A cross-sectional study of correlation between thyroid nodules and metabolic indicators of central obesity in Northwest China

ZHANG Mingming; YAN Ke; HAO Hua; JIANG Hong; MA Mao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2025.23.020

Abstract：Objective This study aims to provide theoretical support for the formulation of thyroid nodule prevention and treatment strategies in Northwest China and to investigate the characteristics of thyroid nodules and their association with metabolic indicators in this population.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted by retrospectively enrolling healthy individuals who underwent routine health examinations at our hospital between January 1 and December 31,2023.A total of 38 919 participants were included.The detection rate of thyroid nodules was stratified by age and sex.Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for thyroid nodules.Results Among the 38 919 participants,20 395 were men(52.4%)and 18 524 were women(47.6%).The overall detection rate of thyroid nodules was 47.1%(18 317/38 919),including 40.1%(8 187/20 395)in men and 54.7%(10 130/18 524)in women.Across all age groups,women had a significantly higher detection rate than men(P<0.001).The detection rate increased with age in both sexes(χ²trend=1392.867,P<0.001 in men;χ²trend=1521.215,P<0.001 in women).Significant differences were observed between participants with and without thyroid nodules in age,body mass index(BMI),fasting blood glucose(FBG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),triiodothyronine(T3),thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH),and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies(TGAB),anti-thyroid microsomal antibodies,the proportion of hypertension and central obesity(all P<0.05).Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis identified female sex(OR=2.158),older age(OR=1.040),central obesity(OR=1.144),elevated FBG(OR=1.039),hypertension(OR=1.095),elevated TGAB(OR=1.008),and elevated T3(OR=1.154)as independent risk factors for thyroid nodules(all P<0.05).Conclusion Women in Northwest China are at higher risk of developing thyroid nodules.Screening and health management should be prioritized for older individuals,those with central obesity,elevated FBG,hypertension,elevated TGAB,and elevated T3 levels.