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Higher levels of thyroid autoantibodies seen in seropositive patients with RA

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Seropositive patients with rheumatoid arthritis were more likely to have higher levels of thyroid autoantibodies compared to seronegative patients, according to the results from a study.

Thirty-five patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) were compared to 35 seronegative patients with RA and 20 healthy volunteers matched for age and sex. Disease activity was assessed and laboratory values of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (TT3), TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs) and total thyroxin (TT4) were measured. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured and neck ultrasound was performed 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 mean levels of anti-TPO, anti-TG and TRAbs that were significantly higher than healthy participants. Mean anti-TPO, TRabs and anti-TG values were higher in patients with RA who were seropositive compared to seronegative patients with RA.

Thyroiditis was significantly evident on ultrasound examination in patients with RA compared to healthy participants, and a positive correlation with RF and anti-CCP was seen with thyroid antibodies in seropositive patients with RA.

“Seropositivity to RF and/or anti-CCP infers a state of increased immune reactivity in RA as evidenced by the significantly higher levels of all thyroid autoantibodies in seropositive patients than seronegatives and controls and by the positive correlation between the RA autoantibodies and thyroid autoantibodies,” the researchers wrote. “Accordingly, screening for thyroid autoantibodies in RA patients ... is recommended.” – by Shirley Pulawski

Reference:

Soliman E, et al. Paper #AB0343. Presented at: European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology. June 10-13, 2015; Rome.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.