Positive Thyroid Autoimmunity Research Articles

Impact of preconception thyrotrophin on obstetric outcomes in the fertile population

IntroductionThere is evidence that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with infertility, miscarriage and obstetric complications. However, there is controversy regarding the optimal TSH value in women seeking pregnancy.Current guidelines recommend that hypothyroid women with levothyroxine replacement who are planning pregnancy should optimise the dose of levothyroxine to achieve thyrotrophin (TSH) levels <2.5 mU/l, since these requirements increase in pregnancy, thus reducing the risk of TSH elevation during the first trimester.In women with infertility, who undergo highly complex treatments and have positive thyroid autoimmunity, values of TSH <2.5 mU/l prior to fertility treatment are suggested.Although this is a different population, these «optimal» TSH levels were also extended to euthyroid women without evidence of infertility, who are seeking pregnancy. ObjectivesDetermine whether preconception TSH levels between 2.5 and 4.64 mIU/l are associated with adverse obstetric outcomes in euthyroid women. Materials and methodsRetrospective cohort study. We evaluated 3265 medical records of pregnant women aged 18–40 years, euthyroid (TSH 0.5–4.64 mU/ml), with TSH measurement at least one year before gestation. 1779 met inclusion criteria. The population was divided according to categories: TSH 0.5–2.4 mU/l (optimal) and TSH 2.5–4.6 mU/l (suboptimal). Information on maternal and fetal obstetric outcomes was collected from each group. ResultsWe found no statistical difference in the occurrence of adverse obstetric events between the two groups. There was also no difference when adjusting for thyroid autoimmunity, age, body mass index, previous diabetes and previous arterial hypertension. ConclusionOur results suggest that the reference range of TSH used in the general population could be used in women seeking pregnancy, even in the presence of thyroid autoimmunity. Treatment with levothyroxine should be considered only in patients with special situations.

Impacto de la tirotrofina preconcepcional en los resultados obstétricos en población fértil

IntroductionThere is evidence that subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with infertility, miscarriage and obstetric complications. However, there is controversy regarding the optimal TSH value in women seeking pregnancy.Current guidelines recommend that hypothyroid women with levothyroxine replacement who are planning pregnancy should optimise the dose of levothyroxine to achieve thyrotrophin (TSH) levels < 2.5 mU/L, since these requirements increase in pregnancy, thus reducing the risk of TSH elevation during the first trimester.In women with infertility, who undergo highly complex treatments and have positive thyroid autoimmunity, values of TSH < 2.5 mU/L prior to fertility treatment are suggested.Although this is a different population, these «optimal» TSH levels were also extended to euthyroid women without evidence of infertility, who are seeking pregnancy. ObjectivesDetermine whether preconception TSH levels between 2.5 and 4.64 mIU/L are associated with adverse obstetric outcomes in euthyroid women. Materials and methodsRetrospective cohort study. We evaluated 3,265 medical records of pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years, euthyroid (TSH 0.5-4.64 mU/ml), with TSH measurement at least one year before gestation. 1,779 met inclusion criteria. The population was divided according to categories: TSH 0.5- 2.4 mU/L (optimal) and TSH 2.5-4.6 mU/L (suboptimal). Information on maternal and fetal obstetric outcomes was collected from each group. ResultsWe found no statistical difference in the occurrence of adverse obstetric events between the two groups. There was also no difference when adjusting for thyroid autoimmunity, age, body mass index, previous diabetes and previous arterial hypertension. ConclusionOur results suggest that the reference range of TSH used in the general population could be used in women seeking pregnancy, even in the presence of thyroid autoimmunity. Treatment with levothyroxine should be considered only in patients with special situations.

Thyrotropin and body mass index, are they related?

