Introduction. It is well-known that overt thyroid dysfunctions have an influence on bone mineral density (BMD). It is noticed as a change in bone turnover and BMD, with subsequent increased risk of fall-induced fractures. Additionally, promoting the lipid profile derangement, subclinical thyroid dysfunction seems to be an important factor of atherosclerosis acceleration and the risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular incidents. In this study we examined the relationship between some of

more »

... orosis risk factors, metabolic parameters and BMD, in subclinical thyroidopathies. Material and Methods. Pilot cross-sectional study involved 45 females selected on fulfilled inclusion criteria. Three groups of 15 examinees were formed, based on TSH and fT4 serum levels (SHypo, SHyper, and euthyroid-control). As for risk factors, age, records on menopause and history of past fractures as well as metabolic parameters Body Mass Index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were observed. The entire study population was referred to DEXA (Dual Energy X Ray Absorptiometry) scan for BMD measurement on lumbar spine (LS) and left hip (LH), expressed through T scores. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS for Windows 18.0 statistical package. The level of statistical significance was 0.05. Results. The groups of patients differed on cholesterol levels and LS/LH T scores. Decreased BMD was detected in 35 (77.4%) patients. Intergroup correlations of LS/LH T scores were registered. A history of past fractures and records on menopause significantly influenced LS/LH T scores, which was not the case with metabolic parameters. Both the lowest T scores and clinically important dyslipidemia were presented in SHypo group. Discussion. The pilot study pointed out a decrease in BMD (mostly on osteopenia level) in subclinical, presumably hypothyroid disorder. The presence of hypercholesterolemia was detected in the same group. Metabolic parameters and thyroid hormones (TSH and fT4) did not have an effect on BMD. Conclusion. Subclinical thyroid dysfunctions are associated with a decrease in BMD, mostly presented as osteopenia, with a higher degree of severity in SHypo group. There is no registered influence of metabolic parameters on LS/LH T scores. It can be possible to slow down progression of decrease in BMD and subsequent fracture risk, with proper diagnostics and management of subclinical thyroid dysfunctions. Additionally, with correction of lipid disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk could be minimized.