The association between thyroid autoantibodies in serum and abnormal function and structure of the thyroid

To evaluate the association between thyroid autoantibodies and abnormalities in thyroid function and structure, and to investigate any risk factors.

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Chengdu residents ≥ 18 years with no previous thyroid disease. The study participants provided demographic and clinical data. Thyroid function and serum concentrations of the thyroid autoantibodies antithyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) were measured.

A total of 1334 subjects were included in this study. The prevalence of TPOAb and TgAb positivity was significantly higher in female than in male subjects. The prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies in those with subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical hyper- and hypothyroidism was significantly greater than in euthyroid subjects. The concentration of TPOAb and TgAb in subjects with both TPOAb and TgAb was significantly higher than in those who exhibited only one type of thyroid autoantibody. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex, thyroid volume, thyroid hypo- and heteroechogenicity were found to be risk factors for the presence of autoantibodies.

Thyroid autoantibodies were common in the general population. Women with thyroid enlargement, hypoechogenicity and heteroechogenicity might benefit from routine screening for thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid function.