[Correlation analysis of chronic hepatitis C with nodular goiter]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hepatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern.
• Nodular goiter is a common thyroid condition.
• The association between HCV and nodular goiter requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of nodular goiter in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
• To compare nodular goiter rates between chronic hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B patients.
• To identify risk factors for nodular goiter in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted involving patients with chronic hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis B, and a control group of at-risk women.
• Data collected included patient demographics, hepatitis duration, thyroid function tests, thyroid autoantibodies, and thyroid ultrasonography.
• Statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between nodular goiter and various factors.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of nodular goiter was significantly higher in the chronic hepatitis C group (53.6%) compared to the chronic hepatitis B group (36.9%).
• Older females (≥40 years) with chronic hepatitis C showed a higher prevalence (70.2%) of nodular goiter.
• Age and female sex were associated with increased nodular goiter prevalence in the chronic hepatitis C cohort, but thyroid function and autoantibodies were not.

Conclusions:

• Chronic hepatitis C is associated with a higher prevalence of nodular goiter.
• Routine thyroid ultrasound screening is recommended for patients with chronic hepatitis C, particularly older females.
• Thyroid function and autoantibodies do not appear to be correlated with nodular goiter in this population.