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Prevalence of thyroid dysfunctions in systemic lupus erythematosus
Alessandro Antonelli1, Poupak Fallahi, Marta Mosca
1Metabolism Unit Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy. a.antonelli@med.unipi.it
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, particularly women, show a higher prevalence of thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism and Graves disease. Routine thyroid screening is recommended for SLE patients to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- The link between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and thyroid autoimmunity is complex, with varied findings in existing literature.
- Discrepant results necessitate further investigation into the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in SLE patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of clinical and subclinical thyroid disorders in SLE patients compared to matched controls.
- To assess the association between SLE and thyroid autoimmunity, including antithyroid peroxidase antibody (AbTPO) positivity.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 213 SLE patients and 426 sex- and age-matched controls with known iodine intake.
- Thyroid hormone levels, antithyroid antibodies (AbTPO), and thyroid ultrasonography were performed.
- Statistical analysis using odds ratios and mean value comparisons.
Main Results:
- SLE patients exhibited significantly higher odds of subclinical hypothyroidism (OR 4.5), AbTPO positivity (OR 2.6), and thyroid autoimmunity (OR 2.9).
- Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone and AbTPO levels were observed in female SLE patients.
- Higher prevalence of clinical hypothyroidism and Graves disease in female SLE patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid dysfunction is more prevalent in SLE patients, warranting thyroid function tests and ultrasonography as part of their routine clinical evaluation.
- High-risk SLE patients (women, positive AbTPOs, specific thyroid ultrasound findings) require regular thyroid monitoring and treatment.
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