ABSTRACT
Context COVID-19 is more than a respiratory infection, with deep implications regarding multiple systems and organs. Thyroid damage is frequent in COVID-19 and may overlap previous HCV or HCC associated diseases. Objective The objective of this study is to determine the effects of COVID-19 in patients with HCV associated HCC and thyroid comorbidities. Design We performed a retrospective study of the thyroid function tests and autoantibodies in patients with HCV-associated HCC prior and during COVID-19. Subjects and Methods We included 52 consecutive patients with HCV-associated HCC and documented thyroid disease, diagnosed with COVID -19 between April and October 2020. Serum values of thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T3, free T4, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and anti-thyroid peroxydase antibodies were determined and compared to baseline levels. Results At baseline, 44 patients had positive antithyroid antibodies, 6 had hypothyroidism in substitution and 2 had hyperthyroidism under treatment. During COVID-19 we found an increase in serum values of antithyroid antibodies, and decreased levels of TSH, freeT3 and freeT4 levels. Specific therapies were discontinued in one patient with hyperthyroidism and 3 patients with hypothyroidism. Conclusion There is a significant impact of COVID-19 on the thyroid homeostasis;a long-term prognostic value for patients with HCC infected with COVID-19 required further extensive research.
ABSTRACT
Context: As we progress into the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become apparent that this infection is associated with a multitude of systemic effects, some involving the thyroid gland. The thyroid is also frequently affected in the HCV chronic infection. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the effects of COVID-19 infection on the presence and severity of thyroid disorders associated with chronic HCV infection, at short and mid-term follow-up. Design: We prospectively evaluated patients with documented HCV- associated thyroid disease (with sustained virologic response after antiviral therapy). Subjects and Methods: The study group consisted of 42 patients with HCV- associated thyroid disease, diagnosed with COVID -19 infection between April and October 2020. We determined serum values of thyroid-stimulating hormone, freeT3, free T4, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies at one and three months after resolution of infection and compared them to the baseline characteristics of the patient. We also evaluated the changes in thyroid substitution treatments or antithyroid drugs. Results: At baseline, out of the 42 patients, 5 presented hypothyroidism under levothyroxine substitution therapy, while 2 presented hyperthyroidism under methimazole therapy; 37 patients had positive antithyroid antibodies. At one month follow-up, we note an increase in serum values of antibodies, with a decrease in TSH, freeT3 and freeT4 levels, correlated with the severity of COVID-19 infection. Two patients required discontinuation of levothyroxine. At 3 months follow-up, lower levels of antithyroid antibodies were recorded, with an increase in TSH levels. No medication doses were adjusted at this time. Conclusion: Among the systemic effects of COVID-19, the impact of thyroid dysfunction should not be underestimated, especially in the presence of pre-existing conditions, such as HCV infection.
ABSTRACT
Context. As we progress into the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become apparent that this infection is associated with a multitude of systemic effects, some involving the thyroid gland. The thyroid is also frequently affected in the HCV chronic infection. Objective. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of COVID-19 infection on the presence and severity of thyroid pathologies associated with chronic HCV infection, at short and mid-term follow-up. Design. We prospectively evaluated patients with documented HCV- associated thyroid disease (with sustained virologic response after antiviral therapy). Subjects and Methods. The study lot consisted of 42 patients with HCV- associated thyroid disease, diagnosed with COVID-19 infection between April and October 2020. We determined serum values of thyroid-stimulating hormone, freeT3, free T4, anti-thyroglobulin antibodies and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies at one and three months after resolution of infection and compared them to the baseline characteristics of the patient. We also evaluated the changes in thyroid substitution treatments or antithyroid drugs. Results. At baseline, out of the 42 patients, 5 presented hypothyroidism under levothyroxine substitution therapy, while 2 presented hyperthyroidism under methimazole therapy;37 patients had positive antithyroid antibodies. At one month follow-up, we note an increase in serum values of antibodies, with a decrease in TSH, freeT3 and freeT4 levels, correlated with the severity of COVID-19 infection. Two patients required discontinuation of levothyroxine. At 3 months follow-up, lower levels of antithyroid antibodies were recorded, with an increase in TSH levels. No medication doses were adjusted at this time. Conclusion. Among the systemic effects of COVID-19, the impact of thyroid dysfunction should not be underestimated, especially in the presence of pre-existing conditions, such as HCV infection.
ABSTRACT
We aim to observe the inflammatory status in patients with hepatitis C associated cryoglobulinemia after COVID-19 infection. We evaluated 3 patients with hepatitis C associated cryoglobulinemia, 6 patients with hepatitis C and 16 patients without comorbidities with COVID-19 infection. In lammatory markers were signi icantly increased in 2 patients with cryoglobulinemia, as opposed to patients without the associated condition, with or without hepatitis C. In the third patient the levels of C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were similar to HCV positive patients.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is concerning for patients with cancer who are receiving immunotherapy. COVID-19 has had a major impact on cancer and clinical trials, affecting treatment and oncology patients in a number of different ways. Immunotherapy has also been found to have a durable treatment response in patients after just a few courses of therapy, for example in cases where patients can't continue with their treatment. The drugs reveal the cancer to the body's immune system, turning it against the cancer and, when treatment stops, the immune system can continue killing the cancer itself. Uncertainty remains about whether immunotherapies increase the risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 or increase the risk of severe disease and death upon infection.