Evaluating autoimmunity markers (TPO Ab, Tg Ab and TM Ab) in hypothyroid patients of Bushehr province

Background: Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis) is the common cause of primary hypothyroidism in iodine sufficient countries. Iran is named an iodine sufficient country, in this century. Methods: A total of 88 hypothyroid patients, on suppressing dose of levothyroxine who were followed in a university endocrine disorder clinic were evaluated for serum thyroid autoimmunity markers: thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO Ab), thyroglobulin antibody (Tg Ab) and thyroid microsomal antibody (TM Ab) using ELISA method. Results: The prevalence of TPO Ab, Tg Ab and TM Ab were 73.9%, 45.5% and 71.6%, respectively. Among the patients with high level of TPO Ab (> 75 u/ml), 45.3% had grade 1 or 2 of goiter (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in Bushehr province