Increased Risk of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Hepatitis C vs Hepatitis B Before, During, and After Discontinuing Interferon Therapy

Abstract

Patients with HCV are more susceptible than patients with HBV to autoimmune thyroid disease. Systematic screening of thyroid gland function and TPOAb titers in all patients with HCV before, during, and after IFN-alpha therapy appears warranted. This precaution is not necessary for patients with HBV.