It is well recognized that overt thyroid dysfunction is associated with changes in body mass index(BMI). However, there is ongoing debate regarding the influence of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on BMI, in euthyroid subjects. The aim of this study is to examine the association of TSH with BMI in an outpatient population without evidence of thyroid disease. Cross-sectional study conducted in an Endocrinology Department. We identified the latest TSH andBMI measurements in 923 patients from the reference euthyroid population. All patients with positive thyroid autoimmunity and nodules were excluded. We performed alinear regression analysis using SPSSv.025. 923 adult patients were evaluated. 79.4% were males, with a mean age of 67.6 years old. Mean TSH levelwas 1.78mIU/L and mean BMI was 29.2kg/m2. A significant negative correlation between serum TSH concentration and BMI was evident (p=0.04; r=-0.067). Statistical significance was lost when performing subgroup analysis, for males and females (p=0.19 and p=0.075), elderly (≥65years) and non-elderly (p=0.55 and p=0.32) andalso obese (BMI≥30kg/m2) and non-obese (p=0.39 and p=0.13). The relationship between BMI and TSH is notconsensual in the literature. This study included a largecohort sample of euthyroid patients, majority men and with negative autoimmunity. Our results support the hypothesis that variation in thyroid status within the normal range, could have a negative effect on BMI, contrary to most published studies.

Impact of Thyroid Autoimmunity on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes and Ovarian Reserve Markers: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) has a high prevalence among women of reproductive age. Investigating its possible impact on ovarian function and fertility is, thus, of utmost relevance. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to elucidate the effect of TAI on both assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes and ovarian reserve. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was restricted to two groups of research articles investigating the association between TAI and: (1) autologous ART outcomes (i.e., fertilization rate [FR], implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate [CPR], miscarriage rate, and live birth rate), (2) markers of ovarian reserve (i.e., anti-Müllerian hormone, basal follicle stimulating hormone, antral follicle count, and number of oocytes retrieved). Studies including women affected by overt hypo/hyperthyroidism were excluded. Relevant studies were identified by a systematic search in PubMed, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, and Scopus, from database inception to May 1, 2022. Results: From a total of 432 identified publications, 22 studies were included in Group 1 and 26 studies in Group 2. The presence of TAI was associated with a higher risk of miscarriage (7606 participants, odds ratio [OR] 1.52, confidence interval [CI 1.14-2.01], p = 0.004, I2 = 53%), lower chance of embryo implantation (7118 participants, OR 0.72, [CI 0.59-0.88], p = 0.001, I2 = 36%), and live birth (11417 participants, OR 0.73, [CI 0.56-0.94], p = 0.02, I2 = 71%). These associations were no longer observed in a subgroup analysis of patients who exclusively underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The FR and CPR as well as the mean values of surrogate markers of oocyte quantity appeared not to be affected by TAI. Conclusions: This data synthesis suggest a higher risk of adverse ART outcomes in women with positive TAI. However, the reliability of these findings is hampered by the relatively low quality of the evidence and significant heterogeneity in many of the meta-analyses. The possible protective effect of ICSI is promising but should be confirmed in controlled prospective clinical trials. PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42021236529.

Evaluation of anti-Müllerian hormone in pre-menopausal women stratified according to thyroid function, autoimmunity and age

BackgroundAMH is a reliable index of ovarian reserve. It is not clear whether, or how much, thyroid function and/or thyroid autoimmunity can impair ovarian function and AMH secretion in the long term.AimThis retrospective cross-sectional study compared AMH levels in pre-menopausal women with/without positive thyroid autoimmunity or hypofunction.MethodsFrom January 2019 to May 2022, AMH was evaluated in 250 pre-menopausal women not undergoing assisted fertility procedures who were referred to a secondary endocrine centre. Thyroid function and autoimmunity, sonographically measured thyroid volume, FSH and E2 in the early follicular phase, and PRL and progesterone in the luteal phase were also evaluated. Exclusion criteria were: age < 18 years, genetic hypogonadism, pregnancy and previous treatments that have potentially damaging effects on gonads.ResultsWe evaluated 171 women (mean age ± SD: 31.5 ± 9.0 years) off L-T4 treatment and 79 women on L-T4 treatment (39.7 ± 9.5 years; P < 0.001). AMH (median, IQR, CI) was 16.1 pmol/l (7.1 – 35.7 pmol/l, 21.4 – 29.9 pmol/l) and 7.6 pmol/l (1.4 – 17.8 pmol/l, 8.6 – 14.7 pmol/l; P < 0.001), respectively. When the women were stratified according to age (18-25, 26-30, 31-35, 36-40, 41-45, > 46 years) no significant difference emerged between those on/off L-T4 treatment in groups of the same age-range. In women on- or off-L-T4 treatment, AMH was negatively related with age on univariate and multivariate analyses (P < 0.0001). In both groups, AMH was negatively related to FSH (P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, AMH was positively related to the age of the mother on spontaneous menopause (P = 0.006) and negatively to thyroid volume (P = 0.02) in women on L-T4. AMH levels were significantly (P = 0.03) higher in TPOAb-negative than in TPOAb-positive women, but age was significantly (P = 0.001) lower in TPOAb-negative than in TPOAb-positive women.ConclusionsIn our cohort of women, age proved to be a better predictor of AMH levels than any of the other factors linked to thyroid function and autoimmunity. Our data do not support the hypothesis that subclinical hypothyroidism and/or autoimmunity are associated with decreased ovarian reserve. However, a larger number of cases is needed in order to obtain conclusive data.

