Interferon-alpha-induced transient severe hypothyroidism in a patient with Graves' disease.
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins with anti-viral activity and are widely used in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The use of IFNs has resulted in thyroid dysfunction in a variety of ways. We report a case of a woman with hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease who developed significant hypothyroidism during treatment with IFN-alpha 2a for HCV infection. However, after discontinuation of IFN-alpha 2a, hyperthyroidism recurred. Potential mechanisms by which IFNs influence thyroid function are discussed.
Braga-Basaria
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*SEMPR, (Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism) Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil,
Basaria
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D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013974:Thyroxine