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Thyroid disorders during interferon alpha therapy in 625 patients with chronic hepatitis C: a prospective cohort

N Kabbaj1, M M Guedira, H El Atmani

  • 1Hepato-Gastro-Enterology E, Ibn Sina Hospital, 4 lotissement Anne-Marie, avenue Bir Kacem, rue Ouled Farés-Souissi, Rabat, Morocco. kabbaj_n@yahoo.fr

Annales D'Endocrinologie
|October 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Thyroid disorders affect 8.9% of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon-alfa (INFalpha). Female gender and positive anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies predict thyroid dysfunction during INFalpha therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C is a significant global health concern.
  • Interferon-alfa (INFalpha) therapy is a common treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
  • INFalpha therapy can be associated with various adverse effects, including thyroid dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of thyroid disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing INFalpha therapy.
  • To identify risk factors associated with the development of thyroid dysfunction.
  • To report on the management and long-term outcomes of these thyroid disorders.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 625 patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving INFalpha therapy between January 1991 and December 2004 was studied.
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) were measured before treatment and at regular intervals during and after therapy.
  • Thyroid function was monitored to detect hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and biphasic thyroiditis.

Main Results:

  • Thyroid disorders developed in 8.9% of patients (58 out of 625).
  • Hypothyroidism occurred in 44.8% of affected patients, hyperthyroidism in 15.5% (including 3 cases of Graves' disease), and biphasic thyroiditis in 36.2%.
  • Female gender and pre-treatment positive anti-TPO antibodies were significant risk factors for developing thyroid dysfunction (p<0.05 and p<0.02, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Female gender is a significant risk factor for developing thyroid dysfunction during INFalpha therapy.
  • Pre-existing positive anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies are predictive of thyroid dysfunction in patients treated with INFalpha.
  • Monitoring thyroid function is crucial in patients receiving INFalpha therapy, particularly in females and those with positive anti-TPO antibodies.
Abstract

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