Functional ovarian reserve in women with infertility and euthyroidism: what is the role of thyroid autoimmunity?

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, and is associated with menstrual irregularities, anovulation and infertility. Whether it is thyroid function, thyroid autoimmunity (AI) or both that affects functional ovarian reserve remains to be clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between functional ovarian reserve and thyroid AI in women with infertility in euthyroidism. Methods: retrospective study of women with infertility, in euthyroidism, followed in a Human Reproduction Department, between May 2016 and January 2020. TSH, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, anti-thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies were measured. Functional ovarian reserve was assessed by anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels with antral follicle count (AFC) performed by endovaginal ultrasound. Women with at least one of the following criteria were excluded: prior thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine treatment, cervical surgery/radiotherapy, oophorectomy, malignant/autoimmune pathology, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, current pregnancy and current medication with levothyroxine, methimazole or propylthiouracil. Results with p&lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: 730 women were evaluated, with mean age of 34.9±3.9 years, with positive thyroid AI (≥ 1 positive antibody) present in 14.8% of cases. Anti-TPO antibodies were positive in 11.0% of patients and anti-TG antibodies in 7.0%. Mean TSH level was 1.6±0.7 µIU/mL (NR: 0.4-4.0). Median body mass index (BMI) was 22.8 kg/m2 (IQR 5.1). Median AMH was 1.7ng/mL (IQR 2.1), and mean AFC was 10.2±6.3. Patients with positive and negative thyroid AI did not differ significantly with age (p=0.133), BMI (p=0.784], AFC (p=0.508) and AMH (p=0.825). TSH levels were significantly higher in the positive AI group (2.0±0.8 vs 1.5±0.7µIU/mL; p&lt;0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analysis, only patient's age and AFC were predictive of AMH levels (p&lt;0.001; p&lt;0.001, respectively). TSH levels, BMI and thyroid AI were not predictive of AMH levels. In regard to AFC, in the univariate analysis, only age was predictive (p&lt;0.001). TSH levels, BMI and thyroid AI were not predictive of AFC. Conclusions: In this study we found that thyroid autoimmunity, in women with infertility and TSH levels in the normal range, apparently, do not have a predictive role for functional ovarian reserve.

Association between thyroid autoimmunity and the decline of ovarian reserve in euthyroid women

Research questionIs thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) associated with the decline of ovarian reserve in euthyroid women? DesignCase-control study. Data from 4302 euthyroid women with normal ovarian reserve (NOR) and low ovarian reserve (LOR), including biochemical premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and overt POI, were retrospectively analysed. The prevalence and effect of TAI on ovarian reserve was evaluated between women with NOR and LOR. Status of ovarian insufficiency and TSH levels was further stratified for analysis. The correlation between anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) titres and ovarian reserve markers was also determined. ResultsThe prevalence of positive TAI and TgAb was equally distributed between women with NOR and LOR (P = 0.080, P = 0.172); the prevalence of TPOAb positivity was higher in the LOR group (P = 0.005). After stratifying ovarian reserve and TSH, positive TAI, TPOAb and TGAb were significantly associated with overt POI when TSH was >2.5 µIU/ml (all P < 0.001); no association was observed with biochemical POI or overt POI when TSH was ≤2.5 µIU/ml. No correlation was found between TPOAb, TGAb titres and AMH (P = 0.218, P = 0.368, respectively), and bilateral AFC (P = 0.184, P = 0.315, respectively) in patients with LOR; only TPOAb titre was positively correlated with FSH (P = 0.039). ConclusionsAmong the whole population of euthyroid women, TAI was not associated with low ovarian reserve but was significantly associated with overt POI in women with TSH>2.5 µIU/ml. Further basic studies on underlying mechanisms are needed.

