International Journal of Contemporary Research In Multidisciplinary, 2026;5(3):1291-1296
Study of Thyroid and Insulin Dysfunction in Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Patients
Author Name: Dr. Marpadaga Saideep Reddy; Dr. Subodh Prakash; Dr. Sudeep Kumar; Dr. Akansha Goyal;
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are associated with several extrahepatic manifestations, including endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance have been increasingly recognized as important complications that may adversely affect disease progression and patient outcomes. This study evaluated thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance among patients with chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infections.
Material and Methods: This hospital-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Muzaffarnagar Medical College, Uttar Pradesh, over 18 months. A total of 100 patients aged 18–65 years with chronic Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection were included. Detailed clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations were performed, including liver function tests, thyroid profile (FT3, FT4, TSH), fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0.
Results: Among the 100 participants, 57% had Hepatitis C and 43% had Hepatitis B infection. Thyroid dysfunction was observed in 45.61% of Hepatitis C patients and 41.86% of Hepatitis B patients, with subclinical hypothyroidism being the most common abnormality (26.32% and 25.58%, respectively). Mean TSH levels were higher in Hepatitis C patients (4.14±1.92 µIU/mL) compared to Hepatitis B patients (3.52±1.75 µIU/mL). Hepatitis C patients also exhibited higher fasting insulin levels (13.65±2.50 vs. 11.91±2.04 µIU/mL), fasting glucose levels (101.00±6.38 vs. 97.74±5.63 mg/dL), and HbA1c levels (6.17±0.45% vs. 5.87±0.32%). Insulin resistance was present in 35.09% of Hepatitis C patients and 34.88% of Hepatitis B patients. Liver function abnormalities were more pronounced among patients with Hepatitis C.
Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance are common extrahepatic manifestations of chronic viral hepatitis, with Hepatitis C showing greater endocrine and metabolic derangements than Hepatitis B. Routine assessment of thyroid and glycemic parameters may facilitate early detection and management of these complications.
Keywords
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Thyroid Dysfunction, Insulin Resistance, HOMA-IR.