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Thyroid autoimmunity may represent a predisposition for the development of fibromyalgia?
L Bazzichi1, A Rossi, C Zirafa
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy. l.bazzichi@int.med.unipi.it
Rheumatology International
|November 19, 2010
Summary
Thyroid autoimmunity, specifically Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), may predispose individuals to fibromyalgia (FM). This suggests a potential role for thyroid autoimmunity in the development of FM.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Previous research indicated autoimmune thyroid disease exacerbates fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms.
- The relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and FM pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the predisposition for FM development in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).
- To determine the impact of antithyroid antibodies and SCH on FM comorbidity.
Main Methods:
- Matched cohort study comparing HT/SCH patients with FM patients and healthy controls.
- Analysis of serum thyroid hormones, TSH, and autoantibodies (TPOAb, TgAb).
- Clinical assessment using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain.
Main Results:
- Fibromyalgia comorbidity was observed in 31% of HT patients (33.3% in HT without SCH, 28.5% in HT with SCH).
- No FM comorbidity was found in patients with SCH alone.
- Key FM symptoms like diffuse pain, fatigue, and mood disorders were evaluated.
Conclusions:
- Data suggest a potential predisposition to FM in individuals with HT.
- Thyroid autoimmunity may play a hypothetical role in the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia.
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