[Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus: the thyroid disorders]

Recenti Prog Med. 2005 Jul-Aug;96(7-8):370-81.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

The prevalence of thyroid disorders has been studied in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by many studies. In general, thyroid dysfunction in chronic C hepatitis may include all forms of thyroid alterations, i.e. hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's disease and isolated increases in antithyroid autoantibodies. The prevalence of various thyroid disorders and serum anti-thyroid autoantibodies is generally higher in chronic hepatitis type C than in hepatitis B or D or control series. The results of most studies in patients with hepatitis C confirm a higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid involvement and hypothyroidism than in controls. More recently, some epidemiological studies have suggested a possible association between HCV and thyroid cancer. These last data need to be confirmed by other studies, but seem to be sufficient to suggest careful thyroid monitoring during the follow-up of patients with HCV infection.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Hepacivirus / pathogenicity*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroidism / complications
  • Hypothyroidism / complications
  • Israel / epidemiology
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Thyroid Diseases / complications*
  • Thyroid Diseases / epidemiology
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / complications
  • United States / epidemiology