Ab0764 Is There a Relationship Between the Thyroid Status and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Background: Many studies have focused lately on assessing the relationship between thyroid function and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many have suggested a possible influence of thyroid dysfunction on the clinical presentation and the outcome of the disease. Objectives: Our study aimed to assess the thyroid status in RA patients and its probable influence on the characteristics of the course of the disease. Methods: We conducted a case-control study including RA patients and healthy controls (HC). Levels of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured. RA patients were then divided into two groups: G0: euthyroidism, G1: hypothyroidism. Results: Fifty-eight women were included in each group Ten RA patients had hypothyroidism (17.2%) vs 3 I in the HC group (5%), (p=0.039). Hyperthyroidism was detected in 2% of RA patients and was not found in HC (p=1). Proportionate findings were noted between patients with euthyroidism and those with hypothyroidism in terms of mean age We didn't find a significant difference between G0 and G1 regarding the following: Age (G0: 51.6 ± 14.4 years, G1: 54.3 ± 13.7 years, p= 0.585), median progression duration (G0:9.19 years [3,16; 21,17], G1:13.13 years [1.13; 14.32], p=0.428), the immunological profile: anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) (G0:57%, G1: 80%, p=0.287), rheumatoid factor (RF) (G0: 79%, G1:80%, p=1), and antinuclear antibody (ANA) (G0:19%, G1:20%, p=1), the presence of erosions (G0:66%, G1:70%, p=1), and extra-articular manifestations (G0: 23%, G1: 20%, p=1) the two groups were also similar regarding the disease activity score(DAS28(CRP)), (G0: 3.93[2.95-5.26], G1: 4.49, CI [3.25-5.2], p=0.629) and the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), (G0: 1.5, CI [1.2-1.75], G1: 1.5, CI [1.58;1.75], p=0.69). Regarding treatment, hydroxychloroquine was more frequently prescribed in patients with hypothyroidism (30% vs 2%, p=0.015). The occurrence of comorbidities specifically hypertension: (G0:32%, G1:30%, p=1), diabetes (G0: 19%, G1: 0%, p=0.336), dyslipidemia: (G0: 64%, G1: 60%, p=1), and obesity: (G0: 60%, G1: 70%, p=0.725), was not influenced by thyroid dysfunction. Conclusion: In our study, hypothyroidism was found to be more frequently occurring in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis. However, it doesn't seem to influence the disease progression. REFERENCES: NIL. Acknowledgements: NIL. Disclosure of Interests: None declared.