System Maintenance Notice

Please note that maintenance work is scheduled between 4 AM and 5 AM - CET. During this time, you may experience reduced performance. Thanks for your patience.

Publications

Journal Article Systematic Review Epublish

PubMed: 40458176 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2025.1535169

Thyroid disorders and COVID-19: a comprehensive review of literature.

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 16:1535169

Authors: Narges Anbardar, Shanai Lashayla Dixon, Samhitha Munugoti, Maneesh Gaddam, Kebria Kashfi, Lillian Kasulis, Andrew L Messersmith, Kamyar Asadipooya

Affiliations

  • Department of Clinical Medicine, St Matthew's University School of Medicine, Grand Cayman, FL, United States.
  • Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
  • Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Hazard, KY, United States.
  • Department of Clinical Medicine, American University of Antigua College of Medicine, Coolidge, AG, United States.
  • Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Barnstable Brown Diabetes and Obesity Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.

Abstract

Background

The literature is rapidly evolving with regards to the endocrine consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal and pituitary disorders. There is evidence suggesting that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can lead to thyroid dysfunction and long-term sequelae. We aimed to review the current evidence and propose a preventive approach based on the published data since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A comprehensive review of literature was conducted using electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar. Two authors independently used the keywords "Thyroid, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Graves, Thyroid Eye Disease, or Thyroiditis" and "Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19" to search these databases. We screened titles and abstracts for initial selection and then reviewed the full text of relevant studies to report the outcomes of published data.

Results

We selected 28 manuscripts. SARS-CoV-2 infection appears similar to other viruses. It affects thyroid function resulting in non-thyroidal illness syndrome, which usually resolves spontaneously. COVID-19 also causes subacute thyroiditis. It may also trigger autoimmunity against the thyroid that leads to autoimmune thyroiditis. Autoimmune thyroiditis or subacute thyroiditis may progress to clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical or subclinical hyperthyroidism. Patients with pre-existing thyroid dysfunction probably have similar risks of SARS-CoV-2 related adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

Evaluation of thyroid function is important in COVID-19 patients. Improving the efficacy of treatment against acute SARS-CoV-2 infection can reduce the risks of short-term and long-term complications.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023447994.

MeSH

Coronavirus, Sars-Cov-2, Thyroiditis, Thyroiditis, Autoimmune, Thyroiditis, Subacute, Hyperthyroidism, Thyroid Gland, Covid-19, Hypothyroidism, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus, Infections, Endocrine System Diseases

Cited by