Hypothyroidism is Increased in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Save

In a study that compared seropositive (RF+, CCP+) and seronegative RA with healthy participants, the frequency of thyroid antibodies was assessed. Disease activity was assessed along with labs for thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3), TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs) and total thyroxin (TT4), ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Each patient also underwent neck ultrasound to assess the thyroid in each patient.

Hypothyroidism was observed in 28.57% (n = 20) of patients with RA compared to 15% in healthy volunteers. Patients with RA had significantly higher mean levels of anti-TPO, anti-TG and TRAbs than healthy participants. Moreover, seropositive RA patients had even higher anti-TPO, TRabs and anti-TG values compared to seronegative patients with RA.