anti-Tg Levels Research Articles

Polycystic ovary syndrome and Hashimoto's thyroiditis: An autoimmune relationship

Aim: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) are common and frequently comorbid diseases. A genetic predisposition and an inflammatory and autoimmune relationship have been posited between them. This study examines the role played by autoimmunity in the relation between PCOS and HT. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Medical Park Hospital endocrinology and gynecology departments, Ordu, Turkey, from July 2015 to December 2018. Reproductive-age women diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria, women diagnosed with HT, and healthy women with neither PCOS nor HT were included in the study. Thyroid function tests, thyroid autoantibodies, gonadotropins, androgen hormones, fasting glucose and insulin levels, and body mass index (BMI) were compared among the three groups. All patients also underwent pelvic and thyroid ultrasound examinations. Results: Five hundred ninety-six women were included in the study, 254 in the PCOS group, 190 in the HT group, and 152 in the control group. BMI was significantly higher in the PCOS and HT groups than in the control group (P=0.012, and P=0.027, respectively). Menstrual and androgenic symptoms were also significantly higher in the patient groups than in the control group (P<0.001). The incidence of TPOAb and TgAb positivity was again significantly higher in the PCOS patients than in the controls (P<0.001). Conclusion: This research demonstrated a higher prevalence of HT, together with elevated TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg levels in PCOS patients. Our data suggest that thyroid functions and ovaries should be screened later in life in patients with PCOS and HT.

FABP4 levels in hypothyroidism and its relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis

Background/aimThe aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between serum fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) levels and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in patients with hypothyroidism.Materials and methodsForty subclinical hypothyroidism patients, 40 overt hypothyroidism patients, and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Blood pressure, body mass index, CIMT, fasting blood sugar, creatine, alanine aminotransferase, lipid parameters, insulin, free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin antibody (anti-TG), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and FABP4 levels of all participants were measured.ResultsSerum FABP4 levels were significantly higher in patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism than healthy controls (HCs) (P = 0.044 and P = 0.014, respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of FABP4 levels between patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism (P = 0.641). Serum TSH levels and serum FABP4 levels were positively correlated (r = 0.201, P = 0.039). CIMT was found to be higher in patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism than in HCs (P = 0.042 and P < 0.001, respectively). No correlation was found between CIMT and FABP4 levels (r = 0.038, P = 0.702). There was a positive correlation between CIMT and TSH, anti-TPO, anti-TG, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol levels. It was found that high TG levels were an independent factor that increased CIMT (r = 0.382, r2 = 0.146).ConclusionIn patients with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism, the level of FABP4 increases and this increase is correlated with the increase in TSH level. It is thought that FABP4 does not play a role in atherosclerosis development in patients with hypothyroidism without metabolic disorder.

Study the association between IL-17 level and autoimmune antibodies in hypo and hyper thyroidisms patients

