Abstract
Background:
Alpha and beta interferon (IFN-alpha and beta) treatment is associated with the synthesis of thyroid autoantibodies and the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Methods and results:
We have retrospectively evaluated their effect in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CH) (n = 118) and multiple esclerosis (ME) (n = 10). Thyroid dysfunction has been detected in 7.4% of patients, and seroconversion in 4.7%.
Conclusions:
Pre-treatment antithyroid antibodies do not predispose to altered thyroid function, after IFN therapy; their presence should not contraindicate IFN treatment.
MeSH terms
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Acute Disease
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Adult
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Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / biosynthesis
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Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / immunology
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Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
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Female
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Hepatitis, Chronic / drug therapy*
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Hepatitis, Chronic / virology
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Humans
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Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
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Iodide Peroxidase / immunology
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Male
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Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
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Retrospective Studies
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Thyroid Function Tests / methods
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Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / chemically induced*
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Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / diagnosis
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Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / immunology*
Substances
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Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
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Antiviral Agents
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Interferon-alpha
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Iodide Peroxidase