Authors
A G Unnikrishnan
Department of Endocrinology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Cochin
Abstract
Background: Thyroid diseases are arguably the commonest endocrine disorders, with Kerala showing a high prevalence. A house-to-house survey in Cochin in 2009 revealed thyroid function abnormalities in 19.6% of the adult population (n=986), with 9.5% having anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO). Among those with hypothyroidism, anti-TPO positivity was 46%. This population was found to be iodine sufficient. Autoimmune Thyroiditis, initially termed “struma lymphomatosa,” was first described by Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912.
Current Study Focus: This editorial highlights a pivotal new study led by Dr. KP Paulose, which, for the first time, provides comprehensive documentation of the immunological and biochemical correlates in Kerala-based subjects with a histological diagnosis of Autoimmune Thyroiditis/Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Clinical Significance: The findings from the new research underscore the critical importance of a careful clinical examination to detect nodularity, coupled with ultrasound and guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) in cases where the thyroid gland is nodular. This approach is vital due to the potential co-existence of papillary thyroid cancer, which, if detected and treated early, carries an excellent prognosis.