Investigating the Clinical Correlation between Hypothyroidism and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective: An autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The possibility of thyroid dysfunction in RA patients has been the subject of several investigations, although the results have been mixed. Although hypothyroidism is thought to be a contributing factor to or a significant risk factor for depression, current research has produced contradictory results on the presence and strength of this link. The number of patients who have many autoimmune disorders co-occurring is steadily rising. Rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid dysfunction are two diseases with autoimmune histories that are closely related. The purpose of this research was to assess the relationship between biochemical markers and the course of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with hypothyroidism.

Method: This research comprised 120 adults between the ages of 21 and 55 who had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which is and suggested hypothyroidism. Complete laboratory tests, including thyroid profiles, were performed on each patient. Participants were split into two groups based on the thyroid profile's diagnostic results: group 1 had rheumatoid arthritis in addition to and hyperthyroidism whereas group 2 had rheumatoid arthritis and no hypothyroidism.

Results: The function of the thyroid test mean results were of statistical significance across study groups (p<0.05), and RA with hypothyroidism had greater average values of FT3 and FT4. Common metabolic problems were hypertriglyceridemia in 47.5% of patients, hypercholesterolemia in 57.8%, hyperuricemia in 26.4%, and Type 2 diabetes in 35% of cases.

Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis combined with hypothyroidism was associated with greater levels of metabolic problems, including hypercholesterolemia, hyperuricemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is advised that patients undergo routine screening in order to track the condition's progress and maintain a healthy way of life.