The current study included measuring the level of IL-17A and IL-17F and some autoimmune antibodies related to the thyroid gland in case of hypo and hyperthyroid in Iraqi patients to evaluate the correlation between all the measured parameters in this study.The study has been carried out in AL-Kindey Endocrine Gland and Diabetic Center in Baghdad during the period between February 2018 and May 2018, included: 88 patients were divided into three groups, The first group composed of 30 patients of Hypothyroidism that included (26) of them were females, (4) of them males. The second group composed of 30 of patients of Hyperthyroidism that included (20) of them were females, (10) of them were males . and second groups were conducted with hypo and hyperthyroidism respectively.While the third group composed of 28 of healthy individuals (Control) that composed of (25) of them were females, (3) of them were males was represented as control .The results revealed a significant (P &lt; 0.05) correlation between TSH concentration and age in patients groups. When the age is more than 40 years, the concentration of TSH was noticed to be higher than that in patients aged less than 40 years. The results show that the level of antibodies was significantly increased (P&lt;0.01) in hypo and hyperthyroid patients in comparison with the control group. At the same time the level of Anti-TG antibodies was higher significantly in the hypothyroid patients than its level in hyperthyroid patients group. No significant differences have been found between hypo and hyperthyroid patients in the level of Anti-TPO and Anti TSH-R antibodies. But its noticed that the higher level of Anti-TPO Ab. was found in the hypothyroid group where as higher level of Anti TSH-R Ab. was found in the hyperthyroid group and simultaneously both types were significantly higher than their levels in the control group As well as the results demonstrated a highly significant increase (P&lt; 0.01) in the levels of IL-17 Types (A and F) in hypo and hyperthyroid patients with bias toward the comparison with the control group. The statistical study showed a significant negative correlation between the level of TSH and Anti-TG levels (r= -0.33). While a significant positive correlation between the level of Anti-TG and level of IL-17F (r= 0.39) in hypothyroid patients. Also in hypothyroid patients, there is a significant positive correlation between the level of Anti-TPO and IL-17A (r= 0.33). In conclusion: The positive correlation between IL-17F and Anti-TG and between IL-17A and Anti- TPO in hypothyroid patients refer to increase in the concentration of IL-17 may lead to increase the thyroid autoantibodies, which affect thyroid tissue potency, decreasing thyroid hormone production, according to feedback inhibition loop.

Thyroid antibodies levels in euthyroid men and women - residents of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation.

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of thyroid antibodies and their relationship with thyroid hormones and thyroglobulin in euthyroid men and women, residents of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. A total of 208 apparently healthy people were enrolled in this study and classified into two groups depending on gender and level of autoantibodies in the blood. Serum hormones of the pituitary-thyroid system, thyroglobulin and antibodies concentration was measured by enzyme immunoassay. The prevalence of positive antibodies among various examined groups was determined and the characteristics of euthyroid subjects with abnormal thyroid antibodies levels were studied. Circulating positive thyroid antibodies were found in 20% of the surveyed residents of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The median serum antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (AntiTPO) or thyroglobulin (AntiTG) levels and the percentage of people in general population with positive antibodies (i.e. AntiTPO ≥ 50 IU / ml and / or AntiTG ≥ 100 IU / ml) were statistically significant higher in women than in men, p < 0.01. Such thyroid antibodies levels were associated with a higher thyroid gland functional activity in women, which was demonstrated by significantly higher thyroxin level and lower thyroglobulin value in the peripheral blood. Part of women positive for AntiTPO increased with age from 18 to 33% (in groups aged 18-44 and 45-59 years, p = 0.04). The findings of the study reveal correlation between thyroid function test and thyroid antibodies levels, elaborating the clinical importance of thyroid antibodies in clinical examination and follow-up of patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders.

The role and relationship of the serum D-dimer level and autologous serum skin test response in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Background: The severity of chronic urticaria (CU) may be associated with the D-dimer level, and CU patients often have other autoimmune disorders. The autologous serum skin test (ASST) is believed to identify autoimmune/autoreactive diseases in CU patients. Aim: This study evaluated whether the levels of D-dimer, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and autoimmune markers, such as antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) and antithyroglobulin (TG), differ between ASST-positive and ASST-negative patients among CU patients. In addition, the study assessed whether these laboratory findings were related to CU severity. Methods: The study enrolled 54 adults with CU (16 ASST positive, 38 ASST negative). D-dimer, total IgE, autoimmune marker (anti-TPO and anti-TG), and thyroid hormone levels and the urticaria activity score (UAS) were measured. Results: The levels of D-dimer, total IgE, anti-TPO, and anti-TG and the thyroid function test result showed no difference between the ASST-positive and ASST-negative groups. The UAS was higher in the ASST-positive group than in the ASST-negative group, but the ASST-positive group showed a better treatment response. The UAS was higher in patients with an elevated D-dimer level than in those with a normal level. Total IgE was related to the UAS in only the ASST-negative group, and anti-TPO and anti-TG levels were not related to the UAS. Conclusions: There were no associations between the ASST response and the D-dimer level, total IgE level, thyroid function test results, and thyroid autoantibody levels. However, our findings suggest that the ASST response, D-dimer level, and total IgE level are potential predictors of CU severity.

