Effect of subclinical hyperthyroidism on osteoporosis: A meta-analysis of cohort studies
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The effect of subclinical hyperthyroidism (SH) on bone mineral density (BMD) remains unclear, as do the linking mechanisms. This review aims to investigate the relationship between SH and bone loss in terms of the gender-dependent effects of SH on BMD.
METHODS: The PUBMED, EMBASE, OVID, MEDLINE, SINOMED and COCHRANE LIBRARY databases (inception to August 12, 2019) were searched for cohort studies investigating the effects of SH on BMD. Eligible studies were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis using a random-effects model meta-analysis with the Cochrane systematic evaluation method.
RESULTS: Twelve cohort studies involving 275,086 participants who were followed for 3 months to 13 years were included based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results indicated that SH did not affect lumbar spine BMD in females or males. However, a significant reduction in femoral neck BMD was observed in females, but not in males. Further, there was a significant increase in hip fractures events in both females and males with SH.
CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicate that SH is significantly associated with hip fracture risk, and therefore, it is important to assess the risk of fractures in patients with SH. Future studies should focus on methods for accurately determining this risk in patients with SH and providing them with timely and efficient diagnosis and treatment.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 275,086 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Vitamin D supplementation for improving bone density in vitamin D-deficient children and adolescents: systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- Calcium supplementation during pregnancy and maternal and offspring bone health: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Change in CT-measured acetabular bone density following total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Bisphosphonate therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta
- Bisphosphonate therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta
- Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and bone health: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.