Peter Manoharan C1, Himagirish K. Rao2, Achu Jacob Philip3, Rahul Raj C. L4, Gautham P. J5, Varun6
INTRODUCTION
In recent times, the incidence and prevalence of thyroid disorders has been increasing in the Indian population. Autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of thyroid disease. Antithyroid antibodies rarely develop before 20 years of age, but they may be a prelude to the development of subsequent hypothyroidism. It is universally known that iodine deficiency causes hypothyroidism. However, sustained unnecessary iodine supplementation may be harmful. Goitre, thyroid dysfunction (both hypo- and hyperthyroidism) and thyroid autoimmunity have been reported as a result of sustained supplementation in the iodine-replete state. Data on the impact of iodisation on thyroid function in adults is sparse. A study was conducted with an objective to estimate the problem of thyroid autoimmunity in patients who presented to the OPD.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patients who presented to the surgical OPD with clinical features of thyroid disease were included in the study after obtaining informed consent. Demographic details and clinical features of thyroid disease were noted. Thyroid status was estimated with the help of serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free l-thyroxine (FT4), and free tri-iodothyronine (FT3). Auto-antibodies to thyroid peroxidase (Anti-TPO) were estimated. Findings were tabulated and analysed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
The prevalence of antibody positivity was 69.7% (209 out of the 300 patients) in this study. Among age-groups, the maximum prevalence was found in the third decade of life (75/99 patients, 75.8%). Among those who were antibody-positive, 69.9% were euthyroid, 26.8% were hypothyroid and 3.3% were thyrotoxic. Hypothyroidism (elevated S. TSH) had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.324, p = 0.003) with antibody-positivity (elevated S. AMA).
