Thyroid function in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection under interferon therapy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hepatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally.
• Thyroid dysfunction is a known potential side effect of interferon-based therapies for HCV.
• Baseline thyroid function and antibody levels are important considerations before initiating treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and characteristics of thyroid dysfunction in HCV patients undergoing pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy.
• To assess the relationship between thyroid autoantibodies and TSH abnormalities during treatment.
• To evaluate the impact of thyroid dysfunction on HCV treatment response.

Main Methods:

• Sixty HCV patients with normal baseline TSH received weekly pegylated interferon a-2b and oral ribavirin.
• Serum TSH, TG-Ab, and TPO-Ab were measured pre-treatment.
• TSH was re-measured at 3 months; abnormal TSH cases underwent further thyroid function and antibody testing.

Main Results:

• Twenty percent (12/60) of patients developed abnormal TSH levels after 3 months of therapy.
• Hypothyroidism (10/12) was more common than hyperthyroidism (2/12).
• Patients with abnormal TSH showed significantly higher levels of TG-Ab, TPO-Ab, and TSI compared to those with normal TSH (p < 0.001).
• Pre-treatment TPO-Ab levels were elevated in most patients who later developed abnormal TSH.
• Thyroid dysfunction did not significantly impact the overall HCV treatment response rate, but abnormalities were more frequent in non-responders.

Conclusions:

• Pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy can induce thyroid dysfunction in HCV patients, often associated with elevated thyroid autoantibodies.
• Monitoring thyroid function and autoantibodies is crucial during HCV treatment.
• Prompt management of thyroid dysfunction ensures treatment completion and may improve patient outcomes.