Prevalence of Thyroid Autoimmunity in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

Background and objectives: Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) has been associated with a significantly increased risk of miscarriage in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of TAI in women with RPL and compare the clinical characteristics of positive and negative TAI women. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study; 203 women with RPL were included. Thyroid profile, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO-Ab), and anti-thyroglobulin (TG-Ab) antibodies were measured in all participants. Clinical characteristics and causes of RPL were compared between positive and negative TAI. Results: Prevalence of TAI was 14.8%; prevalence of positive TPO-Ab and TG-Ab was 12.3% and 4.9%, respectively. Women with TAI had significantly higher concentrations of thyrotropin (TSH) compared to women without TAI (4.8 ± 3.8 versus 3.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in age, the number of gestations, miscarriages, state of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), or causes of RPL between women that were TAI-positive versus TAI-negative. Prevalence of positive TAI by cause of RPL was: endocrine 7/25 (28%), genetic 1/5 (20%), autoimmune 1/5 (20%), anatomic 8/55 (14.5%), and unexplained cause 13/112 (11.6%). Conclusions: The prevalence of TAI in women with RPL is 14.8%. Women with an endocrine cause have the highest prevalence of TAI.

Impact of Thyroid Autoimmunity on Ovarian Reserve, Pregnancy Outcomes, and Offspring Health in Euthyroid Women Following In Vitro Fertilization/Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

Background: Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is the most frequent autoimmune disease among reproductive-aged women. It has been related to premature ovarian insufficiency, but the mechanisms remain elusive, and its association with ovarian reserve in euthyroid women is debatable. Moreover, the impact of TAI on assisted reproduction is controversial: especially for women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), few studies are available. Therefore, the present study was aimed to look for an association between TAI and DOR, and to evaluate the effect of TAI on pregnancy outcomes and offspring health following assisted reproductive technology stratified by ovarian reserve. Methods: A total of 6213 euthyroid women from the Reproductive Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively included. The prevalence of DOR in women with negative or positive TAI was calculated, and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were compared between the TAI-positive and TAI-negative groups both in women with DOR and in those with normal ovarian reserve (NOR). Longitudinal growth parameters and temperament type of the offspring were also observed in the TAI-positive and TAI-negative groups. Results: The prevalence of DOR in women with positive TAI and those with negative TAI was not significantly different (4.09% vs. 2.96%, p = 0.053), even after stratifying patients by age. In women with DOR, the live birth rate, pregnancy loss rate, neonatal complication rate, and offspring outcomes between the TAI-positive and TAI-negative groups were comparable (p > 0.05). In women with NOR, a higher rate of live births (44.94% vs. 40.34%, p = 0.027) and a higher prevalence of congenital anomalies (4.68% vs. 2.14%, p = 0.005) were observed in the TAI-positive group. Conclusions: TAI had no impact on ovarian reserve in euthyroid women and had no association with IVF/ICSI outcomes in women with DOR. Although an increased incidence of congenital anomalies in the TAI-positive group was observed in women with NOR, an association between neonatal anomalies and TAI cannot be demonstrated. Large cohort studies to evaluate the effects of TAI on offspring health are warranted, and further experimental studies are required to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Association between anti-thyroid antibodies and negative symptoms in early psychosis.

In the current cross-sectional study, we aimed to explore whether thyroid function or thyroid autoimmunity are associated with psychopathological symptoms and social functioning in patients with early psychosis. We hypothesized that psychopathological severity is greater in those patients with positive thyroid autoimmunity. We studied 70 outpatients with early psychosis (<3 years of illness) and 37 healthy subjects. Psychopathological symptoms (positive, negative, disorganized, excited and depressive) and social functioning were assessed. Thyroid autoimmunity (antibodies against thyroid peroxidase [TPO-Abs] and thyroglobulin [TG-Abs]) and thyroid function (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] and free thyroxin [FT4]) were determined. Associations of thyroid variables and psychometric measures were assessed with Spearman's correlations. Logistic regression was performed to explore the association between psychopathological symptoms and positive anti-thyroidal antibodies while adjusting for covariates. When compared to patients without thyroid antibodies, those with positive thyroid antibodies had more negative symptoms and poorer function (P < .05). Titres of TPO-Abs were significantly correlated with negative and depressive PANSS domains and poorer functioning. TG-Abs were also associated with poorer functioning but not with psychopathological symptoms. TSH and FT4 concentrations were not associated with clinical symptoms. In the logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, antipsychotic treatment, lithium, TSH and FT4 concentrations, negative symptoms were associated with thyroid autoimmunity (OR = 1.2, P = .019). Our study suggests that anti-thyroid antibodies are associated with a more severe phenotype with increased negative symptoms and poorer functioning in early psychotic patients. Since causality cannot be inferred with cross-sectional data, future longitudinal studies are needed to overcome this limitation.

