Thyroid function and associated mood changes after COVID-19 vaccines in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) may face increased risks following COVID-19 vaccination.
• COVID-19 vaccines can potentially alter thyroid function and mood states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if COVID-19 vaccination induces thyroid function and mood changes in HT patients.
• To identify inflammatory biomarkers associated with these risks.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, multi-center study involving HT patients receiving inactivated COVID-19 vaccines.
• Monitoring of C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and mood changes for 6 months post-vaccination.
• Propensity score-matched comparisons between vaccinated and control groups.

Main Results:

• Vaccinated group showed significantly higher TSH increase (11.9% vs 6.1%) and mood change incidence (12.7% vs 8.4%) compared to controls.
• Increased CRP correlated with mood changes and severity post-vaccination.
• Pre-vaccine CRP, TSH, and anti-TPO levels predicted post-vaccination mood changes.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 vaccination appears to elevate TSH levels and mood disturbances in HT patients.
• Elevated baseline TSH, CRP, and anti-TPO are associated with higher post-vaccine risks.