Introduction:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and can be associated with other autoimmune pathologies such as autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD). Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder within the thyroid disease spectrum.

Objective:

To determine the presence and serum levels of anti-TPO antibodies in patients with SLE and to establish whether high concentrations of anti-TPO antibodies are related to a higher score of disease activity measured by SLEDAI.

Methodology:

Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study with an analytical component. Consecutive sampling was used to select patients. The target population was patients with or without known thyroid disease. Patients of both sexes, over 18 years of age, who satisfied ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SLE, with a disease duration greater than 12 months were included.

Results:

A total of 54 patients with SLE were included, with a mean age of 37.4±12.86 years. We found a 20.37% prevalence of anti-TPO antibody positivity. Mean anti-TPO level in patients who tested positive was 58.9 mIU/L. In relation to anti-TPO positive patients’ thyroid profile, 55% had elevated TSH with a mean serum level of 27.48±4.4 mIU/L. Out of 11 patients with positive anti-TPO levels, 45.45% had thyroid hormone levels compatible with hypothyroidism.

Conclusion:

This study found a prevalence of ATD in SLE of 38.8%. Most of these patients had a thyroid profile compatible with hypothyroidism. No relationship was found between positive anti-TPO antibodies and SLE activity, as well as with other SLE disease activity markers.

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