The Relationship Between Hypothyroidism-Induced Autoantibodies, TSH Levels, and RDW, as an Inflammation Marker

Abstract

Aim: Serum RDW grades were detected in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We aimed to use RDW to detect increased cardiovascular events in patients, increased oxidative stress, and inflammation without the need for an additional cost. Methods: We collected 904 persons results, 462 patients which have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and 442 age and sex-matched control cases were comprised in our study. From laboratory measurements of the patients’ records were utilized such as hemogram, hs-CRP, fasting blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, kidney function tests, liver function tests (ALT, AST), serum lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL), anti-Tg, and anti-TPO, FT3, FT4, TSH levels. Results: RDW was considerably scaled up in case group compared to control group (Hashimoto's thyroiditis =10.08 ± 4.48%, control = 8.95 ± 6.68%, p <0.05). Also, MPV was increased in the study group(p<0.05). hs-CRP showed a statistically significant positive correlation between the level of RDW. Conclusion: Although the exact mechanism is still not fully understood, increased RDW levels in individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, possibly related to ongoing subclinical inflammation, neurohumoral activation, and changes resulting from oxidative stress in such patients. RDW is potentially a valuable tool for assessing cardiovascular diseases among patients diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.