Related Experiment Videos
[Thyroid function in children with diagnosed chronic hepatitis B treated with interferon alpha]
D M Lebensztejn1, M Kaczmarski, J Wysocka
1III Kliniki Chorób Dzieci AM w Białymstoku.
Insights
This study monitored thyroid function in children undergoing interferon alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis B. Results showed normal thyroid hormones and no clinical thyroid dysfunction during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Context:
- Chronic hepatitis B affects children, necessitating antiviral therapies like interferon alpha.
- Thyroid function can be influenced by various medical treatments.
- Monitoring endocrine function is crucial during long-term pediatric therapies.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the impact of interferon alpha therapy on thyroid function in children with chronic hepatitis B.
- To assess changes in thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4, TSH) and antithyroid antibodies (TPO, ATG) before and after treatment.
- To identify any subclinical or overt thyroid dysfunction.
Summary:
- Thyroid function tests (FT3, FT4, TSH) and antithyroid antibody levels (TPO, ATG) were measured in 31 children (aged 4-16) before and after interferon alpha therapy.
- All children maintained normal thyroid hormone and ATG concentrations throughout the study.
- Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies were detected in a small percentage of patients post-therapy (12.9%), but no clinical thyroid dysfunction was observed.
Impact:
- Interferon alpha therapy appears to have a minimal impact on overall thyroid function in children with chronic hepatitis B.
- Routine thyroid function monitoring may be warranted, particularly for TPO antibodies, in this patient population.
- Findings contribute to understanding the safety profile of interferon alpha in pediatric chronic hepatitis B management.
Abstract:
The aim of the study is to estimate thyroid function during interferon alpha therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B. 31 children aged 4-16 years were included in the study. Thyroid function was monitored by estimation of thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4, TSH) and antithyroid antibodies (TPO, ATG) concentration before and after therapy completion. In all children normal thyroid hormones and ATG concentration were found before and after therapy completion. Presence of TPO before IFN treatment in blood serum of 2 girls (6.45%) and in 4 children (12.9%) after IFN therapy were found. Clinical features of thyroid dysfunction were not observed in this group of children during IFN therapy.