Association between rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid dysfunction: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Endocrinology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition with potential links to thyroid dysfunction.
• Previous studies on RA and thyroid dysfunction risk have yielded conflicting results.
• This review systematically assesses the association between RA and thyroid dysfunction.

Approach:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to March 25, 2022.
• Data from 29 studies involving 35,708 patients were meta-analyzed.
• Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the risk of thyroid dysfunction in RA patients compared to controls.

Key Points:

• RA patients exhibit an elevated risk of thyroid dysfunction (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.78-2.84).
• Hypothyroidism is the most prevalent thyroid dysfunction observed in RA patients.
• Study design and control group selection were identified as sources of heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

• Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a significantly increased risk of developing thyroid dysfunction, especially hypothyroidism.
• Routine thyroid function screening is recommended for RA patients.
• Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to elucidate causality and clinical impact.