ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION AND VON WILLEBRAND FACTOR ALTERATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS

Аннотация

Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a common autoimmune endocrine disorder associated with thyroid dysfunction, cardiovascular complications, and endothelial injury. Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is an important marker of endothelial dysfunction and hemostatic imbalance. This study aimed to evaluate serum vWF levels across different clinical stages of AIT. A total of 113 patients with AIT and 94 healthy controls were included and classified into euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroid, overt hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid groups. Serum vWF levels were measured using immunological methods. Results showed normal vWF levels in euthyroid patients, a mild decrease in subclinical hypothyroidism, a marked reduction in overt hypothyroidism, and significantly elevated levels in hyperthyroidism. These findings suggest that vWF levels vary according to thyroid functional status and may serve as a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in AIT.