Publication:

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies in vitiligo patients

Background Vitiligo is associated with various autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune thyroid disease. The objectives of the present study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies in patients with vitiligo, and to compare the clinical profile of anti-thyroid peroxidase positive and anti-thyroid peroxidase negative patients.

Methods A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in 100 patients with vitiligo and 100 controls. After dermatologic and systemic evaluation, serum thyroid hormones and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody levels were measured in all the subjects.

Results Thyroid dysfunction was more common in the vitiligo group (27%) than in the controls. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone abnormalities were more common in the vitiligo group (27%) than in the controls (6%). The most common thyroid dysfunction was subclinical hypothyroidism. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody positivity was higher in the vitiligo group (36%) when compared to the controls (24%), and the most common type of vitiligo was vitiligo vulgaris (18%) in this group. Thyroid dysfunction and anti-thyroid peroxidase positivity were more common in women (58%) when compared to men (42%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of other autoimmune diseases in the vitiligo group (20%) compared to the controls (6%).

Conclusions This study shows a significant association between vitiligo and thyroid dysfunction, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and other autoimmune diseases. We recommend that thyroid evaluation and regular follow-up should be done in patients with vitiligo for prompt detection of thyroid dysfunction.