Sustained hypothyroidism induced by recombinant α interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction has been reported in patients with malignant disease treated with recombinant α interferon. Two cases of hypothyroidism in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with recombinant α interferon are reported. In one patient, interferon induced hypothyroidism in the absence of pre-existing thyroid dysfunction and in the other it aggravated a pre-existing thyroid dysfunction. Both patients developed a severe, sustained hypothyroidism requiring thyroxine treatment for one year or more after stopping α interferon. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism during treatment can be difficult because of the common side effects of α interferon. Thyroid function should be assessed before and during α interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.