Vitiligo and thyroid disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Autoimmunity

Background:

• Vitiligo is a condition associated with autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Confounding factors like vitiligo type and onset require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis identifying vitiligo patients at increased risk of autoimmune thyroid disease.
• To quantify the prevalence of thyroid disease and antibodies in vitiligo patients.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of 37 studies including 78,714 vitiligo patients.
• Searches conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to August 31st, 2017.
• Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for thyroid disease and antibody prevalence; subgroup analysis performed.

Main Results:

• Vitiligo patients showed significantly higher prevalence of thyroid disease (OR: 3.932) and autoimmune thyroid disease (OR: 5.879).
• Elevated anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) (OR: 3.838) and anti-thyroglobulin (OR: 3.513) antibodies were observed in vitiligo patients.
• Non-segmental vitiligo correlated with higher TD and anti-TPO antibody prevalence; early-onset vitiligo showed lower TD prevalence compared to late-onset.

Conclusions:

• Vitiligo patients face a substantially increased risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease.
• Routine screening for anti-thyroid antibodies is recommended for all vitiligo patients.
• Physicians should maintain awareness of this comorbidity to ensure timely diagnosis and management.