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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Interferon and thyroid
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Interferon and thyroid
by zazza, Mar 01, 2008 03:38PM
I am currently on treatment for hepatitis C with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. I have 3 weeks left of 72. My TSH levels have been in normal range all throughout treatment, until my last reading in week 68 which was 7.3 mlE/L. My free T4 level is still within normal range: 17 pmol/L. I will not be able to see an endocrinologist until after the interferon treatment is over. There just isn't enough time.
These are my thyroid test results:
TSH (Tyrotropin) (normal range: 0.30 - 4.0 mlE/L)
Baseline: 2.0
Week 12: 3.4
Week 24: 3.3
Week 36: 3.9
Week 48: 2.2
Week 60: 3.7
Week 68: 7.3
T4, free (normal range: 12 - 22 pmol/L)
Baseline: 19
Week 12: 16
Week 24: 18
Week 36: 17
Week 48: 17
Week 60: 17
Week 68: 17
I would very much like to complete my last 3 weeks of treatment. Would this endanger my thyroid and perhaps cause me permanent hypothyroid issues? What are the odds of my thyroid returning to normal once the interferon treatment is stopped? I am so close to finishing treatment. Would the last 3 weeks really make any difference to my thyroid?
Thank you.
These are my thyroid test results:
TSH (Tyrotropin) (normal range: 0.30 - 4.0 mlE/L)
Baseline: 2.0
Week 12: 3.4
Week 24: 3.3
Week 36: 3.9
Week 48: 2.2
Week 60: 3.7
Week 68: 7.3
T4, free (normal range: 12 - 22 pmol/L)
Baseline: 19
Week 12: 16
Week 24: 18
Week 36: 17
Week 48: 17
Week 60: 17
Week 68: 17
I would very much like to complete my last 3 weeks of treatment. Would this endanger my thyroid and perhaps cause me permanent hypothyroid issues? What are the odds of my thyroid returning to normal once the interferon treatment is stopped? I am so close to finishing treatment. Would the last 3 weeks really make any difference to my thyroid?
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Mar 03, 2008 08:40PM
, Mar 03, 2008 08:40PM
Interferon increases the risk of autoimmune thyroid disease. This TSH abnormality is relatively mild and should not interfere with the remaining 3 weeks. Would consider repeating the TSH and obtain thyroid auto-antibodies at the end of treatment and re-evaluating the need for thyroid specific treatment. Once the immune system attacks the thyroid, it may become a chronic problem - so 3 more weeks of IFN are not likely to make a difference in the long-run.
If a test at the end of treatment does show thyroid auto-antibodies, does that mean that there is no chance of the problem resolving itself and the thyroid returning to normal range? What are indeed my odds of not having to take life-long medication for this if I do have thyroid antibodies?