Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to transform the early diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders in India, AIIMS-Bhubaneswar Executive Director Dr. Ashutosh Biswas said on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion of World Thyroid Day (May 25), Dr. Biswas highlighted the growing role of AI in personalized medicine, especially for hypothyroidism, which affects about 1 in 10 adults in the country. “AI will help in early diagnosis, track the progression of disease, and support outcome-based medication, especially benefiting patients in rural and underserved areas,” he said.
Hypothyroidism is three times more common in women than men, and about 33% of patients remain undiagnosed. Untreated hypothyroidism can adversely impact major organs including the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, intestines, and the reproductive system. Among children and infants, it can lead to stunted growth, obesity, developmental delays, and poor academic performance, Dr. Biswas added.
Hypothyroidism-affected infants and children suffer from stunted growth, obesity, delayed development, poor scholastic performance, constipation, pubertal disorders and obesity. Patients in the reproductive age group present with infertility, menstrual irregularities, lethargy, confusion, hypertension and weight gain. Elderly patients may have dry skin, fatigability, constipation, heart failure, obesity and hypertension. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe complications such as myxedema coma, pericardial effusion, heart failure, and even death, Dr. Biswas concluded.