Thyroxine turnover and transport in viral hepatitis

Thyroxine turnover and transport studies were done on 20 patients in the acute phase of viral hepatitis. No significant changes in T4 degradation rate (k), the T4 distribution volume (V), and the metabolic clearance rate (MCR) were found. A significant increase of T4 serum concentration and TBG capacity, and decrease of TBPA capacity were observed. A negative correlation between TBG and TBPA capacities was found. Significant interrelationships between TBG capacity and T4 serum levels as well as T4 turnover parameters were shown. The values of T4/TBG ratio were within normal range.