Detection of thyroid nodules and determinants among civil pilots
10.3760/cma.j.cn113854-20240730-00120
- VernacularTitle:民航飞行员甲状腺结节检出情况及影响因素分析
- Author:
Yunlong NIU
1
;
Haiping ZHONG
1
;
Yongtao DAI
1
;
Jiajian PAN
1
Author Information
1. 厦门航空有限公司健康管理部，厦门361008
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Thyroid nodule;
Analysis of contributors;
Retrospective studies;
Civil pilots
- From:
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine
2025;36(2):101-106
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To analyze the results of detection and determinants of thyroid nodules among civil pilots, and to provide evidence for health management and aeromedical support.Methods:The results of health examination and flight data of 2 451 pilots at Xiamen Airlines Co., Ltd. collected between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 was retrospectively analyzed. These pilots were divided into a non-nodule group and a nodule group based on thyroid ultrasound findings. Gender,age, flying hours, body mass index, prevalence of hypertension, blood routine parameters, lipid profiles, liver and kidney function, fasting plasma glucose, and long-haul flight frequency were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariate Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for thyroid nodules.Results:Among the 2 397 civil pilots, 2 301 were in the non-nodule group and 96 in the nodule group, with a detection rate of 4.01%. Most of these nodules were solitary and small (<1 cm in diameter, 52.08%), and classified as Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 (likely benign, 53.13%). Detection rates of nodules were significantly higher among clivil pilots of older age or with longer flying hours ( χ2=25.17,36.86,both P<0.001). Overweight/obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, and frequent long-haul flights were also associated with higher prevalence of thyroid nodules ( χ2=14.81, 6.17, 10.86, 11.57, 4.12, P<0.001,=0.013, 0.001, 0.001,0.042). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis pointed to the following independent risk factors: flying hours of 10 001-15 000 ( OR=4.005, 95% CI: 1.952-8.216) and over 15 000 ( OR=5.220, 95% CI: 2.415-11.285), overweight/obesity ( OR=1.646, 95% CI: 1.052-2.576) and hyperuricaemia ( OR=1.838, 95% CI: 1.204-2.804). Conclusions:The detection rate of thyroid nodules among civil pilots is relatively low. The occurrence is linked to advanced age, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and long-haul flight frequency, with cumulative flying hours, overweight/obesity and hyperuricemia as key risk factors. Aviation healthcare providers and medical examiners should provide targeted guidance and interventions related to modifiable risk factors to safeguard clivil pilots′ occupational health.
