Correlation of Autoimmune Markers with Clinical Features in Newly Diagnosed Hypothyroid Patients in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is a widespread endocrinological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones, T4 and T3. Hormonal deficiency causes disturbance of metabolism in the organism and affects multiple organ systems. Objective: In this study, the objective was to establish a correlation between the demographic, clinical, and serological factors associated with hypothyroidism among patients with special emphasis on their menstrual problems, obstetric history, and thyroid autoimmunity. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 154 patients. The data collection period was from January 2, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Statistical tests, such as Spearman’s correlation and multiple regression, were used to establish correlations. Results: Amenorrhoea was found in 22.7% of patients, while oligomenorrhoea was found in 11.7% of them. No problems during pregnancy were recorded in 50% of patients, while 16.2% suffered from spontaneous abortion, which was the most frequent complication among all other mentioned issues. There were no relations between anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies and TSH/FT4 concentrations; nonetheless, a significant association between these antibodies and grade 1 goitre (OR 11.7, p<0.001) was found. Weight gain was observed in 73.4% of antibody-positive patients (p<0.043). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is accompanied by considerable menstrual and obstetric problems, while thyroid autoimmunity is related to morphological changes in the gland, including goitre and weight gain. The absence of any relation between antibodies and TSH/FT4 levels indicates complicated immune mechanisms.