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Autoimmune thyroid diseases and coeliac disease
C Sategna-Guidetti1, M Bruno, E Mazza
1Department of Internal Medicine, Cattedra di Gastroenterologia, Universita' di Torino, Italy.
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|January 1, 1999
Summary
Autoimmune thyroid disease patients have a significantly higher prevalence of coeliac disease, suggesting routine screening for gluten intolerance is warranted. However, thyroid function screening in coeliac disease patients is less critical.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Coeliac disease is linked to various immune-related disorders.
- Understanding the prevalence of coeliac disease in autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) and vice versa is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of coeliac disease in adults with ATD.
- To assess thyroid impairment in adults with coeliac disease compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 152 ATD patients, 185 coeliac disease patients, and 170 controls.
- Coeliac disease screening via IgA anti-endomysium antibodies and duodenal biopsy.
- Thyroid function tests and ATD classification using American Thyroid Association guidelines.
Main Results:
- Coeliac disease prevalence was 3.3% in ATD patients, 10-fold higher than expected.
- Autoimmune thyroid diseases were found in 20.5% of coeliac patients versus 11.2% of controls.
- No significant difference in hypo- or hyperthyroidism prevalence, but higher prevalence of euthyroid ATD in coeliac patients.
Conclusions:
- A strong association exists between coeliac disease and ATD due to shared immunopathogenesis.
- Screening ATD patients for coeliac disease is recommended due to increased gluten intolerance risk.
- Routine thyroid function assessment in coeliac patients may be less justified, but follow-up for euthyroid ATD is advised.