Investigation of Neopterin Levels in Children with Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Hashimoto Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease caused by genetic and environmental factors and is known as the most common cause of hypothyroidism in childhood. Neopterin has been measured in many autoimmune disorders and has been identified as a marker of cellular immune activation. The aim of this study was to investigate the autoimmune association of neopterin in patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis aged 5-18 years. Material and Method: Neopterin levels were measured in 80 individuals, 40 of whom were followed up with the diagnosis of Hashimoto Thyroiditis and 40 of whom were not diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Results: While the mean value of neopterin levels in the control group participating in this study was 86.4170 ± 3.59284, the mean value in the patient group was 101.32 ± 9.75378. When we look at the participant age data, it is seen that the patients and controls are compatible with each other (p>0.05). In addition, it is seen that there is a significant positive correlation p<0.05 between the variables of age-neopterin levels and tsh-neopterin levels. Conclusion: In the study, when the individuals with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis between the ages of 5-18 were compared with the control group individuals in the same age range, no statistically significant difference ( p>0.05 ) was found between the neopterin levels.