Delta hepatitis-related thyroid disease: a unique phenomenon

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Endocrinology
• Virology

Background:

• Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection poses a global health challenge.
• Thyroid dysfunction complicates interferon treatment for chronic HDV (C-HDV).
• Thyroid disease characteristics in C-HDV patients are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of thyroid diseases in C-HDV patients.
• To evaluate the impact of delta hepatitis on thyroid function tests.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 127 treatment-naive, HCV-negative C-HDV outpatients.
• Analysis of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid antibodies (TAbs), liver transaminases, and HDV-RNA levels.
• Data collected between July 2013 and July 2014.

Main Results:

• Hypothyroidism (TSH > 10 IU/l) was observed in 4.7% of patients; no hyperthyroidism cases were found.
• Elevated liver transaminases and HDV-RNA showed a positive correlation with high thyroid autoantibody levels.
• This correlation was noted even in euthyroid patients.

Conclusions:

• Hypothyroidism is more prevalent than hyperthyroidism at baseline in C-HDV patients.
• A novel correlation between thyroid autoantibodies, liver enzymes, and HDV-RNA levels in euthyroid C-HDV patients was identified.
• Further research is required for a comprehensive understanding of these associations.