Occurrence of thyroid autoimmunity in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients undergoing interferon-beta treatment.
We analyzed the titer of antithyroid autoantibodies (Abs) and thyroid function in 17 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients undergoing interferon-beta (IFN-beta) treatment and in 40 MS control patients. Basal evaluation revealed normal thyroid function in all patients. Abs were detected in 5 IFN-beta-treated patients (29%) and in 4 MS control patients (10%). Our results indicate that IFN-beta treatment may lead to thyroid autoimmunity. We therefore recommend periodic evaluations of antithyroid Abs and thyroid functionality in IFN-beta-treated MS patients.
Clinical Neurology Unit IV, University of Milan, Scientific Institute S. Raffaele, Italy.
V
V
Martinelli
M
M
Gironi
M
M
Rodegher
G
G
Martino
G
G
Comi
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D013967:Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D001323:Autoantibodies; D016899:Interferon-beta