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Prevalence of hypothyroidism in rheumatoid arthritis and its correlation with disease activity
Objectives To analyse the prevalence of hypothyroidism in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to elucidate its correlation with disease activity. Methods A total of 52 RA patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were assessed fully clinically and underwent routine laboratory investigati...
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Published in: | Tropical doctor 2017-01, Vol.47 (1), p.6-10 |
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Main Authors: | , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Objectives
To analyse the prevalence of hypothyroidism in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to elucidate its correlation with disease activity.
Methods
A total of 52 RA patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were assessed fully clinically and underwent routine laboratory investigation including thyroid function testing.
Results
Hypothyroidism (defined as having a TSH level >4.20 μIU/mL) was observed in 20/52 (38.4%). Erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) were found significantly elevated in patients with hypothyroidism compared to those without (36.3 ± 24.2 vs. 24.6 ± 9.0 mm/h). Disease activity parameters such as DAS-28-ESR, tender joint count; VAS scores were also significantly higher in the former. A significant correlation with serum TSH levels was observed with ESR and DAS-28-ESR.
Conclusion
Thyroid function test should be included in clinical evaluation of RA patients. |
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ISSN: | 0049-4755 1758-1133 |
DOI: | 10.1177/0049475515627235 |