Effect of HCV Treatment on Circulating Pituitary Hormones

Abstract

AIM: To analyse the relationship between pegylated interferon therapy and levels of pituitary hormones。 METHODS: 49 chronic HCV patients were recruited at specialized hepatology clinic in National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI), Cairo; they were treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin according to the standard treatment criteria and regimen. Pituitary hormones levels were assessed at week 0, 24 of treatment. RESULTS: Significant changes in the pituitary hormones levels were noticed with perceived rise in Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Human growth hormone. (HGH), Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), Prolactin and Cortisol, while significant reduction in the levels of Testosterone, free Testosterone and sex hormone were observed. CONCLUSION: Treatment of HCV with Peg-INF/RBV may be associated with pituitary hormonal dysfunction which may lead to many neglected side effects like libido,erectile dysfunction and galactorrhea.