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COVID-19-related thyroid conditions (Review)
Florica Șandru1,2, Mara Carsote3, Răzvan Cosmin Petca4
1Department of Dermatology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|May 26, 2021
Summary
COVID-19 can disrupt the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, causing central thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) disturbances or subacute thyroiditis. Monitoring thyroid function during and after infection is crucial for managing potential thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- COVID-19 infection can impact the endocrine system, specifically the thyroid.
- Patients without prior thyroid conditions may develop novel thyroid anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the thyroid changes associated with COVID-19 infection.
- To highlight the importance of thyroid function monitoring in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining thyroid function in COVID-19 patients.
- Analysis of reported cases of thyroid dysfunction related to SARS-CoV-2.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 can lead to central TSH disturbances (hypophysitis) or atypical subacute thyroiditis.
- Low T3 syndrome, a non-thyroidal illness, may occur in severe COVID-19.
- Thyroid assays are recommended during acute infection to detect thyrotoxicosis and post-recovery to identify hypothyroidism.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 poses a risk for various thyroid dysfunctions, including central hypothyroidism and thyroiditis.
- Routine thyroid monitoring is essential for timely diagnosis and management of COVID-19-related thyroid conditions.
- Further research is needed to understand prognostic markers like interleukin-6 and treatment for central hypothyroidism.
