[Thyroid disease and multiple autoimmune syndromes. Clinical and immunogenetic aspects apropos of 11 cases]

Rev Med Interne. 1995;16(4):283-7. doi: 10.1016/0248-8663(96)80709-0.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The authors report eleven cases of multiple auto-immune syndrome, concerning a total of 15 different auto-immune diseases. This study suggests that auto-immune thyroid disorders (Graves' disease or hypothyroidism resulting from Hashimoto's thyroiditis) are a common feature of multiple auto-immune syndromes, while antithyroid antibodies are constant among our patients. Sjögren's syndrome is also very prevalent, and seems to be non-randomly associated with auto-immune thyroid disorders, a fact which suggests common aetiological factors. Among other auto-immune disorders, the antiphospholipid syndrome has been diagnosed twice. A genetic predisposition to multiple auto-immune syndrome is obvious, as shown by a familial history of auto-immune disorders (found in more than half of the cases), and a predominant HLA phenotype, B8 and/or DR3. The authors plead for a systematic enquiry for multiple auto-immune syndrome in patients with auto-immune thyroid disorders and a family history of auto-immune disorders.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / genetics
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Female
  • HLA-DR3 Antigen / analysis
  • Humans
  • Immunogenetics
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / genetics
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / immunology
  • Syndrome
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / genetics*
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / immunology
  • Vitiligo / genetics
  • Vitiligo / immunology

Substances

  • HLA-DR3 Antigen