Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anti-Thyroid Antibodies
Author Information
Author(s): Irfan Yavasoglu, Senturk Taskin, Coskun Adil, Bolaman Zahit
Primary Institution: Adnan Menderes University
Hypothesis
Are anti-thyroid antibodies present in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
The presence of anti-thyroid antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis patients may indicate a pathological autoimmune response rather than thyroid disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Anti-TPO positivity was 15.9% in RA patients compared to 2.6% in controls.
- Anti-Tg positivity was 12.3% in RA patients compared to 1.8% in controls.
- There was no correlation between rheumatoid factor titer and duration of RA thyroid autoantibodies.
Takeaway
This study looked at people with rheumatoid arthritis and found that some had antibodies that could affect their thyroid, but it doesn't mean they have thyroid disease.
Methodology
The study measured thyroid hormone levels and antibodies in 82 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 47 healthy controls.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and lack of financial support.
Limitations
The study did not account for racial differences and excluded patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.
Participant Demographics
82 rheumatoid arthritis patients (67 females, 15 males) and 47 healthy controls (31 females, 16 males).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.008 for anti-TPO, 0.0004 for anti-Tg
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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