Association between Serum 25 (OH) Vitamin D level and Thyroiditis in Western Saudi Arabian Population

ABSTRACT

The association of low vitamin D status with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (AITD), which includes Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT), is controversial. (HT) is a chronic autoimmune thyroid disease caused by an interaction between genetic factors and environmental conditions, both of which are yet to be fully understood. The management of HT depends on its clinical manifestations, commonly including diffuse or nodular goiter with euthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and permanent hypothyroidism. The aim of this study was to investigate mainly the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and HT. Methods: This study was carried out in tertiary hospitals, included patients who visited the hospital for thyroid evaluation or follow-up. Results: A total of 310 subjects were included, of whom 84 participants were healthy, and 226 patients with hypothyroid disease, 119 subjects were diagnosed as having HT (AITD), 107 Non-AITD. Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in HT group than in non AITD (48.9 % vs. 37.4 %, p=0.013). Among HT cases, patients with overt hypothyroidism had a significantly higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency than HT with euthyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism (60.4% vs. 44.1%, 29.7%, respectively, p 0.009, 0.017, 0.026). Conclusion: Considering current evidence, presented in this study, screening for vitamin D deficiency and careful vitamin D supplementation, when required, may be recommended for patients with HT.