Study of Thyroid Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Presenting at a Tertiary Healthcare Centre

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease predominantly affecting joints, but with widespread systemic implications. One such area of growing interest is the association between RA and thyroid dysfunction, particularly autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs).

Aims & objectives: This study investigates thyroid function in RA patients presenting at a tertiary healthcare centre, analyzing the prevalence of thyroid disorders, correlating them with disease severity, and assessing the implications for clinical management.

Material & methods: a cross-sectional observational study involving 250 RA patients, we evaluated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody levels.

Results: Results showed a significantly higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, particularly subclinical hypothyroidism and positive anti-TPO antibodies, among RA patients compared to the general population.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of regular thyroid screening in RA patients to facilitate early diagnosis and integrated care.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Thyroid Function, autoimmune thyroid diseases