ESTABLISHMENT OF AGE- AND SEX-SPECIFIC REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE IN THE SYRIAN POPULATION

Abstract In Syria the establishment of population specific TSH reference levels is critical to accurate assessment of thyroid disorders. Given the impact that age, sex and physiological variations can have on thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, which is used as a key indicator of thyroid function, varying reference ranges must be utilised for different groups of people. Given the significant ethnic and geographical variations within Syria, using broad reference values may result in the incorrect diagnosis or inappropriate treatment of patients. Since levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in blood change with age, age-specific ranges must be established for this test. As individuals age, thyroid function declines. Given the effect of sex steroids on thyroid physiology, the reference range for serum TSH levels needs to be established separately for males and females. In contexts where healthcare facilities are insufficient, failure to consider these differences can result in greater disparities in the population's health. Thyroid hormone levels can also be influenced by various physiological changes, for instance variations in nutritional intake, the presence of certain endemic diseases and the body's stress levels. This situation requires a diagnostic strategy that takes account of these factors in order to improve the reliability of diagnosis of thyroid function. The creation of local reference levels for thyroid-stimulating hormone in Syria will therefore ensure that medical professionals are able to diagnose conditions with greater accuracy and provide relevant treatment. This in turn would result in better health outcomes. Given the complex interplay of demographic factors influencing thyroid health, standards tailored to specific populations are necessary to promote public health initiatives and efficient resource allocation.