Thyroid dysfunction in antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C

Abstract

Background/aims: Thyroid disorders are common dysfunctions during HCV infection and IFN-therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the general risk of thyroid disorders' development in chronic HCV-infected patients and their possible relationship with HCV genotype, type of used IFN-alpha and viral response.

Methodology: A study was performed in 89 patients with chronic hepatitis C (57 males, 32 females) and 25 healthy subjects. All HCV-infected patients were treated by IFN-alpha and RBV for a period depending on the HCV genotype. Hematological parameters, liver and thyroid function tests were analyzed. Serum Tpo-Ab and TG-Ab were detected by semiquantitative ELISA. In statistical analyses U Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests were used. Ap value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Twelve (13.5%) CHC patients developed thyroid disorders during IFN-alpha therapy. Thyroid disorders were more often detected in females, in 3a-genotype-infection and in patients treated with natural leukocyte IFN-alpha. Seven (7.6%) Tpo-Ab and/or TG-Ab positive patients were noticed. Four of them (57.1%) developed hypothyroidism during IFN-alpha therapy.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated low effect of IFN-alpha therapy on thyroid disorders development and on TPO-Ab and TG-Ab serum level in chronic HCV-infected patients.