[Thyroid function in children with diagnosed chronic hepatitis B treated with interferon alpha].

The aim of the study is to estimate thyroid function during interferon alpha therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B. 31 children aged 4-16 years were included in the study. Thyroid function was monitored by estimation of thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4, TSH) and antithyroid antibodies (TPO, ATG) concentration before and after therapy completion. In all children normal thyroid hormones and ATG concentration were found before and after therapy completion. Presence of TPO before IFN treatment in blood serum of 2 girls (6.45%) and in 4 children (12.9%) after IFN therapy were found. Clinical features of thyroid dysfunction were not observed in this group of children during IFN therapy.