[Systemic sclerosis and hypothyroidism].
OBJECTIVE
Assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism and anti-thyroglobuline antibodies (AbATg) among Mexican patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).


METHODS
Thyroid function was studied in SSs patients and controls. Triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroid stimulant hormone (TSH) and AbATg were measured.


RESULTS
110 SSc patients (106 women and 4 men), mean age 48.1 +/- 28.5 yrs versus 80 healthy controls (76 women and 4 men) with mean age 47.5 +/- 28.8 yrs were included. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 19% patients compared with 1.3% in the control group. The following results were found; triyodotironina: 82 ng/dl versus 160 ng/dl, p < 0.000; tiroxina: 5.4 ng/dl versus 7ng/dl, p < 0.01; TSH: 8.2 uUl/ mL versus 1.1 +/- 2 uUl/mL, p < 0.000. Subclinical hypothyroidism was observed in 35% patients versus 0% controls, TSH: 7.2 uUl/ml versus 1.2 +/- 1.4 uUl/ml, p < 0. 000; triyodotironina: 116 ng/dl compared with 160 ng/dl, p = ns; tiroxina: 7.0 ng/dl vs. 7.0 ng/dl, p ns; AbATg were positive in patients 54% and 2.5%, p < 0.001 in the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study reports a high prevalence of hypothyroidism among SSc Mexican patients, especially of the subclinical type. We need to consider hypothyroidism as a clinical entity often found among SSc patients, and start hormone replacment treatment accordingly.
Vera-Lastra
Olga Lidia
OL
Departamento de Medicina Interna, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, México D.F., México. olgavera62@yahoo.com.mx
Medina-García
Gabriela
G
Guadalupe-Reséndiz-Pérez
Lidia
L
Angeles-Garay
Ulises
U
Torres-Ambriz
Pedro
P
Jara
Luis J
LJ
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications*