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| Autoimmune Diseases: Thyroid Disease |
 Hello, I am Sherrill Knaggs, your ISN Thyroid Disease Guide. This page has not yet been medically edited. Just because something is listed here does not mean an individual patient will ever experience it. See Disclaimer. |
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| Overview of Thyroid Disease |
| Thyroid Disease |
| It is common for people to develop thyroid diseases, such as hyperthyroidism (hyper means "too much") and hypothyroidism (hypo means "too little.) The two main types of autoimmune thyroid disease fall into hyperthyroidism (Grave's disease), and hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis). |
| Often thyroid disease occurs by itself. Occasionally it is also associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, systemic scleroderma, and vitiligo, just to name a few. (Also see: Autoimmune Diseases) |
| What is Hypothyroidism? Early and late symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment. Armour Thyroid. |
| The Body's Traffic Cop. Perhaps you're much more tired than usual. You're chilly even in warm weather. Your skin is dry and globs of moisturizer aren't helping. The culprit might be your thyroid. Barbara Kantrowitz and Pat Wingert. Newsweek. 07/23/08. |
| Thyroid Disease 101: Ten Facts Doctors Forget To Tell Patients. With as many as 59 million Americans suffer from thyroid conditions, it's crucial for patients and doctors to learn more about these common hormonal health problems. PRWeb. 01/16/08. |
| Frequency of rheumatic diseases in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). The frequency of rheumatic diseases seems to be higher in patients suffering from ATD. Initial evaluation and a regular checking for rheumatic diseases in patients suffering from ATD were recommended. IngentaConnect. Rheumatology International, Vol 27, No 6, April 2007, pp. 575-577(3). |
| Scientists to unlock genes behind common serious illnesses. The biggest DNA analysis of whole human genomes will shed light on why some people are more at risk of developing a serious illness. They are examining 15,000 markers for genetic variations relating to another four diseases - breast cancer, autoimmune thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Guardian Unlimited. 04/14/07. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Genetics, Diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis ) |
| Hypothyroidism Contributes to Increased Triglyceride Levels Among Patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). In a cohort of 49 patients with diffuse SSc clinical and laboratory features of hypothyroidism were observed in 27% of the patients and increased triglyceride levels in more than 55%. Hypothyroidism is a common finding in patients with SSc. It is estimated that about half of SSc patients experience overt or latent hypothyroidism. J. Rheumatol 2006 April;33:827. Correspondence. Full Text. (Also see: Cardiac Involvement and Lipoprotein[a] and Thrombotic Complications) |
| Diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism in Australia is Graves disease, caused by a defect in immunoregulation in genetically predisposed individuals, leading to production of thyroid-stimulating antibodies. The most common cause of hypothyroidism in Australia is autoimmune chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, characterised by raised circulating levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody. PubMed. Med J Aust. 2004 Feb 16;180(4):186-93. |
| Evaluation of salivary gland function in women with autoimmune thyroid diseases. AITD (autoimmune thyroid diseases ) may be associated with disturbances in salivary secretion which depends on thyroid hormones production. It can be suggested that autoimmunological processes within salivary glands may influence their function. PubMed. Wiad Lek. 2003;56(9-10):412-8. (Also see: Sjogren's Syndrome) |
| Thyroid Disease and Scleroderma |
| It is common for people with systemic scleroderma to also have other health problems, and thyroid disease can often be associated with it. |
| However, thyroid disease is very common in the general population, whereas systemic scleroderma is very rare, and thyroid disease is not considered to be a symptom of any type of scleroderma. |
| High Frequency of Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Hypothyroidism appears to be the commonest pattern of abnormality but was considered clinically significant and treated less often than hyperthyroidism. It is possible that constitutional features of SSc may obscure clinical evidence of hypothyroidism. P. Siakka. SAT0237 EULAR 2006. |
| Association of systemic and thyroid autoimmune diseases. Systemic and thyroid autoimmune diseases often overlap with each other. HT (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) and GD (Graves' disease) may be most common among MCTD, SSc and SS patients. Therefore it is clinically important to screen patients with systemic autoimmune diseases for the co-existence of thyroid disorders. PubMed. Clin Rheumatol. 2005 Oct 25. (Also see: MCTD, What is Scleroderma? and Sjogren's Syndrome) |
| Presence of systemic autoimmune disorders in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD). ANA (antinuclear antibodies) are detected in 1/3 of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro, and aCL can also be found in ANA positive patients with ATD. SS (Sjogren's Syndrome) occurs in about 1/10 of ANA positive patients with ATD. PubMed. Ann Rheum Dis. 2004 Sep;63(9):1159-61. (Also see: Antibodies, and Sjogren's Syndrome) |
| Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and rheumatic manifestations. Some hypotheses may be proposed, including a role of autoantibodies characteristics of autoimmune thyroiditis, a possible overlap between autoimmune thyroiditis and some autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and a systemic inflammatory reaction associated with thyroiditis. PubMed. Joint Bone Spine. 2004 Jul;71(4):275-83. |
| Serum Endostatin Level in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Relationship to Thyroid Function, Skin Score and Pulmonary Fibrosis. Hypothyroidism should be considered as a endostatin-modulating factor in evaluation of fibrotic activity in the SSc patients. The role of endostatin in control of angiogenesis in SSc patients remains unknown.E. J. Kucharz. FRI0333 EULAR 2004. (Also see: Pulmonary Fibrosis) |
| Thyroid Disease in Correlation with Other Diseases |
| Risk of co-existing autoimmune diseases in 3309 index cases with auto-immune thyroid disease (AITD) and their relatives. AITD patients and their parents are at increased risk of co-existing autoimmune diseases; brothers of AITD subjects are particularly likely to have thyroid dysfunction. Kristien Boelaert. Endocrine Abstracts (2008) 15 P385. (Also see: Autoimmunity ) |
| Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) and Thyroid Disease. Patients with PH have a higher prevalence of thyroid disease than other pulmonary patients. Evaluation of thyroid function in PH patients may be warranted to detect and assess coexisting thyroid disease. Chest, doi:10.1378/chest.07-0366. (Also see: Pulmonary Hypertension ) |
| Graves' Disease or Hyperthyroidism |
| Overview of Graves' Disease |
| Graves' Disease. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by hyperthyroidism due to circulating autoantibodies. In some patients, Graves' disease represents part of a more extensive autoimmune process called autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, which also is associated with pernicious anemia, vitiligo, diabetes mellitus type 1, autoimmune adrenal insufficiency, and systemic lupus erythematosus. eMedicine. Sai-Ching Jim Yeung, MD, PhD. 01/30/02. |
| Graves' Disease: Don't Let It Go Untreated. Graves' causes hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include insomnia, irritability, weight loss without dieting, heat sensitivity, increased perspiration, fine or brittle hair, muscular weakness, eye changes, lighter menstrual flow, rapid heart beat and hand tremors. It is associated with inflammation of the eyes, swelling of the tissue around the eyes, and protrusion, or bulging, of the eyes. Daily News Central. 08/15/05. |
| Strikeout queen has new battle. It all started right around the time she was going for the record. Soon after the season concluded, Ryan was diagnosed with Graves' Disease, which is a type of autoimmune disease that causes over-activity of the thyroid gland, causing hyperthyroidism. Left untreated, Graves' Disease can lead to heart problems and in severe cases, it can be fatal. auburnpub.com. 07/14/07. |
| Remission of Graves’ disease during anti-thyroid drug therapy. Time to reconsider the mechanism? Therapy of Graves’ hyperthyroidism with thionamide anti-thyroid drugs is accompanied by a gradual remission of the autoimmune aberration in the majority of patients.European Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 155, Issue 6, 783-786. |
| Pyoderma gangrenosum as initial manifestation of Graves' disease. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon ulcerative condition. The report emphasizes that a diagnostics of PG should be considered in patients with Graves' disease and skin ulcers. PubMed. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006 Sep;31(5):659-61. (Also see: Digital Ulcers ) |
| Thyroid radiation may be cancer risk - study. The Swedish Radiation Protection Authority (SSI) says doctors are failing to optimise doses of a standard therapy for Graves disease and are giving a fixed amount of radioactive iodine-131 which could be dangerous for patients. IOL. 03/03/04. |
| Total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease. Total thyroidectomy is the treatment of choice for multinodular goiter and thyroiditis, when there is bilateral gland involvement posterior to middle thyroid veins, and for Grave's disease. PubMed. Laryngoscope. 2003 Oct;113(10):1820-6. |
| Grave's disease 1835-2002. The true aetiology of the disorder was uncovered in the 1950s and 1960s, based on the search for a novel thyroid stimulator which turned out to be an immunoglobulin G autoantibody. Advances should improve treatment options for Graves' disease in the foreseeable future. PubMed. Horm Res. 2003;59 Suppl 1:114-8. |
| Research of Graves' Disease |
| Insulin-like Growth Receptors (IGF-1R) implicated in the pathogenesis of Grave's Disease. Investigators have found evidence that continues to implicate insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) in the development of Graves’ disease. The discovery of these mechanisms in a similar class of autoimmune diseases supports the belief that a single biological mechanism is activating a variety of autoimmune diseases. RxPG News. 02/16/07. |
| Treatment of ocular motility disturbances in Graves' disease with botulinum toxin A. Statistically, the degree of upgaze increased notably in all three groups, but mostly in the first group. PubMed. Coll Antropol. 2005;29 Suppl 1:41-6. |
| A 36-year retrospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of radioactive iodine in treating young Graves' patients. Over time, all but two patients became hypothyroid. Pregnancies did not result in an unusual number of congenital anomalies or spontaneous abortions. Treating young people with Graves' disease with radioiodine is safe and effective over the long term.PubMed. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Sep;89(9):4229-33. |
| Graves' disease in children: Management and review of 20 patients. Because few children achieve remission with medical therapy, other types of treatment (surgery or radioiodine) are often required. Although antithyroid drugs are considered the first choice for treatment in Europe, some authors advocate radioiodine as the treatment of choice. PubMed. An Pediatr (Barc). 2004 Aug;61(2):131-6. |
| The environment and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and it has been calculated that 80% of the susceptibility to develop Graves' disease is attributable to genes. Further research is warranted into the importance of fetal microchimerism and of viral infections capable of mounting an endogenous interferon-alpha response. PubMed. Eur J Endocrinol. 2004 May;150(5):605-18. |
| Eye muscle antibodies in Graves' ophthalmopathy: pathogenic or secondary epiphenomenon? While a pathogenic role for eye muscle antibodies has not been excluded, they are most likely secondary to cytotoxic T cell reactions in GO and, as such, good markers of this autoimmune disease. PubMed. J Endocrinol Invest. 2004 Mar;27(3):221-9. |
| Hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. Graves' disease may complicate the course of pregnancy; pregnancy on the other hand may alter the natural course of the disease. The future mother and her family should be aware of the potential complications for both mother and her offspring if proper management guidelines are not carefully followed. PubMed. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Jun;18(2):267-88. |
| Surgical treatment of Graves' disease in children. Considering the aggressiveness of childhood Graves' disease, subtotal thyroidectomy with thyroid remnant less than 3 g is the procedure of choice for preventing recurrent hyperthyroidism. PubMed. Thyroid. 2004 Jun;14(6):447-52. (Also see: Thyroid Disease: Graves' Disease) |
| A case of thymic enlargement in hyperthyroidism in a young woman. Our result raises the speculation that the thymus is also a target organ of autoimmune attack as are the orbital and fibroblasts, which lead to Graves' ophthalmopathy and pretibial dermopathy, respectively. PubMed. Thyroid. 2004 Apr;14(4):307-10. |
| Grave's disease and stress. The findings of this study support that SLEs (Stressful Life Events) may contribute to the precipitation of GD. We observed that patients with GD had significantly more negative events and experienced a greater negative impact from them prior to the onset of GD. PubMed. Acta Med Port. 2002 Nov-Dec;15(6):423-7. |
| Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome complicated by Grave's disease. There is a close relationship between the cutaneous manifestation of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and the activities of Grave's disease and a possible link of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with Grave's disease was suggested both by the etiology of the disease as well as the disease activity. PubMed. J Dermatol. 2002 Dec;29(12):776-80. (Also see: Antiphospholipid Syndrome) |
| The contribution of immune regulatory and thyroid specific genes to the etiology of Graves' and Hashimoto's diseases. The autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are complex diseases which are caused by an interaction between susceptibility genes and environmental triggers. Genetic susceptibility in combination with external factors (e.g. dietary iodine) are believed to initiate the autoimmune response to thyroid antigens. PubMed. Autoimmunity. 2003 Sep-Nov;36(6-7):367-79. |
