Interrelations between fibromyalgia, thyroid autoantibodies, and depression.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Endocrinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.
• Thyroid autoimmunity involves the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, potentially leading to dysfunction.
• The relationship between FM and autoimmune conditions, particularly thyroid autoimmunity, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and quantify the association between fibromyalgia and thyroid autoimmunity.
• To explore the role of depression and age as potential confounding factors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 146 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 74 age- and sex-matched controls.
• Fibromyalgia diagnosis followed the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria.
• Thyroid autoimmunity was assessed by measuring antithyroid peroxidase and/or antithyroglobulin antibodies; depression was diagnosed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

Main Results:

• Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between FM and thyroid autoimmunity (OR=3.87), depression (OR=3.94), and age (OR=1.04).
• After adjusting for depression and age in a logistic regression model, the association between FM and thyroid autoimmunity was strengthened (OR=4.52).

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest a notable association between fibromyalgia and thyroid autoimmunity.
• This association persists even after controlling for depression and age, highlighting a potential link between these conditions.