[Epidemiological, Clinical And Evolutionary Characteristics Of Autoimmune Dysthyroidism In The National University Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) Of Cotonou].

Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary characteristics of autoimmune dysthyroidism in the endocrinology-diabetes department of the CNHU-HKM.

Material and method: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of patients seen for thyroid pathology in the endocrinology diabetology department over a 10-year period. Patients with at least one abnormal TSH and positive anti-thyroid antibodies were included.

Results: Over the study period, we recorded 2883 consultants, 347 of them having thyroid diseases, including 69 cases of autoimmune dysthyroidism divided into 54 cases of Graves' disease and 15 cases of Hashimoto's disease. Autoimmune dysthyroidism represented 2.39% of consultations and 19.89% of thyroid disorders. Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease accounted for 1.87% (54 cases) and 0.52% (15 cases) of consultations respectively. Autoimmune dysthyroidism was more frequent in the 30-40 and 40-50 age groups. The most frequent symptoms of Graves' disease were asthenia (94.4%), weight loss (87.0%) and tachycardia (85.2%). In Hashimoto's disease, the main symptoms were asthenia (86.66%), goiter (66.6%) and weight gain (60%). High initial R-TSH antibody levels and iatrogenic hypothyroidism were found to be factors associated with extended follow-up of Graves' disease beyond 18 months.

Conclusion: Autoimmune dysthyroidism is a frequent condition, with Graves' disease predominating. Their evolution under therapy is influenced by clinical, biological and ultrasonographic factors.