| Increase in serum levels of autoantibodies after attack of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients with Graves' disease. Seasonal allergic rhinitis aggravated the clinical course of Graves' disease and induced an increase in serum antithyroid autoantibody concentrations as well as an increase in pollen-specific IgE concentration. PubMed. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2003 Nov;132(3):268-76. |
| Relationship of stressful life events, anxiety and depression to hyperthyroidism in an asian population. In patients with hyperthyroidism, anxiety, depression and stressful life events were more severe than in those with normal thyroid function. PubMed. Horm Res. 2003;60(5):247-51. |
| Hashimoto's Thyroiditis or Hypothyroidism |
| Overview of Hashimoto's Disease |
| Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Hashimotos thyroiditis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. |
| Research of Hashimoto's Disease |
| Cellular immune responses in autoimmune thyroid disease. Thyroid cell destruction in autoimmune hypothyroidism is dependent on T cell-mediated cytotoxicity with the likely additional effect of death receptor-mediated apoptosis. PubMed. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2004 Oct;61(4):405-13. |
| Correlation of computerized gray-scale sonographic findings with thyroid function and thyroid autoimmune activity in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Use of this modality may prove beneficial in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with HT. PubMed. J Clin Ultrasound. 2004 Mar-Apr;32(3):136-40. |
| Anti-neuronal autoantibody in Hashimoto's encephalopathy: neuropathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analysis of two patients. Hashimoto's encephalopathy (HE) is thought to be caused by disorders of immune mechanisms. Our results indicate that anti-neuronal autoantibodies may be associated with the pathogenesis of HE. PubMed. J Neurol Sci. 2004 Jan 15;217(1):7-12. |
| Electrophysiological tests of the hearing organ in Hashimoto's disease. The aim of this study was to assess peripheral and central parts of the hearing organ in children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. PubMed. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Jan;17(1):27-32. |
| Depression linked to an autoimmune thyroid condition may have poor prognosis Whether depression is linked to having an under-active thyroid gland has been debated for many years. Research published in BMC Psychiatry this week suggests that some patients with depression may be suffering from a subtle autoimmune thyroid condition, which could hinder their recovery. Medical News Today 03/15/04. (Also see: Emotional Adjustment) |
| Hypothyroidism: When the gland goes haywire. One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which white blood cells gradually replace thyroid tissue, which then comes under attack by immune-system proteins called antibodies. Sun Star, February 16, 2004. (Also see: Antibodies) |
| Thyroid Research Articles |
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| Autoimmune |
| Prevalence and Functional Significance of Antipituitary Antibodies (APA) in Patients with Autoimmune and Non-Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases. APA are frequently present in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. Patients should be tested for APA because positive tests are associated with growth-hormone deficiency. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 92, No. 6 2176-2181. |
| Comorbidities common in bipolar disorder, may have genetic link. Researchers observed an increased prevalence of bipolar disorder among twins and parents and children with autoimmune thyroiditis. These findings indicate a genetic risk factor for the disease. EurekAlert! 06/08/07. |
| Vitiligo gene linked to other autoimmune diseases. Scientists have discovered a connection between a specific gene and the inflammatory skin condition vitiligo, as well as a possible host of autoimmune diseases. About 20 percent of people with vitiligo also get autoimmune thyroid disease, and this gene may be involved in mediating both of those. News-Medical.Net. 04/11/07. (Also see: Vitiligo ) |
| T-Cell Costimulation — Biology, Therapeutic Potential, and Challenges. CTLA-4 is involved in the induction and maintenance of T-cell tolerance. CTLA-4 polymorphisms in humans have been linked to susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease. The New England Journal of Medicine. Vol 355:973-975,10. 09/07/06. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: T-Cells and Diabetes ) |
| Smoking and autoimmune thyroid disease: the plot thickens. New studies have shown that smoking may protect against the development of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, which may result in a decreased risk of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, whereas it stimulates the development of Graves’ hyperthyroidism. European Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 154, Issue 6, 777-780. |