Optimization of the follow-up of pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease

ObjectiveTo determine the risk of hypothyroidism in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease and thyrotropin (TSH)<2.5mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy. MethodsProspective longitudinal study of pregnant women with no personal history of thyroid disease, and with TSH<2.5mIU/l in the first trimester. TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), anti peroxidase (TPO) and anti thyroglobulin antibodies were measured in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. We compared thyroid function throughout pregnancy, and the development of gestational hypothyroidism (TSH>4mIU/l) among pregnant women with positive thyroid autoimmunity and those with negative autoimmunity. ResultsWe included 300 pregnant women with mean baseline TSH 1.3±0.6mIU/l (9th gestational week). Positive thyroid autoimmunity was detected in 17.7% of women (n=53) at the first trimester. Between the first and the third trimesters, TPO and anti thyroglobulin antibodies titers decreased 76.8% and 80.7% respectively. Thyroid function during pregnancy was similar among the group with positive autoimmunity and the group with negative autoimmunity, and the development of hypothyroidism was 1.9% (1/53) and 2% (5/247) respectively. Pregnant women in whom TSH increased above 4mIU/l (n=6), had higher baseline TSH levels compared to those who maintained TSH≤4mIU/l during pregnancy (1.8 vs. 1.3mIU/l; p=0.047). ConclusionIn our population, women with TSH levels <2.5mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy have a minimal risk of developing gestational hypothyroidism regardless of thyroid autoimmunity.

Thyroid Function Reference Values in Healthy Iodine-Sufficient Pregnant Women and Influence of Thyroid Nodules on Thyrotropin and Free Thyroxine Values.

Thyroid function assessment in pregnancy requires specific reference intervals stratified by gestational age and according to each laboratory method. Thyroid nodules may influence thyroid function in pregnant women. The aims of this study were to define the reference values of thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) in the three pregnancy trimesters in iodine-sufficient pregnant women, and to analyze the influence of thyroid nodules on thyroid function during pregnancy. This was a prospective, longitudinal study comprising 400 pregnant women with no history of thyroid disease and no medication influencing thyroid function. TSH, fT4, antithyroglobulin, and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were measured each trimester by chemiluminescent immunoassays. Urinary iodine concentration was measured in the first trimester when a thyroid echography was also performed. Women with multiple gestation pregnancies, positive thyroid autoimmunity, TSH values >5 or <0.1 mIU/L with a simultaneous fT4 level above the general population reference value in the first trimester, or clinically significant thyroid nodules (nodules ≥1 cm and/or multiple nodules) were excluded to establish TSH and fT4 reference values. Reference intervals in the first, second, and third trimesters were 0.13-4.16, 0.31-3.73, and 0.58-4.36 mIU/L, respectively, for TSH, and 0.85-1.24, 0.82-1.20, and 0.67-1.06 ng/dL, respectively, for fT4. The total prevalence of thyroid nodules was 28.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 24.4-33.5%], and 6.0% of the participants showed clinically significant nodules. Pregnant women with thyroid nodules (n = 115) showed consistently lower TSH values during all pregnancy stages (first trimester: median 1.14 mIU/L [interquartile range (IQR) 0.53-1.75 mIU/L] vs. 1.48 mIU/L [IQR 0.94-2.19 mIU/L], p < 0.001; second trimester: 1.22 mIU/L [IQR 0.66-1.77 mIU/L] vs. 1.45 mIU/L [1.04-2.05 mIU/L], p = 0.001; third trimester: 1.74 mIU/L [IQR 1.08-2.36 mIU/L] vs. 1.93 mIU/L [IQR 1.37-2.58 mIU/L], p = 0.041) and higher fT4 values in the first trimester (M ± SD = 1.08 ± 0.14 ng/dL vs. 1.03 ± 0.12, p < 0.001) compared to those without nodules (n = 285). Both pregnant women with clinically significant thyroid nodules and those with nonsignificant ones had lower TSH values than women without nodules. TSH/fT4 reference intervals in pregnant women from the authors' geographical area will thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy to be appropriately diagnosed. The prevalence of thyroid nodules is high in iodine-sufficient pregnant women, and is associated with low TSH values across pregnancy.

