Sindhu P. S1, Pushpalatha M2, Anil P3
BACKGROUND
Assessment of serum TSH and anti-TPO antibody titre will play an important role in the early detection of hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disorders, thus helping in the initiation of appropriate treatment. Anti-TPO antibody-positive subjects can also be evaluated for other autoimmune disorders. The present study was proposed to assess the prevalence of anti-TPO antibodies in asymptomatic women of reproductive age.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study consisted of 200 asymptomatic females in reproductive age group from a tertiary care center in Central Kerala. TSH and anti-TPO were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay system for all the participants.
RESULTS
A total of 23.5% participants in the study were anti-TPO positive. TSH had a statistically significant correlation with anti-TPO in anti-TPO positive group (r=0.306; p=0.0362). About 10 participants (21.28%) in this group had high TSH values suggestive of hypothyroidism. Maximum number of anti-TPO positive participants were found in 45-49 years age group, but the mean value was highest in 35-44 years age group. These two groups also had high TSH levels. Levels of anti-TPO are associated with TSH values indicating a negative impact on thyroid function. It can lead to hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism, which in turn affect fertility, pregnancy and other reproductive outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The study shows the need for screening for anti-TPO antibodies in all women of reproductive age group to estimate the risk of infertility among them.