| Co-occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disease in a multiple sclerosis cohort. Multiple sclerosis (MS), Hashimoto's disease (HT) and Graves' disease are autoimmune diseases that may share similar pathogenic mechanisms. The co-occurrence rates and demographic characteristics of Graves' disease and HT in our MS population are compared with the general population. There is a significant co-occurrence in patients with MS and Graves' disease, and a trend to co-occurrence in patients with MS and HT. Journal of Autoimmune diseases 11/09/05. (Also see: MS) |
| Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. EF is frequently associated with hematological abnormalities, including malignant lymphoproliferative diseases, but rarely associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. In the present study we report a case of eosinophilic fasciitis associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. PubMed. Korean J Intern Med. 2005 Jun;20(2):180-2. (Also see: Diseases Similar to Scleroderma: Eosinophilic Fasciitis) |
| Thyroid dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Our findings indicate the presence of a frequent association between hyperthyroidism and pulmonary hypertension (35% in the largest series of cases) which decrease after achievement of a euthyroid state. Several studies suggest a high prevalence of transient pulmonary hypertension in hypothyroidism (49% in the largest series of cases), in these cases autoimmunity plays a key role.PubMed. Recenti Prog Med. 2004 Sep;95(9):443-6. (Also see: Pulmonary Hypertension) |
| Thyroid autoantibodies in autoimmune diseases. Our data confirm a high prevalence of silent autoimmune thyroid diseases in association with systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis (p<0.02), but not with antiphospholipid syndrome. Subclinical thyroid diseases should be considered when evaluating patients with autoimmune diseases.PubMed. Medicina (B Aires). 2004;64(3):227-30 |
| The genetics of autoimmune thyroid disease. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), such as Graves' hyperthyroidism, are common disorders involving multiple genes and the environment. Some pathogenetic genes are probably shared between these diseases and non-endocrine autoimmune diseases, whereas others are disease specific. PubMed. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Jul;15(5):234-9. |
| Early manifestations of gastric autoimmunity in patients with juvenile autoimmune thyroid diseases. Our study shows that autoimmune gastritis is an early event in juvenile AITD with detectable PCA (parietal cell antibodies). Gastrin plasma level is a reliable marker of gastric atrophy.PubMed. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Oct;89(10):4944-8. |
| U.S. Has 30% Increase in Hypertension Over Decade, Study Says. The growing rate of high blood pressure threatens to reverse a trend that cut heart disease deaths in half over the past 50 years, said David Goff, a professor of public health science at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Increases in obesity and diabetes may contribute to the problem, he said. Bloomberg.com 08/23/04. |
| Diabetes-associated autoimmune disease in children and juveniles: how important is early recognition? Celiac disease (CD) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) are associated with type-1 diabetes. Identified by screening, the prevalence of CD and AIT is reported to be up to 10-fold higher in young patients with type-1 diabetes than in healthy children. PubMed. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2004 May 14;129(20):1145-8. (Also see: Diabetes) |
| Women take heart. Some health conditions that may increase a woman's risk of heart disease include autoimmune disorders, infections of the heart muscle and lining, and kidney failure. Heart disease may be prevented by not smoking and by controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. News 8 Austin. 05/24/04. |
| High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy - Information Preeclampsia is a condition that typically starts after the 20th week of pregnancy and is related to increased blood pressure and protein in the mother's urine. Women with diabetes, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma are more likely to develop preeclampsia. Medical News Today, 13 Feb 2004. |
| Treatment of Minimal Subclinical Thyroid Disease Currently Not Recommended Due to Insufficient Evidence. In subclinical hyperthyroidism, antithyroid therapy is recommended for patients with TSH levels <1.0 mIU/L due to risk of developing Graves or nodular thyroid disease, especially in patients over 60 and those at risk of heart disease, osteopaenia, or osteoporosis. Doctor's Guide. 02/02/04 JAMA 2004 Jan 14;291:2:228-238. |
| Celiac disease and autoimmune diseases or systemic disease. Six cases and a review of the literature. The link between celiac disease and autoimmune thyroiditis or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus seems to be real but many discrepancies are observed for the other autoimmune diseases. PubMed. Ann Med Interne (Paris). 2003 Sep;154(4):197-204. |
