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Published on: March 17, 2023
Association between parity and autoimmune thyroiditis in a general female population
Nele Friedrich1, Sabine Schwarz, Jens Thonack
1Institute of Community Medicine-Unit SHIP, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany. nele.friedrich@uni-greifswald.de
Autoimmunity
|March 8, 2008
Summary
Parity, or having given birth, is associated with an increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease (AIT) in women. This study found that women with at least one pregnancy had significantly higher odds of developing AIT.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Autoimmune thyroid disease (AIT) disproportionately affects females.
- Pregnancy and the postpartum period are known to increase the risk of thyroid autoimmunity.
- The relationship between parity and AIT requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the association between parity and autoimmune thyroid disease (AIT).
- To investigate the role of ultrasound and serological data in assessing this association.
Main Methods:
- A study population of 2156 women aged 20-79 years was analyzed.
- Serum anti-TPO antibodies and thyrotropin levels were measured.
- Thyroid ultrasonography was performed, with AIT defined by hypoechogenic pattern and positive anti-TPO levels (>200 IU/ml).
Main Results:
- An association was found between parity and AIT.
- Women with at least one pregnancy had significantly increased odds for AIT (OR 4.6 [95%-CI 1.4-15.1]).
- Similar associations were observed using hypoechogenic thyroid pattern and positive anti-TPO levels as separate indicators.
Conclusions:
- Parity is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease in women.
- Parity appears to be a potential risk factor for developing AIT.
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