Thyroid Dysfunction in Non-Interferon Treated Hepatitis C Patients Residing in Hepatitis Endemic Area

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Thyroid dysfunction (TD) is a known complication of interferon treatment for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
• Limited research exists on the role of HCV infection itself in causing TD.
• This study focuses on TD prevalence in HCV patients not yet treated with interferon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in HCV-infected patients who have not undergone interferon therapy.
• To assess the independent impact of HCV infection on thyroid function.

Main Methods:

• Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
• Study included 446 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) patients (341 females, 105 males) out of 557 ELISA-positive individuals.
• Thyroid function tests were performed on patients referred for evaluation.

Main Results:

• Thyroid dysfunction (TD) was identified in 15.2% of the studied HCV patients.
• Hypothyroidism (9.0%) and hyperthyroidism (6.3%) were observed, including subclinical and overt forms.
• TD prevalence was slightly higher in females but not statistically significant; age and gender did not show significant associations with TD.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection independently contributes to biochemical thyroid dysfunction.
• Approximately 15.2% of HCV patients exhibit thyroid dysfunction prior to interferon treatment.
• The findings highlight the importance of thyroid screening in HCV patients regardless of treatment status.