Effects of combined interferon alpha and ribavirin therapy on thyroid functions in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of thyroid dysfunction in patients of chronic hepatitis C during treatment with interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin therapy.


METHODS
A cohort study.


METHODS
Army Medical College and Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from February 2006 to January 2007.


METHODS
One hundred and sixty seven non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients were grouped into treatment group (n=107) and control group (n=60) awaiting treatment. Baseline serum(s.) Alanine Transferase (ALT) and S. Aspartate Transferase (AST) were measured by IFCC method. Serum Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (S. TSH), serum free thyroxine (S. Free T4) and serum total triiodothyronine (S.T3) level were determined by chemiluminescence. Study group patients underwent 24 weeks IFN and ribavirin therapy and were followed-up for thyroid dysfunction at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Control group patients underwent the same tests at weeks 0, 12 and 24. Statistical analysis was done on SPSS 15.


RESULTS
Out of 107 patients of treatment group, 20 patients (18.69%) developed thyroid dysfunction. Females were at higher risk with Relative Risk (RR) of 11.25 and Attributable Risk (AR) of 91%. Hypothyroidism was more common than hyperthyroidism.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy induces thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients. Hypothyroidism was more common. Females are at a higher risk of developing thyroid dysfunction.
Nadeem
Amina
A
Department of Physiology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi. nadeemamina@yahoo.com
Aslam
Muhammad
M
Khan
Dilshad Ahmad
DA
Hussain
Tassawar
T
Khan
Saadat Ali
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012306:Risk; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin