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Autoimmune thyroid disease in systemic lupus erythematosus
1Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, Arthur Stanley House, 4th Floor, 40-50 Tottenham Street, London W1P 9PJ, UK.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|January 10, 2002
Summary
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) show a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism and thyroid antibodies. This study investigated autoimmune thyroid disease and antibodies in 300 SLE patients, finding increased hypothyroidism rates compared to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Autoimmune thyroid disease and antibody prevalence in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) show wide variations in reported data.
- Previous studies often involved small cohorts with short-term follow-up.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease and thyroid antibodies in a cohort of 300 SLE patients.
- To analyze long-term follow-up data from patients treated between 1978 and 2000.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of case notes from 300 patients diagnosed with SLE.
- Evaluation of thyroid function and presence of thyroid antibodies (antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin).
Main Results:
- Hypothyroidism prevalence was 5.7% in SLE patients, significantly higher than the general population (1%).
- Hyperthyroidism prevalence was 1.7%, not significantly different from the general population.
- Thyroid antibodies were present in 14% of the cohort, rising to 68% in those with thyroid disease. Both antibody types were detected.
Conclusions:
- Patients with SLE exhibit a higher prevalence of hypothyroidism compared to the general population.
- The presence of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in SLE patients is associated with a significantly higher frequency of both antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibodies.