Abstract

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.

Keywords: Thyroid peroxidase, radiation, thyroiditis, TSH, protective shields, radiation workers.