Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPO) as a Predictor of Radiation Induced Thyroid Dysfunction Among Nurses and Technicians Working in Mansoura Specialized Medical Hospital: Cross Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Thyroid gland is a probable goal tissue for radiation-related injury. Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation leads to thyroid dysfunction and exposure to high dose may lead to thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the role of Thyroid peroxidase antibody as a predictor for thyroid dysfunction among nurses and technicians in the radiology department in Mansoura Specialized Medical hospital (MSMH).

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

Subjects were Nurses and technicians who are working in (MSMH) with persistent daily duty in the last 3 years and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All subjects included in the study were recruited in one month and divided into two groups; Group 1: 50 subjects who were working in radiology, coronary angiography and ERCP unit, Radiation -exposed group. Group 2: 33 subjects who were working in In-patient departments and in out- patient clinics and not exposed to any type of radiation. Non fasting blood sample was taken from all enrolled subjects for measurement of TSH and Anti-TPO.

RESULTS

TPO was positively and significantly correlated to age, TSH, duration of radiology/ y (r=0.388, 0.364, 0.342respectively) p value <0.05. Roc curve was done to detect the sensitivity and specificity of TSH in relation to TPO that revealed the cutoff value of TSH > 1.69 with Sensitivity and Specificity. PPV, NPV and accuracy at cutoff >1.69 were 70.6%, 51.5%, 42.8%, 77.3% and 58%.

CONCLUSION

Working personnel with positive anti TPO and their TSH levels are more than 1.69 associated with symptoms of hypothyroidism, a trial of treatment is mandatory to relieve symptoms.