Follicular variant of papillary carcinoma thyroid occurring in struma ovarii

We present the case of a 35-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain and irregular menstrual bleeding. The patient was found to have a left adnexal lesion on ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Based on the preoperative imaging and biochemical workup, a left ovarian cystectomy was done. Histopathology (HPE) revealed follicular variant of papillary carcinoma thyroid in a background of struma ovarii. The patient then underwent total thyroidectomy. HPE showed no malignancy in the thyroid gland. After achieving the desired level of thyroid-stimulating hormone, postoperatively, the patient underwent a diagnostic I-131 whole-body scan (WBS) which revealed remnant thyroid tissue in the neck only. The patient's remnant thyroid tissue was ablated with I-131. Follow-up at 6-month interval revealed normal ultrasound pelvis, no abnormal uptake in diagnostic I-131 WBS and serum thyroglobulin (Tg), and anti-Tg antibody levels within normal range.

Hormonal disorders in acute glomerulonephritis in patients of young age

Goal: To study and asses the role of hormone imbalance (blood TSH, T3, T4, their antibodies, prolactin, cortisol and testosterone levels) in the development of acute glomerulonephritis in adaptational problems in the contingent of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. Material and methods. To achieve the goal of the study 150 military servicemen (conscripts), aged 18-22, who were hospitalized for acute glomerulonephritis during the first 6 months of their service, were examined. The control group consisted of 50 practically healthy servicemen. Apart from common clinical and laboratory and instrumental examinations, blood serum levels of cortisol, testosterone, prolactin, TTG, T3, T4, antiTG and antiTPO were determined by immuno-fermentative analysis taking into account their circadian rhythms in young organism. Results. In patients with acute glomerulonephritis with acute nephritic syndrome and isolated urinary syndrome extensive increase in prolactin levels, cortisol levels and in T4 levels was observed in relation to comparison group. In both study groups, other data were within normal range in relation to comparison group. Conclusion. In acute glomerulonephritis the adaptation process of young organism is accompanied by certain phase shifts in endocrine system, which manifests with hyperprolactinemia, increased cortisol and thyroxine levels. Prolonged duration of these increased levels can lead to overexertion of the protective adaptation reactions of body and ultimately to their exhaustion. Taking into consideration the abovementioned changes, we consider it necessary to carry out hormonal tests when examining patients with acute glomerulonephritis, and in case of detecting deviations - take the patients under endocrinologist’s follow-up.

Autoimmune Markers in Children with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia

