[Thyroid function and autoimmunity in 215 patients seropositive for the hepatitis C virus]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Hepatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to various autoimmune conditions.
• Thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity are potential extrahepatic manifestations of HCV.
• Understanding the prevalence of thyroid antibodies in HCV patients is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate thyroid function and thyroid antibody prevalence in HCV-seropositive patients.
• To investigate the potential pathogenic role of HCV in autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 215 HCV-seropositive patients (118 males, 97 females; mean age 44 years) for thyroid dysfunction and antithyroid antibodies (antithyroperoxidase [ATPO] and antithyroglobulin [ATG]).
• Exclusion of patients treated with interferon or seronegative for HIV.
• Analysis included thyroid antibody testing and assessment of thyroid function.

Main Results:

• Eighteen patients (8%) had antithyroid antibodies (12 with ATPO, 10 with ATG).
• Four patients (1.8%) had both antibodies; one case of Graves' disease and three of autoimmune hypothyroidism were diagnosed.
• Thyroid dysfunction prevalence was 7.4% (5.1% hypothyroidism, 2.3% hyperthyroidism), with causes including autoimmune disorders, iodine load, and amiodarone use.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of antithyroid antibodies in HCV patients is comparable to the general population.
• HCV infection does not appear to play a pathogenic role in the development of autoimmune thyroid disorders.
• Routine thyroid screening in HCV patients may be warranted to detect existing thyroid conditions, but not specifically due to HCV linkage.