Thyroid autoantibodies in women with and without thyroid disorders in an iodine-replete area

To compare the prevalence of positive autoantibodies in patients with thyroid disorders and healthy subjects in an iodine-replete area of the Islamic Republic of Iran, we studied 930 women in a clinic-based study: 698 patients [286 hypothyroid, 140 hyperthyroid, 272 with simple goitre] and 232 healthy women. Serum thyroxine [T4], triiodothyronine [T3], thyroid stimulating hormone, and antithyroid antibodies were measured. Positive autoantibodies were detected in 75.5% of patients with hypothyroidism, 73.6% of those with hyperthyroidism, 48.9% of those with simple goitre and 35.8% of the control group [P < 0.001]. Autoimmunity may have a role in the genesis of common thyroid disorders