Optimización del seguimiento de gestantes con enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune

ObjectiveTo determine the risk of hypothyroidism in pregnant women with autoimmune thyroid disease and thyrotropin (TSH) < 2,5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy. MethodsProspective longitudinal study of pregnant women with no personal history of thyroid disease, and with TSH < 2.5 mIU/l in the first trimester. TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), anti peroxidase (TPO) and anti thyroglobulin antibodies were measured in the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. We compared thyroid function throughout pregnancy, and the development of gestational hypothyroidism (TSH >4 mIU/l) among pregnant women with positive thyroid autoimmunity and those with negative autoimmunity. ResultsWe included 300 pregnant women with mean baseline TSH 1.3 ± 0.6 mIU/l (9th gestational week). Positive thyroid autoinmunity was detected in 17.7% of women (n = 53) at the first trimester. Between the first and the third trimesters, TPO and anti thyroglobulin antibodies titers decreased 76.8% and 80.7% respectively. Thyroid function during pregnancy was similar among the group with positive autoimmunity and the group with negative autoimmunity, and the development of hypothyroidism was 1.9% (1/53) and 2% (5/247) respectively. Pregnant women in whom TSH increased above 4 mIU/l (n = 6), had higher baseline TSH levels compared to those who maintained TSH ≤4 mIU/l during pregnancy (1.8 vs. 1.3 mIU/l; p=.047). ConclusionIn our population, women with TSH levels <2.5 mIU/l at the beginning of pregnancy have a minimal risk of developing gestational hypothyroidism regardless of thyroid autoimmunity.

Thyroid Autoimmunity and Autoimmunity in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Linked to Disease Severity, Therapeutic Response, and Time to Remission in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

Background Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is autoimmune in nature and associated with thyroid autoimmunity (TA), but evidence on autoimmunity in relation to CSU progression and prognosis is limited. We evaluated whether TA and autoimmunity in CSU are correlated with disease severity, therapeutic response, and time to remission and establish an association between CSU characteristics linked to thyroid autoantibody. Methods Medical records of patients diagnosed with urticaria attending outpatient dermatology clinic at a university-based hospital from 2013 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on the clinical characteristics, laboratory investigations particularly thyroid antibody titers, autologous serum skin test (ASST) and autologous plasma skin test (APST) results and their link to disease severity, treatments, and time to remission of CSU patients were analyzed. Results Of 1,096 patients with urticaria, 60.2% had CSU. Three-hundred patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for CSU with complete thyroid antibody testing. Positive TA was significantly associated with female gender and age > 35 years (p = 0.008). Antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO)-positive patients suffered from CSU longer than 12 and 18 months compared to anti-TPO-negative patients (100.0% vs. 82.6%, p = 0.042, and 100.0% vs. 75.9% p = 0.020, respectively). The presence of urticarial attacks > 4 days/week was significantly seen in ASST and APST-positive patients compared to those without (84.6% vs. 61.3%, p = 0.011, and 85.3% vs. 61.8%, p = 0.006, respectively). Positive APST patients were more difficult to treat than those with negative results (61.2% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.017). Conclusions Antithyroid peroxidase is a predictor of time to remission, while autologous skin testing is linked to disease severity (ASST and APST) and therapeutic response (APST) in CSU patients.

