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[Pegylated-interferon alpha plus ribavirin-induced subacute thyroiditis in chronic hepatitis C]
Pablo Abellán Galiana1, Antonia Pérez-Lázaro, Victoria Aguilera Sancho-Tello
1Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, España. pabloabellan@comv.es
Summary
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection can cause thyroid issues, especially during interferon treatment. This case highlights subacute thyroiditis developing during pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy in a hepatitis C patient.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Endocrinology
- Virology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to various extrahepatic manifestations.
- Thyroid dysfunction is a recognized potential side effect of interferon-based therapies for HCV.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old woman with chronic HCV infection was undergoing treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin.
- The patient developed symptoms indicative of thyroid inflammation during the course of her antiviral therapy.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis.
- This thyroid condition emerged specifically during the combined treatment regimen of pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring thyroid function in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving interferon-based treatments.
- Recognizing subacute thyroiditis as a potential adverse effect is crucial for timely diagnosis and management in HCV patients.
- Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms linking interferon therapy to thyroiditis in the context of chronic HCV infection.
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