Hypothyroidism associated with therapy for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in Australia

Abstract

Background: Reports from resource-poor countries have associated thionamide- and para-aminosalicylate sodium (PAS)-based treatment of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with the development of hypothyroidism. Aim: To identify predictors and assess the cumulative proportions of hypothyroidism in patients treated for MDR-TB with these agents in Australia. Methods: Retrospective multicentre study of MDR-TB patients from five academic centres covering tuberculosis (TB) services in Victoria, Australia. Patients were identified using each centre's pharmacy department and cross checked with the Victorian Tuberculosis Program. Hypothyroidism was categorised as subclinical if the thyroid-stim..