Introduction: Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is defined as isolated thrombocytopenia lasting longer than 12 months. Rheumatologic diseases, immunodeficiencies and thyroid diseases may coexist with chronic ITP due to possible immune dysregulation.Aim: To evaluate the accompanying autoimmune diseases in children with chronic ITP.Materials-Methods: A total of 154 children with chronic ITP (F /M: 1) diagnosed between 1995 and 2018 were included. Patients were evaluated with immunoglobulin levels, ANA, anti dsDNA, C3, C4, anti TPO, anti TG, T4, TSH, tissue transglutaminase IgA and Ig G.Results: Of the 154 patients, 79 were female (51.3%) and 75 were male (48.7%). Mean age of the patients was 13.6 ± 5.8 years, mean age of diagnosis was 7 years ± 4. None of the patients had severe infections requiring hospitalisation. None of the patients had symptoms or findings of an autoimmune disorder. Of 154, two had low IgA levels (<7 mg / dL) and they were diagnosed as IgA deficiency. IgM and IgG levels were normal in all. C3 level was low in four patients (3%) and C4 level was low in one patient (0.7%). ANA was positive in 16 (12%) of the patients and anti-dsDNA was positive in four patients (0,3%). In three patients, Anti-dsDNA positivity was accompanied with ANA positivity and in one patient, C3 was low. These patients were followed up by pediatric rheumatology clinic. Twenty two patients had elevated anti TPO (15.5%) and 18 patients had elevated anti TG (12.7%) levels. Majority of patients with high thyroid autoantibodies were female (67.5%). Out of 129 patients evaluated by thyroid tests including fT4, TSH, AntiTPO and AntiTG, 29 (% 22,4) were diagnosed as Hashimoto thyroiditis. Thyroid hormone replacement was started in one patient . Of 93 patients evaluated with anti-tissue transglutaminases, 7 were found to have at least one positive TTG IgA or IgG. Two of these patients underwent endoscopy, but no evidence of celiac disease was found. In total, the number of patients with at least onepositive autoimmune marker was 54 (35%).Discussion and Conclusion: Chronic ITP is known to accompany autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases in patients with ITP may occur at any time in 10 years of diagnosis. Further studies for the detection of subclinical autoimmune conditions should be performed with a profit- loss account. Antibodies may be positive even when there is no clinical findings of the diseases. Further follow-up is needed to understand the clinical significance of autoimmune markers in chronic ITP. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

Introduction A randomized clinical trial (RCT) was performed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hypothyroidism induced by chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT). Objective The objective was to assess the safety and actions of LLLT 6 years after completion of the RCT. Materials and Methods Forty-three participants were invited to participate in this study 6 years after completion of the RCT. Twenty-five were subjected to LLLT (group L), and 18 were subjected to placebo (group P). Primary outcome measure: frequency of thyroid nodules, which were subjected to fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Secondary outcome measures: dose of levothyroxine required to treat hypothyroidism, thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg). Results In group L, a nodule was observed in three patients, who all had a Bethesda II classification. In group P, a nodule was also observed in three patients, with two classified as Bethesda II and one as Bethesda III. The levothyroxine dose required by group L was significantly lower than that required by group P (P = 0.002). The anti-TPO and anti-Tg levels did not differ between the groups. Conclusion LLLT, by the methods described, has been shown to be safe for the treatment of hypothyroidism resulting from CAT. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02240563.

L-selenomethionine supplementation in children and adolescents with autoimmune thyroiditis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Although a beneficial effect of selenium (Se) administration has been proposed in adults with autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), there is a paucity of similar data in children and adolescents. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether administration of a high dose of organic Se (200μg daily as l-selenomethionine) has an effect on antithyroid antibody titres in children and adolescents with AT. Seventy-one (71) children and adolescents, with a mean age of 11.3±0.3years (range 4.5-17.8), diagnosed with AT (antibodies against thyroid peroxidase [anti-TPO] and/or thyroglobulin [anti-Tg] ≥60IU/mL, euthyroidism or treated hypothyroidism and goitre in thyroid gland ultrasonography) were randomized to receive 200μg l-selenomethionine or placebo daily for 6months. Blood samples were drawn for measurement of serum fT4, TSH, anti-TPO and anti-Tg levels, and thyroid gland ultrasonography was performed at the entry to the study and after 6months of treatment. At the end of the study, a statistically significantly higher reduction in anti-Tg levels was observed in the Se group compared to the placebo group (Δ: -70.9±22.1 vs -6.7±60.6IU/mL, P=0.021). Although anti-TPO levels were also decreased in the Se group, this change was not statistically different from that of the control group (Δ: -116.2±68.4 vs +262.8±255.5IU/mL, P=0.219). No significant difference in thyroid gland volume was observed between the two study groups (P>0.05). In this original study, organic Se supplementation appears to reduce anti-Tg levels in children and adolescents with AT.

