THE ASSOCIATION OF AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

There has been controversy over the possible association of antithyroid with RA (Thyroiditiswith Rheumatoid Arthritis). We have therefore compared the prevalence thyroid antibody antithyroglobuline (anti-TG) and abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in 57 RA patientswith 20 aged matched control. 9 (16%) of the RA patients had thyroid Ab whereas no one ofcontrol had thyroid Ab (p<0.01). RA patients had TSH levels between (6-25 mU/L), while allcontrol group had TSH levels within normal range (p<0.01). These results suggests that RA isassociated with RA have minor hypothyroidism.