Interferon-induced thyroid dysfunction: a case series

Demographics: The mean age was 42.5 years (range 26-52). 57% were female and 43% male. 21% were smokers and 14% had positive family history of thyroid disease. Clinical Presentation: 57% of patients developed hypothyroidism, 21% developed thyroiditis, 14% hyperthyroidism and 1 patient developed sick euthyroidism. The mean speed of onset of thyroid dysfunction was 12.3 weeks (range 7.7 weeks to 21 weeks). Symptoms: The most prevalent symptom in patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or thyroiditis was sweating (100% of patients), followed by palpitations (80%), increased stool frequency and weight loss (60%). 40% of patients were asymptomatic. Hypothyroid patients presented with weight gain (63%), fatigue (50%) and cold intolerance/ poor concentration (25%). Signs: Interestingly, 86% of cases had no abnormal physical signs. There were no patients with eye signs. Interferon Induced Thyroid Dysfunction: A Case Series