The metabolic alterations within the normal appearing brain in patients with Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis are correlated with hormonal changes

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common autoimmune disease in humans usually associated with subsequent hypothyroidism. The purpose of the study was to assess metabolic alterations within the normal appearing brain in subjects with HT using MR spectroscopy (MRS) and to correlate MRS measurements with hormonal concentrations. Fifty-five HT patients (mean age 43.5 yrs) and 30 healthy controls (mean age 42.5 yrs) were examined with the use of a 1.5 T MR scanner. There were no signs of central nervous system involvement in the studied group. The MRS examinations were performed using the single voxel method. The voxels were placed in the left parietal white matter (PWM) and the posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG). The NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr ratios were calculated. The correlations between metabolite ratios and hormonal concentrations (TSH, fT3, fT4) as well as anti-TG and anti-TPO levels were also assessed. We found significantly (p < 0.05) decreased NAA/Cr ratios in PCG and PWM in HT subjects compared to the control group. There were no other significant differences in metabolite ratios. We observed significant positive correlations between the NAA/Cr ratio in PCG as well as the PWM and fT3 level. There was also a significant negative correlation between the Cho/Cr ratio in the PCG and fT4 level. MRS could be a sensitive biomarker capable of depicting early cerebral metabolic disturbances associated with HT. Our findings may indicate the reduction of neuronal activity within the normal appearing brain in patients with HT as well as suggesting that there is a possible biological association between thyroid dysfunction and cerebral metabolic changes.

The assessment of thyroid autoantibody levels in euthyroid patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective:Thyroid hormone abnormalities are commonly seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and have considerable effects on comorbidities. The association with PCOS and thyroid autoimmunity which lead to thyroid pathologies are not revealed clearly. We targeted to commentate anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibody levels and thyroid autoimmunity in PCOS.Material and Methods:One hundred eighty four patients who got the diagnosis of PCOS regard to the revised 2003 Rotterdam criteria were embodied in this study. One hundred six age-matched female volunteers were included in the control group. Characteristics, biochemical parameters, thyroid hormone and autoantibody levels of groups were investigated.Results:Although; we did not find out a statistically significant difference in TSH and sT4 levels between two groups (p>0.05), anti-TPO and anti-TG antibody levels were determined higher in PCOS group significantly (p<0.001). Anti-TPO Ab and anti-TG Ab positivity prevalence of PCOS patients were significantly higher as against to controls (p<0.001; p=0.01).Conclusion:Not only thyroid hormone levels but also thyroid autoantibody levels should be screened during the investigation of PCOS and the patients with positive results need to be followed up carefully in the long run.

Comparison of day 3 and day 5 thyroglobulin results after thyrogen injection in differentiated thyroid cancer patients.

It is necessary to stimulate serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels either endogenously by thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) or exogenously by administration of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) for radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Thyrotropin alfa (Thyrogen) has many advantages over THW. Radiation dose to laboratory staff while drawing blood for tests on the day 5 is one of the disadvantages of preferring Thyrogen. Our aim was to compare day 3 and day 5 blood test results after Thyrogen injections. In our study, Thyrogen was preferred in 32 differentiated thyroid cancer patients with a mean age of 50.5 ± 12.3 years. Thyrogen was injected on day 1 and day 2 intramuscularly in all patients before I-131 was given on day 3. A total of 22 patients received 5 mCi RAI for ablation control scintigraphy and 10 patients received 100-250 mCi RAI for ablation or therapy (high-dose group). Blood tests were performed on day 3 and day 5 after Thyrogen injections. Mean TSH level was 98.1 mg/dl for day 3 and 29.5 mg/dl for day 5. In the diagnostic group, thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-Tg levels were nearly the same on day 3 and day 5. In the therapy group, day 5 Tg levels were higher than day 3. After Thyrogen injection of two consecutive days, blood sampling might be enough on day 3. Day 5 blood sampling may not be necessary routinely for radiation protection of laboratory staff. For the diagnostic group, if Tg and anti-Tg is normal then 5 mCi imaging may not be necessary.

