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Prospective study on thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction related to chronic hepatitis C and interferon therapy
N Custro1, G Montalto, V Scafidi
1Istituto di Medicina Interna e Geriatria, University of Palermo, Italy.
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) have a higher risk of thyroid autoimmunity. Interferon (IFN) therapy significantly increases this risk, leading to thyroid dysfunction, which usually resolves upon IFN discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a significant global health concern.
- Thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction are potential complications in CHC patients.
- Interferon (IFN) therapy is a common treatment for CHC, but its impact on thyroid health requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction in CHC patients.
- To evaluate the risk of thyroid disorders associated with IFN therapy.
- To survey the outcome of potential treatment-related thyroid injury.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 104 untreated CHC patients and healthy controls.
- Serological testing for thyroid autoantibodies (ThyAb).
- Monitoring of thyroid function tests (TFTs) before, during, and after IFN therapy.
Main Results:
- CHC patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of ThyAb (7.7%) compared to controls (1.3%), indicating a 760% increased risk of thyroid autoimmunity.
- No baseline thyroid dysfunction was observed in untreated CHC patients.
- IFN therapy induced transient thyrotropin elevation in seropositive patients and led to the development of thyroid autoimmunity and dysfunction (hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, Graves' disease) in 15.5% of initially seronegative patients.
Conclusions:
- CHC patients have an elevated risk of thyroid autoimmunity.
- IFN therapy is a significant risk factor for developing thyroid autoimmune disorders and dysfunction in CHC patients.
- Discontinuation of IFN therapy generally leads to normalization of thyroid function, often obviating the need for long-term hormone replacement therapy.