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Interferon-alpha-induced transient severe hypothyroidism in a patient with Graves’ disease

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Abstract

Interferons (IFNs) are proteins with anti-viral activity and are widely used in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The use of IFNs has resulted in thyroid dysfunction in a variety of ways. We report a case of a woman with hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease who developed significant hypothyroidism during treatment with IFN-α 2a for HCV infection. However, after discontinuation of IFN-α 2a, hyperthyroidism recurred. Potential mechanisms by which IFNs influence thyroid function are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. SEMPR, (Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism), Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil

    M. Braga-Basaria

  2. Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Bayview Medical Center, 4940 Eastern Avenue B. BLDG, Suite 114, Baltimore, MD, MD-21224, USA

    Shehzad Basaria

Authors
  1. M. Braga-Basaria
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  2. Shehzad Basaria
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Braga-Basaria, M., Basaria, S. Interferon-alpha-induced transient severe hypothyroidism in a patient with Graves’ disease. J Endocrinol Invest 26, 261–264 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03345167

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03345167

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