A case of myasthenia gravis accompanied with hasimato thyroiditis and familial mediterranean fever

Familial mediterranean fever (FMF), HasimatoA‚’s thyroiditis (HT) ve Myastenia gravis (MG) are chronical diseases that show autoimmunity. Literature reviews indicate several cases of coexisting MG and HT and only one case coexistence of MG and FMF. We present a clinical table of a 21-year-old male patient with all three diseases. The patient admitted to the hospital with limited eye movements, difficulty in swallowing which became evident towards the end of a meal. The patient had a history of FMF. The anti-TPO and anti-TG levels of the patient had increased. The ACh Receptor antibody was in the normal range (0.01), and the anti-MuSK value was high (>12). Single fiber EMG results of the patient were compatible with myasthenia gravis. The methylprednisolone and pyridostigmine treatment led to an almost complete improvement of the symptoms. As the patient had three different autoimmune disorders at once, it was thought to be a notable case worth presenting.

A study of some blood changes for patients with urticaria

The present study aims to determine changes in some blood components in patients with urticaria, included measurement of Complete Blood Count CBC, estimate thyroid hormone levels of thyroid T3 and T4 and TSH , in addition to estimating levels of antithyroglobulin Anti-Tg in the serum of patients with urticaria reviewers health centers in the town of Khalidiya and outpatient clinics in the town of Khalidiya-Anbar and Amiriyah-Baghdad for the period from 15/1/2016 up to 15/05/2016. The results showed no significant differences for each of the red blood count RBCs and Hb concentration and platelet count PLT at the level of probability (P

Myocardial Performance Index for Patients with Overt and Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

BackgroundHypothyroid has several effects on the cardiovascular system. Global myocardial performance index (MPI) is used in assessment of both left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. We compared MPI in hypothyroidism patients vs. normal control subjects.Material/MethodsEighty-two hypothyroid patients were divided into 2 groups: a subclinical hypothyroid (SH) group (n=50), and an overt hypothyroid (OH) group (n=32). The healthy control group (CG) constituted of 37 patients. TSH, FT3, and FT4, anti-TPO, anti-TG, insulin, lipid values, and fasting glucose levels were studied. All patients underwent an echocardiographic examination. Myocardial performance indexes were assessed and standard echocardiographic examinations were investigated.ResultsMPI averages in OH, SH, and control groups were 0.53±0.06, 0.51±0.05, and 0.44±0.75 mm, respectively. MPI was increased in the OH and SH groups in comparison to CG (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively).ConclusionsMPI value was significantly higher in hypothyroid patients in comparison to the control group, showing that regression in global left ventricular functions is an important echocardiographic finding. Future studies are required to determine the effects of this finding on long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Effects of age of onset on disease characteristics in non-segmental vitiligo.

In patients with vitiligo, the clinical and laboratory features of the disease may vary according to time of onset. This is addressed in the literature by only a few studies with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical features of patients with non-segmental vitiligo and to establish the association between vitiligo and autoimmune diseases with a focus on time of disease onset. A total of 224 vitiligo patients for whom complete medical records were available were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, scores on the Vitiligo Area Score Index (VASI), clinical features, vitiligo disease activity, repigmentation status, presence of any accompanying autoimmune disease, antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers, serum levels of glucose, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) hormone, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) were recorded. The prevalence of halo nevi was significantly higher (P < 0.001) among children than in other patient groups. The prevalence of leukotrichia was higher in adults with adult-onset disease than in either pediatric patients or adults with childhood-onset disease (P = 0.002). Both anti-TG and anti-TPO levels were significantly higher in adults with adult-onset disease than in pediatric patients and adult patients with childhood-onset disease. The prevalence of autoimmune disease was 22.2%. Anti-TG levels were significantly higher in patients with treatment-related repigmentation than in those without repigmentation. This study shows that clinical features and associations with autoimmune disease may vary according to the age of onset of vitiligo.

