The American College of Rheumatology presented new findings on November 5, 2020 at their virtual conference. They found that in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), hypothyroidism is associated with positive myeloperoxidase (MPO). They also found that hypothyroidism with positive MPO is associated with patients diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

The Study

A total of 1,315 patients with AAV were included in this study. The study group was 55% female, and the average age of participants was 52 years. Of the sample, 163, or 13%, had a diagnosis of thyroid diseases. 145 of these individuals had hypothyroidism or underachieve thyroid, and 18 had hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. This equates to 11% and 1.4% of the sample respectively.

The team also included a subset of patients who were diagnosed with GPA. Of these patients, hypothyroidism was positively associated with ANCA.

These researchers compared the risk of venous thrombosis for AAV patients with hypothyroidism compared to hyperthyroidism. They found that those with hypothyroidism were at increased risk for this condition.

Looking forward

This finding reveals that further research is needed on this association. Researchers believe that their analysis means there could be a relationship between hypothyroidism and AAV. Knowing this possibility is the first step. An evaluation of the specific mechanisms involved should come next.

You can read the full coverage of the presentation of this research by clicking here.