Autoimmune markers have a certain value to assess thyroid function in type 1 diabetes children

Abstract

Abstract Background Examine risk factors for thyroid dysfunction in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods Altogether, 73 Chinese children were examined at the onset of T1DM and after 12 months. Thyroid hormone levels and other biochemical data were measured. Data were compared based on thyroid status. Results C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), free triiodothyronine, and free (unbound) thyroxine levels did not change during the study period. Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase were found in 31.8%, autoantibodies to insulin in 22.7%, islet cell antibodies in 0%, thyroid peroxidase antibodies in 35.3%, and anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies in 5.9% of subjects. Mean concentrations of anti-thyrotropin receptor antibody and thyroid peroxidase antibody were significantly higher in hyperthyroid children than euthyroid children. However, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone, anti-thyrotropin receptor antibody, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody concentrations were similar between hypothyroid and euthyroid children. Conclusions Positive thyroid peroxidase antibody is higher in children with T1DM than normal children. The presence of thyroid peroxidase antibody and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies may lead to poorly controlled diabetes. Finally, T1DM children with thyroid peroxidase antibody were less likely to develop hypothyroidism after onset of diabetes within a one-year follow-up.