Correlation of subclinical hypothyroidism with sarcopenia and its components in the Chinese older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the correlation of thyroid function and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with sarcopenia and its components in the older Chinese adults.

METHODS

Older adults were recruited and divided into SCH group and non-SCH group. Free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by electrochemiluminescence. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was measured, and skeletal muscle index (SMI) was further calculated. Grip strength was measured. Physical performance was graded by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores of the gait speed test, chair stand test and balance test.

RESULTS

Of the 240 older adults included, 48 (20.00%) presented with SCH. The prevalence of sarcopenia in SCH group was higher than that in non-SCH group (33.33% v.s. 18.75%). Grip strength was significantly lower in patients with SCH than those without sarcopenia. In terms of physical performance, 6-meter gait speed and SPPB score were lower in subjects with SCH than those without SCH, while 5 sit-to-stand movements was longer score in subjects with SCH than those without SCH. SCH was significantly correlated with sarcopenia, while FT3, FT4, and TSH levels were not. SCH was significantly correlated with low muscle strength and low muscle mass, but not with low physical performance. FT3 level was positively correlated with grip strength and SMI. TSH level was negatively correlated with grip strength, 6-meter gait speed, and SPPB score, but positively correlated with the time of 5 sit-to-stand movements.

CONCLUSION

SCH is a risk factor for sarcopenia in the older adults and correlated with low muscle strength and low muscle mass, but not with low physical performance. FT3, FT4 and TSH levels are associated with sarcopenia components, but not with sarcopenia.