study of anti thyroidal antibodies in simple goiter patients and comparison with a control group

introduction : in order to evaluate the role of thyroid autoimmunity in patients with goiter, this study was done 10 years after implementation of iodine supplementation program ( iodised salt). the serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti tpo) and thyroglobulin antibodies (anti tg) were studied in a group of patients with simple goiter and compared with normal controls. materials and methods: we performed this study at the endocrine clinic of noor hospital in isfahan university using simple sampling method in those patients that had normal thyroid function tests: the patients with simple goiter were enrolled in case group (n =105) and those without goiter in control group (n=85). results: 34.3% (n=36) in case group and 19.1% (n=17) in control group had elevated anti tpo titer (p value=0.018). 42.9% (n=45) in case group and 23.6% (n=21) in control group had elevated anti tg titer (p value=0.005). discussion : considering the higher percentage of elevated levels of anti thyroid antibodies in the case group,we conclude that thyroid autoimmunity has an important role in goiter prevalence and increased iodine intake may play a role in thyroid autoimmunity.