The Relationship Between Hand Function and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Hypothyroidism

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate hand function and hand function-related factors in patients with hypothyroidism and to investigate the relationship between hand function and activities of daily living.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 103 patients with hypothyroidism (53 with Hashimoto thyroiditis, 50 with postoperative hypothyroidism) and 50 controls. Hand function was evaluated with the Duruoz Hand Index, and the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale was used to assess activities of daily living.

Results: The mean Duruoz Hand Index scores were higher in the Hashimoto group (1.70 ± 4.71) (P=.02) and postsurgical group (2.16 ± 4.37) (P=.002) than in the control group (0.24 ± 1.02). The median Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale score was 65 (45-66) in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis, 63 (43-66) in patients with postsurgical hypothyroidism, and 66 (46-66) in the control group (P=.009). The difference was statistically significant between the control group and Hashimoto (P=.037) and postsurgical (P = .001) groups. The cut-off value of the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale determined with receiver operating characteristics analysis for poor and good activities of daily living status was 63.5 with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 54% (area under the curve: 0.643, 95% Cl: 0.553-0.733, P=.004) for this study. Logistic regression analysis showed that Duruoz Hand Index (B = −0.695, P=.011) and female gender (B = −2.477, P=.028) were predictive variables for activities of daily living (R2=0.43).

Conclusion: Hand function was worse, and activities of daily living were lower in patients with hypothyroidism. Since poor hand function may affect activities of daily living, clinicians should routinely assess hand function and activities of daily living in patients with hypothyroidism. A multidisciplinary approach including rehabilitation programs, must be considered if hand dysfunction is detected.

Cite this article as: Hepşen S, Baday Keskin D, Çakal E. The relationship between hand function and activities of daily living in patients with hypothyroidism. Endocrinol Res Pract. 2023;27(1):3-7.