Thyroid Hormone Concentrations, Disease, Physical Function, and Mortality in Elderly Men

• DOI: 10.1210/jc.2005-0872
• Publication Date: 2005-12-05T23:38:01Z
• Authors: Annewieke W. van ...; Theo J. Visser; Richard A. Feelders; Diederick E. Grobbee; Steven W. J. Lamb...
• Keywords: Thyroid disease

Context: Physiological changes in thyroid hormone concentrations might be related to the overall physical function elderly. Objective: We determined what extent are and mortality elderly men. Design: A longitudinal population study (the Zoetermeer study) was conducted. Mortality registered subsequent 4 yr. Participants: Four hundred three independently ambulatory living men (aged 73–94 yr) participated. Main Outcome Measures: The examined association between serum hormones parameters of as well with mortality. Methods: TSH, free T4 (FT4) total T4, T3, rT3, T4-binding globulin were measured. Physical estimated by number problems activities daily living, a measure performance score (PPS), leg extensor strength grip strength, bone density, body composition. Results: Serum rT3 increased significantly age presence disease. Sixty-three met biochemical criteria for low T3 syndrome (decreased rT3). This associated lower PPS, independent Furthermore, higher FT4 (within normal range healthy adults) (above Isolated better PPS lean mass. Low decreased risk 4-yr Conclusions: In men, function. High may result from peripheral metabolism due aging process itself and/or disease reflect catabolic state. is survival; this an adaptive mechanism prevent excessive catabolism.