Rheumatoid arthritis link with thyroid dysfunction

Many studies have looked at the risk of thyroid dysfunction in people with rheumatoid arthritis but the outcomes have been conflicting. So a team set out to review all of the evidence to establish if there is a pattern.

A total of 29 studies including over 35,000 people with rheumatoid arthritis were analysed.

Those with rheumatoid arthritis did have an increased risk of developing thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism.

The reviewers recommend that the thyroid function of rheumatoid arthritis patients be routinely tested. Future studies will look at the impact of thyroid dysfunction on rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, and the effects that medication have.

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