EVALUATION OF THYROID FUNCTION ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS HAVING CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDERS (CTD) ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN KOLKATA

Dr. Moumita Ghosh, *Dr. Arindam Naskar, Dr. Sudeshna Mallik, Prof. Subhankar Chowdhury and Prof. Bibhuti Saha

ABSTRACT

Background: Although thyroid disease is common in the general population, there appears to be an increased frequency of thyroid dysfunctions in association with many autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The associations of thyroid dysfunctions and connective tissue diseases and the presence of anti Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies(TPO) in patients with thyroid diseases are reviewed here. Objective: Aim of this study was to study prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity and type of any thyroid hormonal dysfunction in patients with Connective Tissue Disorders both treatment-naive and on treatment, in comparison to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Method: In this single center, cross-sectional study in the year 2017-2018, 35 patients with connective tissue disorders and 35 age and sex matched healthy controls were selected. Thyroid profile as well as thyroid antibody of both groups (CTD and healthy control) was investigated and compared. Results: Out of 35 CTD patients 37.14% (vs 22.85% in control) had thyroid dysfunction. Clinical hypothyroidism was the commonest dysfunction, observed in 25.71% (vs 8.5% in control) of CTD patients. Subclinical hypothyroidism (only TSH raised) was seen in only 8.5% (vs 14.28% in control). Hyperthyroidism was seen in one patient (Overlap group). Presence of Anti TPO Antibody was statistically significant in CTD group when compared with healthy group(p-0.002). SLE patients had a significantly higher rate of thyroid diseases and anti TPO positivity than matched controls (p-0.048 and 0.002). Conclusion: In conclusion, CTD patients frequently have abnormal results of one or more of thyroid function tests. All CTD patients should be thoroughly evaluated for presence of thyroid dysfunction as well as anti TPO antibody.

Keywords: CTD, Thyroid dysfunctions, TPO.