Prevalence of autoimmune thyroid markers in euthyroid women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Reproduction, endocrine disruptors and signalling RESULTS:Women with PCOS had significantly higher levels of anti-TPO in comparison to controls (27 ± 10 and 21 ± 10 IU/mL, respectively; p< 0.05) and no significant difference was found in serum levels of anti-TG, TSH, or FT4 between the two groups. Patients with PCOS had a non significant higher prevalence of positive results for anti-TG and/or anti-TPO in comparison to controls (40% and 22.2%, respectively; p >0.05), anti-TPO alone (28.9% and 16.7%, respectively; p> 0.05) and anti-TG alone (22.2% and 11.1%, respectively; p > 0.05). No significant associations were found between the assayed antibodies and thyroid hormones. Prevalence of Autoimmune Thyroid Markers in Euthyroid OBJECTIVES:to compare the prevalence, levels of thyroid auto-antibodies in a group of Egyptian women with PCOS and a control group in reproductive age to determine whether women with PCOS have a greater risk of thyroid autoimmune diseases, thyroid dysfunction or not. METHODS:This study was conducted on 45 euthyroid women with PCOS and 18 healthy women as a control in the Outpatient Clinics of Endocrinology, Ain Shams University hospital. PCOS was defined by the revised 2003 Rotterdam criteria. Thyroid function was evaluated by measurement of TSH and FT4 levels, antithyroid peroxidase and antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-TG, respectively) as markers for thyroid autoimmunity.All parameters were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that PCOS was associated with presence of positive thyroid auto-antibodies in the sera of Egyptian patients; so that, these patients could be at increased risk of thyroid disorders (and fetal loss?). Thyroid autoimmunity markers should be requested in patients with PCOS who decide to get pregnant even when there is no evidence of overt thyroid dysfunction. REFERENCES:Azziz