Autoimmune thyroid disorders in SLE in Singapore

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Rheumatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations.
• Thyroid dysfunction can occur in autoimmune conditions, but its prevalence in SLE requires further elucidation.
• Understanding thyroid function in SLE is crucial for comprehensive patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and related antibodies in patients with SLE.
• To determine the incidence of hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and euthyroid sick syndrome in an SLE cohort.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 129 patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Performance of thyroid function tests including assessment for hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and euthyroid sick syndrome.
• Measurement of antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibodies.

Main Results:

• A significant prevalence of thyroid function test aberrations was observed in SLE patients.
• Hyperthyroidism was identified in 8.9% and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 3.9% of patients.
• Euthyroid sick syndrome was present in 47.8%, and thyroid antibodies in 32.2%.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid function test abnormalities are common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
• While thyroid dysfunction is prevalent, the incidence of severe thyroid failure appears low in SLE.
• Routine thyroid screening may be beneficial for SLE patients due to the high rate of thyroid aberrations.