Absence of serologic evidence for hepatitis C virus infection in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Wong, S.; Mehta, A.E.; Faiman, C.; Berard, L.; Ibbott, T.; Minuk, G.Y.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 43(8): 420-421
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 8714237 Document Number: 455965
Background/Aims: This paper explores the reported association between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Materials and Methods: The results of serologic testing for anti-HCV antibody levels were documented in 28 patients (19 female, 9 male) with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and 23 age and gender matched controls with non-Hashimoto's thyroid disorders. Results: The anti-HCV results were negative in both groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that despite a reported high prevalence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in patients with chronic HCV infections, the reverse is not true and hence routine anti-HCV screening cannot be advocated for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.