| Association of a rare thyroglobulin gene microsatellite variant with autoimmune thyroid disease. PubMed. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Oct;88(10):5039-42. |
| Myocarditis associated with Hashimoto's disease: a case report. PubMed. Int J Legal Med. 2003 Oct 1. |
| Autoimmunity and vitiligo. PubMed. Pigment Cell Res. 2003 Oct;16(5):589. (Also see: Diseases Similar to Scleroderma: Vitiligo) |
| The Epidemiology and Genetics of Generalized Vitiligo. PubMed. Pigment Cell Res. 2003 Oct;16(5):589-90. (Also see: Diseases Similar to Scleroderma: Vitiligo) |
| Dental amalgam as one of the risk factors in autoimmune diseases. Results imply that, in some patients with thyroiditis, mercury from dental amalgam can stimulate the production of antinuclear antibodies. Dental amalgam may be a risk factor in some patients with autoimmune disease. PubMed. Neuroendocrinol Lett 2003 Feb-Apr;24(1/2):65-67. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma, Dental Involvement, and Antibodies) |
| Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndromes: Immunogenetics and Long-Term Follow-Up. In subjects at risk for PAS, functional screening every 3 years is warranted. J. Clin. Endocrinol. & Metab. 2003 Vol. 88, No. 7 2983-2992 |
| Cancer and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis |
| Thyroid autoimmunity in patients with malignant and benign breast diseases before surgery. The results of this study confirm the strong relation between thyroid autoimmunity and breast cancer. The present data call attention to the usefulness of screening for autoimmune thyroid disorders in patients with nodular breast disease selected for surgery. European Journal of Endocrinology, Vol 154, Issue 5, 645-649. |
| Detection and molecular characterisation of thyroid cancer precursor lesions in a specific subset of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Our findings provide a well-substantiated morphological and molecular demonstration that HT may include a spectrum of different thyroid conditions ranging from chronic autoimmune thyroiditis to thyroiditis triggered by specific immune-response to cancer-related antigens. PubMed. Br J Cancer. 2004 Aug 3. |
| The incidence of thyroid carcinoma in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Our experience and literature review. The possibility of an immunological and autoimmune mechanism in the etiopathogenia of papillary carcinomas stimulating lymphocytic infiltration has been suggested. We estimate the coexistence of papillary Ca. and Hashimoto's disease at 36.4% (4 of 11) in our case history. PubMed. An Otorrinolaringol Ibero Am. 2004;31(3):223-30. |
| Central Nervous System (CNS) and Dementia with Hashimoto's |
| Progressive dementia caused by Hashimoto's encephalopathy - report of two cases. In patients with rapidly progressive dementia or with dementia of unknown origin, HE should be considered. PubMed. Eur J Neurol. 2004 Oct;11(10):711-3. |
| Brain perfusion abnormalities in patients with euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis. These results show the high prevalence of brain perfusion abnormalities in euthyroid HT. These abnormalities are similar to those observed in cases of severe Hashimoto's encephalopathy and may suggest a higher than expected involvement of CNS in thyroid autoimmune disease. PubMed. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2004 Jul 31. |
| Dietary Considerations |
| Vitamin D, Parathyroid Hormone And Acro-Osteolysis (AO) In Systemic Sclerosis. In this group of Mediterranean SSc patients, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism was surprisingly high. This finding correlated with the occurrence of AO and calcinosis. Low levels of vit D may reflect silent malabsorption and might be a risk factor for secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone resorption. Y. Braun-Moscovici. AB0497 EULAR 2007. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Vitamin D Difficiency and Skeletal Involvement ) |
| Iodine and thyroid autoimmunity. Epidemiological data from countries with sufficient or high nutritional iodine intake clearly show that in comparison to countries with iodine deficiency there is an increase in the incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease. PubMed. Z Arztl Fortbild Qualitatssich. 2004 May;98 Suppl 5:73-6. |
| Iodine: The effect of iodine restriction on thyroid function in patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this study, 78.3% of patients with hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis regained an euthyroid state with iodine restriction alone. PubMed. Yonsei Med J. 2003 Apr 30;44(2):227-35. |
| Gastrointestinal |
| Thyroid-intestinal motility interactions summary. Thyroid diseases may be related to gastrointestinal motility symptoms. Such symptoms can vary in degree and, sometimes, are the only clue of a thyroid disease or, at least, the first. PubMed. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2004 Dec;50(4):305-15. (Also see: Scleroderma Gastrointestinal Involvement) |
