Thyroid autoimmunity and recurrent spontaneous abortion in Iran: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) affects a significant number of women.
• The role of thyroid autoimmunity in RSA is not fully understood.
• Thyroid antibodies, such as TG-Ab and TPO-Ab, are markers of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between TG-Ab and TPO-Ab and RSA.
• To evaluate this association in a euthyroid, nonpregnant Iranian population.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted in Tehran, Iran.
• Included nonpregnant women with a history of 3+ consecutive pregnancy losses (cases) and age-matched healthy women (controls).
• Thyroid function tests, including TG-Ab and TPO-Ab, were performed.

Main Results:

• The study included 641 patients and 269 controls.
• Thyroid antibodies were found in 24.5% of patients versus 12.6% of controls (P<.001).
• Thyroid antibodies were significantly associated with RSA, independent of age (OR=2.24).

Conclusions:

• TG-Ab and TPO-Ab were more prevalent in women with RSA.
• Thyroid autoimmunity is independently associated with an increased risk of recurrent abortion in this population.
• Findings suggest a potential role for thyroid autoimmunity screening in women with RSA.