Increased incidence of thyroid disease in patients with sarcoidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a multiple systemic granulomatous disease, and its main pathological feature is non-caseous necrotic epithelial granuloma. The pathogenesis is not fully understood. The prevalence of thyroid disease is likely higher among individuals with sarcoidosis. However, this association still lacks clinical evidence. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of thyroid disease in patients with sarcoidosis. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure literature databases. Fixed- or random-effects models were used for analysis according to heterogeneity. The results were subjected to meta-analysis with odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In total, six articles were included in this meta-analysis, which involved 2044 sarcoidosis cases and 5652 controls. The studies found that the incidence of thyroid disease in patients with sarcoidosis was significantly increased compared to the controls (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.83–5.88). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review is the first to evaluate the incidence of thyroid disease in sarcoidosis patients, which was increased compared with the controls, suggesting that sarcoidosis patients should be screened for thyroid disease.