| Genetics |
| Comorbidities common in bipolar disorder, may have genetic link. Medical comorbidities common in people with bipolar, including heart disease, cancer, endocrine disorders and autoimmune disorders, lead to complications, overall poor health and a decreased life expectancy. Researchers observed an increased prevalence of bipolar disorder among twins and parents and children with autoimmune thyroiditis. These findings indicate a genetic risk factor for the disease. EurekAlert! 06/08/07. |
| X Chromosome Monosomy: A Common Mechanism for Autoimmune Diseases. Chromosome instability is common to women with SSc and AITD (autoimmune thyroid disease) and haploinsufficiency for X-linked genes may be a critical factor for the female predominance of autoimmune diseases. PubMed. J Immunol. 2005 Jul 1;175(1):575-578. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Genetics) |
| Rheumatoid arthritis gene link proven. The gene PTPN22 has been confirmed as one of the factors that cause rheumatoid arthritis by University of Otago researchers. PTPN22, is also over-represented in people with Type 1 diabetes and thyroiditis, providing extra evidence it is a causal factor in autoimmune diseases generally. Scoop NZ 07/04/05. (Also see: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes) |
| Genetic markers in thyroid autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disorders of the thyroid such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis are the most common autoimmune diseases in the Western world. The frequent occurrence of both diseases in members of the same family indicates the influence of common genetic factors generally predisposing to thyroid autoimmunity. PubMed. Z Arztl Fortbild Qualitatssich. 2004 May;98 Suppl 5:13-5. |
| Interferon-induced Thyroid Disorders |
| Thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction associated with type I interferon therapy. Type I interferons are currently used for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and several hematological and solid tumors. Side effects are not uncommon, and include multiple alterations in thyroid function, some of which are unrelated to autoimmunity. PubMed. Clin Exp Med. 2004 Apr;3(4):199-210. (Also see: Thyroid Disease) |
| Lungs (Pulmonary) |
| Airway function and markers of airway inflammation in patients with treated hypothyroidism. Patients with treated hypothyroidism report more respiratory symptoms and have objective evidence of airway dysfunction and inflammation. PubMed. Thorax. 2005 Mar;60(3):249-53. |
| Musculoskeletal Involvement |
| Interrelations Between Fibromyalgia, Thyroid Autoantibodies, and Depression. Our results suggest an association between FM and thyroid autoimmunity. J Rheumatol. OCTOBER 2004;31:2036-40 (Also see: Fibromyalgia) |
| Fibromyalgia and Thyroid Dysfunction. The most frequent thyroid functional disorder found in fibromyalgia women was SCHT (subclinical hypothyroidism), more than in healthy population. Presence of TPO antibodies was the most frequent related to this disfunction. R. M. Morlà. AB0169 EULAR 2004. (Also see: Fibromyalgia) |
| Musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with thyroid disease. These results demonstrate that musculoskeletal disorders often accompany thyroid dysfunction. In addition to the well-known observation that these disorders are common in patients with hypothyroidism, they are also observed in patients with thyrotoxicosis. Patients with thyroid dysfunction should be questioned for musculoskeletal complaints and referred to a specialist if necessary. PubMed. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2003 Aug;59(2):162-7. |
| Pregnancy and Postpartum Thyroiditis (PPT) |
| Miscarriages May Be A Symptom Of Greater Health Risk. Autoimmune Diseases, such as lupus or thyroid conditions, are associated with RPL (Recurrent Pregnancy Loss) and infertility. If you have a history of autoimmune disease and unexplained RPL, ask about these potentially appropriate tests: ACA/APA, LAC (Lupus Anti-coagulant). ElitesTV. 07/19/05. (Also see: Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Lupus) |
| Screening for thyroid disease in pregnancy. Postpartum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD) occurs in 5-9% of women and is associated with antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (antiTPOAb) in 10% of women in early pregnancy. Therefore, screening for thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy should be considered. PubMed. J Clin Pathol. 2005 May;58(5):449-52. (Also see: Pregnancy and Scleroderma) |
| Postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) is an autoimmune disorder which is a transient form of Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurring postpartum as a consequence of the immunologic flare following the immune suppression of pregnancy. PubMed. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Jun;18(2):303-16. |
