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Thyroid nodules in Hispanic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
D L Quintanilla-Flores1, M I Hernández-Coria, G Elizondo-Riojas
11Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital "Dr José Eleuterio González", México.
Lupus
|September 21, 2013
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients show a high prevalence of thyroid nodules (TN). Azathioprine use was the only factor correlated with TN in this SLE cohort, warranting thyroid evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Thyroid nodules (TN) are common, but their prevalence in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is understudied.
- Thyroid disorders affect over 50% of SLE patients, yet specific TN data is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of thyroid nodules in adult SLE patients.
- To identify potential risk factors and clinical characteristics associated with TN in SLE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 55 SLE patients over 16 years old.
- Radiological assessment for thyroid nodules and evaluation of clinical data, including medications and family history.
Main Results:
- A 27% prevalence of thyroid nodules was found in SLE patients.
- One-third of nodules were larger than 1 cm and showed suspicious features for malignancy.
- Azathioprine use was significantly associated with the presence of TN (OR 3.94, p=0.03).
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of thyroid nodules exists in SLE patients.
- Azathioprine treatment is a potential risk factor for TN development in SLE.
- Routine thyroid gland evaluation is recommended for all SLE patients.
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