Endocrine Abstracts

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) associated with periodontal disease (P.D).

Material and methods: 42 patients with TCA and BP were tested for ANA (Group 1) and 50 patients with TCA without BP (Group 2). Inclusion criterias – absence of other autoimmune diseases associated with positive ANA patients. Thyroid hormone deficiency has established thyroid function. Patients with B.P were differentiated: initial lesion - gingivitis, aggravated lesion - loss of dental attachment/endodontic lesions.

Results: Incidence of ANA: Group 1–36 (85.7%), Group 2–15 (30%). ANA/PD distribution – initial lesions – 10 (23.8%), advanced lesions – 26 (32%). ANA distribution/thyroid function: hypothyroidism – 21 (50%); normothyroid – 4 (9.5%), thyrotoxicosis – 11 (27%). Hypothyroidism associated to PD: inward lesions – 3 (30%); advanced lesions – 17 (5.3%).

Conclusions: There may be common pathogenic mechanisms for TCA and PD. Hypothyroidism produces an intensified lesional effect at periodontal level.