Outcomes of Patients With Hypothyroidism and COVID 19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Coronavirus diseases (COVID 19) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality and worse outcomes have been reported for various morbidities. The impact of pre existing hypothyroidism on COVID 19 outcomes remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify a possible association between hypothyroidism and outcomes related to COVID 19 including hospitalization, need for mechanical ventilation, and all cause mortality. All patients with a laboratory confirmed COVID 19 diagnosis in March 2020 in a large New York City health system were reviewed. Of the 3703 COVID 19 positive patients included in present study, 251 patients (6.8% had pre existing hypothyroidism and received thyroid hormone therapy. Hypothyroidism was not associated with increased risk of hospitalization [Adjusted Odds Ratio (ORadj) 1.23 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.88 1.70) mechanical ventilation [ORadj: 1.17 (95% CI: 0.81 1.69) nor death [ORadj: 1.07 (95% CI: 0.75 1.54) This study provides insight into the role of hypothyroidism on the outcomes of COVID 19 positive patients, indicating that no additional precautions or consultations are needed. However, future research into the potential complications of COVID 19 on the thyroid gland and function is warranted.
Frontiers in Endocrinology