The risk of thyroid cancer and sex differences in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a meta-analysis.

Yali Le, Chenchen Geng, Xiaoqian Gao, Ping Zhang

Journal: BMC endocrine disorders 2024;24(1):151

PMID: 39135006

Free Full Text on BioMed Central View on PubMed

Plain Language Summary

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder that often leads to hypothyroidism and is associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer (TC). Evidence suggests that women are at a higher risk of HT compared to men. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of thyroid cancer in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and to explore potential sex differences in this risk. This research is a meta-analysis that synthesises data from multiple observational studies examining the incidence of thyroid cancer in individuals diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Results showed a substantial elevation in the prevalence of TC among HT patients compared to non-HT patients. Additionally, there was no significant disparity in TC prevalence between female and male HT patients. Authors concluded that there is an association between HT and TC. HT increases the odds of TC. Regular reviews play a vital role in facilitating early detection of potential TC lesions in HT patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of thyroid cancer (TC) has exhibited an upward trajectory in recent years. An accelerating amount of evidence shows a significant association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and TC. The present study encompasses a meticulously designed systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim of scrutinizing the risk of TC and clarifying sex disparities in HT.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted across reputable online databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science. English-language publications on the correlation between HT and TC were examined without temporal restrictions. Two authors independently screened the articles and extracted pertinent data. The collected data underwent statistical analysis using the STATA software, enabling the calculation of the pooled Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Additionally, a supplementary analysis was conducted on studies incorporating sex-specific data to determine the OR (female vs. male) and the sex-based prevalence of TC in HT.

RESULTS

A total of 2,845 records were obtained, and 26 retrospective studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated a significant role for HT in TC (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.85-2.67). Supplementary analysis indicated that the prevalence of TC in HT patients was lower in women (0.31, 95% CI: 0.17-0.45) than in men (0.37, 95% CI: 0.21-0.53). However, the result was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that HT is associated with increasing odds of TC. Regular review of HT patients holds positive clinical significance.

Address: Health Management Center, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, Shandong, PR China.; Department of Ultrasound, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, Shandong, PR China.; Health Management Center, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, Shandong, PR China. [email protected].; Department of Ultrasound, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, Shandong, PR China. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01670-w