[Pathology of the thyroid gland and multiple sclerosis: a possible influence on efficacy and tolerability of treatment]

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2009;109(1):10-5.
[Article in Russian]

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature and own data on prevalence of thyroid diseases in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been shown that 20-25% of untreated MS patients have autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and/or subclinical hypothyroidism. No correlation was found between age, gender, disease course, MS duration, disability status and prevalence of thyroid disorders. Disease-modifying therapy (DMT) of MS can induce or worsen the thyroid pathology. Female gender, pre-existing AIT, family history of thyroid disorders are considered as risk factors of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity during interferon- (IFN- ) therapy. Most cases of autoimmune hyperthyroidism require discontinuation of IFN- therapy. The present study of thyroid status includes 43 MS patients, 42% of them with thyroid disorders such as thyroid nodes and subclinical hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction is revealed mostly in patients treated with IFN- -1b; thyroid notes - in MS patients receiving copaxone. These facts emphasize the significance of systematic thyroid assessment in patients with MS especially during the long-term DMT.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / complications
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Thyroid Diseases / epidemiology
  • Thyroid Diseases / etiology
  • Thyroid Diseases / pathology*
  • Thyroid Gland / drug effects
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents