Effect of methotrexate on Thyroid Profile in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at a Tertiary care Hospital of Uttarakhand Region of India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint disease marked by chronic discomfort and joint abnormalities significantly impacting patients’ lives. Key laboratory markers for RA include rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Treatments typically involve glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, and DMARDs. RA patients are also at a higher risk of thyroid illnesses, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, indicating a connection between these conditions. The thyroid, essential for regulating growth and metabolism, plays a significant role in the autoimmune landscape, with thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid autoantibodies (TgAb, TPOAb) key factors. Research shows a correlation between thyroid dysfunction and RA, with thyroid hormone levels linked to RA disease activity markers. RA patients with positive thyroid autoantibodies experience greater disease activity and joint damage. However, the impact of RA medications on thyroid function remains unclear, necessitating further exploration of this complex interaction for better management strategies.