Thyroid function and thyroid autoantibodies in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

IntroductionChronic urticaria (CU) is a skin disease caused by autoantibodies against high affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor and against IgE. It is characterized by hives, erythematous wheals and redness present minimum twice a week for at least 6 weeks. It is observed that there is a strong association between CU and autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroiditis (AT).AimTo verify the frequency of AT in patients suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to confirm the coexistence of CU and AT in the Polish population.Material and methodsOne hundred and forty-eight patients with CSU were included to the study. The presence of anti-thyroperoxydase antibodies (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (anti-Tg) was checked and thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) concentration was measured. Results were compared with outcomes in a group of 35 patients with no history of skin disease.ResultsThirty-three patients were diagnosed with AT. Frequency of elevated anti-TPO (p = 0.0045) and anti-Tg (p = 0.013) levels was much higher in patients with CU. A comparison of the current study and previous ones was conducted. In a group with CU, there was a higher risk of elevated anti-TPO (OR = 6.69) and anti-Tg (OR = 6.01) levels.ConclusionsThere is a statistically significant difference in the presence of AT between the patients with CU and the whole population. Doctors should consider examining patients with CU for AT. Adequate therapy and guidance for patients could be implemented at an early stage of thyroid disease and help induce remission of skin disorders.

An evaluation of thyroid autoimmunity in patients with beta thalassemia minor: A case-control study.

Objective:The tendency to autoimmune diseases has been reported to be increased in beta thalassemia minor (BTM). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether thyroid autoimmunity is higher in BTM.Methods:Patients with BTM (n=86) and a healthy control group (n=93) were included in this cross-sectional case-control study. The two groups were compared in terms of anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and thyroid hormones.Results:In the BTM group, thyroid hormones and serum anti-TG and anti-TPO antibody levels were not statistically different from those of the control group. The BTM and control groups were similar in terms of anti-thyroid antibody (ATA) positivity prevalence. In the BTM group, anti-TG was 11.6% and anti-TPO was 14% positive, while these values were 14% and 12.9% positive, respectively in the control group (p=0.806 and p=0.989, respectively). The proportion of anti-TG and/or anti-TPO antibody positive subjects was found to be 20.9% in the BTM group, and 20.4% in the control group (p=0.919). The ratios of subjects with euthyroidism, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were similar in both groups.Conclusions:As the thyroid autoimmunity prevalence in the BTM group was not increased compared to the control group, it can be considered that there is no necessity for routine ATA and thyroid hormone testing in subjects with BTM.

Development of gestation-specific reference intervals for thyroid hormones in normal pregnant Northeast Chinese women: What is the rational division of gestation stages for establishing reference intervals for pregnancy women?

BackgroundA laboratory- and region-specific trimester-related reference interval for thyroid hormone assessment of pregnant women was recommended. Whether the division by trimester is suitable requires verification. Here, we tried to establish appropriate reference intervals of thyroid-related hormones and antibodies for normal pregnant women in Northeast China. MethodsA total of 947 pregnant women who underwent routine prenatal care were grouped via two methods. The first method entailed division by trimester: stages T1, T2, and T3. The second method entailed dividing T1, T2, and T3 stages into two stages each: T1-1, T1-2, T2-1, T2-2, T3-1, and T3-2. Serum levels of TSH, FT3, FT4, Anti-TPO, and Anti-TG were measured by three detection systems. ResultsNo significant differences were found in TSH values between T1-1 group and the non-pregnant women group. However, the TSH value of the T1-1 group was significantly higher than that of T1-2 group (P<0.05). The TSH values in stage T3-2 increased significantly compared to those in stage T3-1 measured by three different assays (P<0.05). FT4 and FT3 values decreased significantly in the T2-1 and T2-2 stages compared to the previous stage (P<0.05). The serum levels of Anti-TPO and Anti-TG were not having significant differences between the six stages. ConclusionThe diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy should base on pregnancy- and method-specific reference intervals. More detailed staging is required to assess the thyroid function of pregnant women before 20 gestational weeks.