Thyroid disease as a comorbidity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Thyroid disease is a common comorbidity in inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs). It complicates disease management and treatment of IRDs. The interplay between thyroid disfunction and IRDs is confounded by shared autoimmune mechanisms and systemic inflammation. Available evidence suggests that rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) are associated with an elevated risk of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). This review explores mechanisms of thyroid disease in IRDs, overviews implications for disease management, and highlights approaches to optimal patient outcomes. Recent studies point to the need for routine thyroid screening in high-risk IRD populations and justify therapies with anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-17 agents, targeting both thyroid disease and IRDs. This integrated management strategy is crucial for optimizing therapeutic approaches in overlapping autoimmune conditions.