| Radiotherapy-induced Thyroid Disorders |
| Radiotherapy-induced thyroid disorders. Despite their specific functional consequences, radiotherapy-induced thyroid abnormalities remain under-estimated and underreported. PubMed. Cancer Treat Rev. 2004 Jun;30(4):369-84. |
| Sleep Apnea and Hashimoto's |
| Hashimoto thyroiditis and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: is there any relation between them? Five patients with HT showed the characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (one severe, one moderate and three mild OSAS), whereas no sleep breathing disturbance was found in the control group. These findings suggest that sleep related breathing problems may develop in the patients with autoimmune thyroiditis even if they are euthyroid. PubMed. Eur J Med Res. 2004 Dec 22;9(12):570-2. |
| Stress and Thyroid Autoimmunity |
| Stress and thyroid autoimmunity. Stress affects the immune system either directly or indirectly through the nervous and endocrine systems. These immune modulations may contribute to the development of autoimmunity as well as the susceptibility to autoimmune disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Stress can be one of the environmental factors for thyroid autoimmunity. PubMed. Thyroid. 2004 Dec;14(12):1047-55. (Also see: Causes of Scleroderma: Stress) |
| Thyroid Education and Support |
| Five Reasons You Can't Get Your Thyroid Problem Diagnosed. Many thyroid patients write to ask why it can be so incredibly hard to get diagnosed. A few things to think about. About.com. 08/23/07. |
| How Armour® Thyroid Differs From Synthetic Thyroid Hormone Replacements. Armour Thyroid. |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. ISN. |
| Thyroid Personal Stories |
| Aurora: Linear Scleroderma I am always very tired, and I suffer from pain that will not go away no matter what I do... |
| Brenda: Limited Scleroderma, CREST, Raynaud's I was sick for five or six years, telling doctors how much pain I was in... |
| Heather: Vitiligo, Hypothyroidism, and now Linear Morphea I am not too concerned about the other two conditions since there really is nothing you can do about the vitiligo, and the thyroid is under control. The morphea is what is bugging me... |
| Jay: Scleroderma and CREST When I was fifteen or so, I noticed that my fingertips were starting to get very sore... |
| Jerri: CREST Syndrome I was twenty-one years of age when I first noticed that my fingers, toes and lips were turning colors... |
| Kath: Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma) and underactive thyroid Moving to Spain has had a positive effect on my Raynaud's, but has had no effect, so far as I am aware, on my scleroderma... |
| Kellie: Overlap Scleroderma and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) I am so relieved to read about so many people who have had the same experiences... |
| Kym: Diffuse, CREST Scleroderma, Lupus and Fibromyalgia It all started with Raynaud's in my fingers and toes when I was about nineteen years old, in 1979... |
| "LJ" Fullerton : CREST Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Hematoma and Osteomyelitis I need to tell you all the gory details so you can truly understand what a miracle it is that I am alive today... |
| Marie: Crest and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, about ten years ago. I had a nodule on my thyroid which was biopsied, and Hashimoto's was diagnosed... |
| Marina F: Sjogren's Syndrome and Vitiligo (Italy) For quite a few years now I have had problems such as eczema in my ear, vitiligo, nodules in the thyroid, dry eyes with a positive Schirmer's test, and vertigo... |
| (Italiano) Marina F: Sindrome di Sjogren, Vitiligo Ho 47 anni e da diversi anni soffro di vari problemi quali: eczema alle orecchie, vitiligine, noduli tiroidei, secchezza oculare con test di schirmer positivo, e vertigini... |
| Olga: Difficult Diagnosis Recently I came across www.sclero.org while researching my illness that has not been recognized neither in my native country nor in Italy, where I moved twelve years ago to escape from cold winters which have destroyed my skin... |
| Peky: Sjogren's and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (Italy) This year, after continuing to be sick, I visited the rheumatologist again... |
| (Italiano) Peky: Sjogren e Hashimoto Solo quest'anno, dopo esser stata male, ho rivisto il reumatologo... |
| Sherry: Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroidism and Raynaud's He said Fibromyalgia is just pain, and if I could not handle my job, I should quit... |
| Susan M: CREST, Raynaud's and Hashimoto's (Canada) I have a fabulous doctor now and she has brought me from a very dark place to one where I can again see the sunshine. |
| Tina G: Systemic Scleroderma, Interstitial Cystitis and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Two to three years later I developed muscle and joint pain, hypertension, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, arm numbness, and confusion... |