Impact of positive thyroid autoimmunity on pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism

BackgroundThe impact of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and thyroid autoimmunity on obstetric and perinatal complications continues to be a matter of interest and highly controversial. AimTo assess the impact of SH and autoimmunity in early pregnancy on the obstetric and perinatal complications in our population. Material and methodA retrospective cohort study in 435 women with SH (TSH ranging from 3.86 and 10μIU/mL and normal FT4 values) in the first trimester of pregnancy. Epidemiological and clinical parameters were analyzed and were related to obstetric and perinatal complications based on the presence of autoimmunity (thyroid peroxidase antibodies [TPO]>34IU/mL). ResultsMean age was 31.3 years (SD 5.2). Seventeen percent of patients had positive TPO antibodies. Presence of positive autoimmunity was associated to a family history of hypothyroidism (p=0.04) and a higher chance of miscarriage (p=0.009). In the multivariate analysis, positive TPO antibodies were associated to a 10.25-fold higher risk of miscarriage. No statistically significant associations were found with all other obstetric and perinatal complications. ConclusionsIn our region, pregnant women with SH and thyroid autoimmunity had a higher risk of miscarriage but not of other obstetric and perinatal complications.

Thyroid autoimmune disorders in patients with acromegaly.

Disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis are common in patients with acromegaly and thyroid enlargement is present in the majority of them. The exact prevalence of goiter in patients with acromegaly remains uncertain and the presence of thyroid autoimmunity has not been extensively evaluated so far. We retrospectively evaluated thyroid biochemical and morphological findings in 116 acromegalic patients who attended our hospital. Serum TSH, total thyroxine levels and anti-thyroid peroxidase (ATPO) antibodies were measured by standard ultrasensitive techniques in all the patients. Thyroid ultrasound was performed in 75 out of them. The antibody control group was composed by healthy Argentinean individuals who attended the blood bank of our hospital in whom ATPO antibodies were measured. Twenty-nine out of the 116 acromegalic patients (25%) showed elevated titers of thyroid antibodies (79% were women and 21% men). The control group had a 10% prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity. The prevalence of goiter by ultrasound was 36%, being more common in females (41%) than in males (28%). Thirty-five percent of patients who presented thyroid nodules and 44% of patients with ultrasound diagnosed goiters had positive thyroid autoimmunity. There was no significant correlation between the presence of nodules and IGF-1 levels, duration of disease or age. We found a high prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in our patients with acromegaly as compared to the normal population. Thyroid autoimmunity seems to be an additional mechanism for the development of thyroid disorders in acromegaly.

Leptin and Thyrotropin Relationship Is Modulated by Smoking Status in Euthyroid Subjects

The relationship between thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations and body mass index (BMI) in euthyroid subjects has been demonstrated only in some studies. Leptin regulates TSH secretion and TSH stimulates leptin secretion. The main aims of our study were to assess the relationship between leptin, the thyroid axis, and thyroid autoimmunity in a representative sample of a nonhospitalized euthyroid adult population of Catalonia and to determine whether smoking status could influence this relationship. This cross-sectional population-based study includes 894 euthyroid iodine-sufficient adults (390 men, 44.87±15.03 years old) with BMI 26.19±4.61 kg/m(2), representative of people living in Catalonia. The study analyzes the relationship between TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), leptin, thyroperoxidase and/or thyroglobulin antibodies (thyroid autoimmunity), smoking status, and BMI. Measurements also include glycemia and insulinemia to calculate homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index as a measure of insulin sensitivity. In the univariate analysis and in the overall group, TSH correlated directly with BMI, leptin, and HOMA-IR (p=0.039, p<0.001, and p=0.010, respectively). In all men, TSH correlated directly with leptin (p=0.004), and in all women, directly with leptin (p=0.002) and HOMA-IR (p=0.031) and inversely with FT4 (p=0.024). Only in men who smoke, TSH correlated directly with leptin (p=0.010) and HOMA-IR (p=0.024). In women, TSH correlated directly with leptin (p=0.004) and in nonsmoking women, inversely with FT4 (p=0.047). In the multiple regression analysis, age (β=-0.00310, p=0.0265), smoking status (β=-0.24085, p=0.0202), and thyroid autoimmunity (β=0.20652, p=0.0075) were independent predictors of TSH variations. Leptin was a significant independent predictor of TSH variations only in smokers (β=0.16451, p=0.047). Leptin is an independent predictor of TSH concentration variations only in euthyroid smoker subjects of both sexes at all ranges of BMI, but not in nonsmokers. Age, smoking status, and positive thyroid autoimmunity also influenced TSH variability.