Hypothyroidism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its relation to disease activity

Effect of thyroid dysfunction on disease activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

“…14,15 The results of our study were similar to the study done by Tekaya R and others in Tunisia who found that thyroid abnormalities were detected in 40% of the patients. 16 we measured the disease activity using DAS-ESR score and VAS and we found significant correlation between serum levels of TSH and disease activity parameters (ESR and DAS-28), as did the study by Elattar et al 3 The comparison between two groups created in patients based on presence or absence of thyroid dysfunction showed disease activity parameters such as the visual analogue scale for pain, patients' global health assessment score, tender joint count, DAS-28 and ESR were significantly higher in patients of thyroid dysfunction group as compared to patients of normal thyroid functions. Swollen joint count was also higher in first group but this difference was not statistically significant the results where correlating with study done by Prakash Joshi et al 17…”

“…Prevalence of RA in the adult general population is approximately 1%. 3,4 The worldwide prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in RA varies considerably, ranging from 0.5% in Morocco to 27% in Slovakia. 3,4 An association between RA and thyroid dysfunction with or without autoimmune origin has been reported in 6% to 34% of patients with RA.…”

“…3,4 The worldwide prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in RA varies considerably, ranging from 0.5% in Morocco to 27% in Slovakia. 3,4 An association between RA and thyroid dysfunction with or without autoimmune origin has been reported in 6% to 34% of patients with RA. 5 On the contrary, when presence of thyroid antibodies is considered, despite normal thyroid function, the prevalence can rise up to about 38%.…”

Prevalence of hypothyroidism in rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with disease activity

“…It is characterised by symmetrical polyarthritis and progressive destruction of articular cartilage and bone, primarily affecting the peripheral joints in a symmetrical pattern. 1 This leads to increasing disability and is associated with several co-morbidities. 2 It is the commonest inflammatory arthropathy worldwide with a gender predilection towards women.…”

“…Prevalence of RA in the adult general population is approximately 1%. 1,2 The worldwide prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in RA varies considerably, ranging from 0.5% in Morocco 3 to 27% in Slovakia. 4 Although the pathogenic mechanism in RA is still undefined, autoimmunity plays a crucial role in both its chronicity and its progression as evidenced by the high level of cytokines found, especially tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α).…”