid deficiency, the basal metabolic rate, serum cholesterol, titrated fatty acids, lipid P, total proteins, including albumin and globulin fractions, were studied at frequent intervals in 29 patients before, during and after treatment with thyroid. 5 of these patients had most of symptoms of myxedema; the rest had some of these symptoms and, in addition, many atypical features. The levels of serum cholesterol, phosphatides, and fatty acids are readily affected by changes in the amt. of thyroid hormone in the body. Patients with myxedema have remarkably high serum lipoids (cholesterol 316 to 603 mg. %). Amelioration in symptoms by adm. of 1 to 2 grains of dessicated thyroid is closely paralleled by a fall in lipids and a rise in basal metabolic rate. The lipids revert to former high levels with return of symptoms following omission of thyroid therapy. In patients without hypothyroidism thyroid lowers serum cholesterol, but the decreases are not so significant and larger amts. are required. The level of serum cholesterol is a useful tool in determining the presence or absence of hypothroidism. A serum cholesterol below 275 mg. % practically excludes hypothyroidism and indicates that the adm. of thyroid probably has little or no effect in relieving symptoms. Serum proteins tend to lie above or in the upper part of the normal range in hypothyroidism. The level of proteins could not be consistently correlated with the amt. of edema.