A NEW guideline on thyroid disorders launched today is timely as it provides important information for the people, said a top Health Ministry official.

The ministry’s Medical Development Division director Dr Norhizan Ismail said the guideline is crucial to address thyroid issues among Malaysians.

He praised the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society for launching the Clinical Practice Guideline in Malaysia for the Management of Thyroid Disorders.

“A survey conducted in 2017 showed that 3.4% of the population have hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid function) and 2.1% have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid function).

“Most of these individuals presenting with thyroid dysfunction were previously undiagnosed, with their disorder only being detected during the study,” he said at an event in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the guideline will aid medical services in adhering to optimum standards that will ensure patients get the care they need and deserve.

“The study also found that 9.3% of the population have goiters (thyroid gland enlargement) and 3.6% have thyroid nodules.

“The majority of these individuals also did not know that they had these thyroid abnormalities prior to the study.”

Norhizan said the results indicated that most of the individuals that participated in the study had a resulting diagnosis and experienced subclinical or asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction.

“Looking at the bigger picture, thyroid diseases are the second most common endocrine disorder after diabetes mellitus.

“They are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, hence, early diagnosis and treatment are important to ensure the patients’ well-being.”

Norhizan said the comprehensive guideline covers the full spectrum of thyroid disorders, with the exception of neonatal hypothyroidism and thyroid cancers.

“There are 270 recommendations made in this Clinical Practice Guideline, which will guide medical practitioners on the best way to treat various thyroid disorders to ensure patient care is at the forefront.” – October 3, 2020.