Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies in Patients with Primary Hypothyroidism: A Cross-Sectional Study
Keywords:
Anti-TPO, Hypothyroidism, Overt, SubclinicalAbstract
Background:Primary hypothyroidism is a major health concern worldwide and in Nepal. Anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroid involvement and serve as a key marker for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a leading cause in iodine-sufficient regions. Regional data on anti-TPO prevalence across different stages of hypothyroidism remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-TPO positivity among hypothyroid patients in Western Nepal and explore its relationship with disease stage.
Methods:This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Universal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Lumbini Province, Nepal, from November 2022 to October 2023. A total of 170 adults with laboratory-confirmed primary hypothyroidism were enrolled. Patients with other thyroid or autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, or medications affecting thyroid function were excluded. Serum anti-TPO ≥ 30 IU/ml was considered positive. Hypothyroidism was classified as subclinical and overt. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square analysis, and binary logistic regression, with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results:Median age was 45 years, with 75.3% female. Subclinical hypothyroidism predominated (84.7%). The median anti-TPO level was 11.9 IU/ml, with 32.4% testing positive. Anti-TPO positivity was significantly higher in overt hypothyroid patients, with adjusted odds 3.9 times higher than subclinical cases (95% CI: 1.6 – 9.5; p = 0.003).
Conclusion: Anti-TPO antibodies were present in one-third of hypothyroid patients, more frequently in overt disease. While a useful supportive marker, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify its prognostic value and natural course in the Nepalese population.
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