Analysis of clinical features and 7-year all-cause mortality in older male patients with non-thyroidal illness syndrome on general wards

Key summary points Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the association of non-thyroidal illness syndrome and all-cause mortality in older inpatients on general wards. Findings Patients in the non-thyroidal illness syndrome group had a lower survival rate over 7 years follow-up. A lower free T 3 level was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality. A higher free T 4 level in the normal range was associated with all-cause mortality risk even after adjusting for confounding factors. Message The survival rate was lower in the non-thyroidal illness syndrome group. A reduced free T 3 level with low albumin and haemoglobin levels was associated with all-cause mortality; moreover, a higher free T 4 in the normal range may be a strong predictor for long-term mortality risk in hospitalised older male patients.