COVID-19 Alter Thyroid Function Tests During the Acute Phase

Objective: This study aims to evaluate thyroid function tests in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, previously normal thyroid function. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted using the data of patients who visited COVID-19 outpatient clinics for the first time and had normal thyroid function in their medical history. All patients were divided into two groups based on their age and gender. Group I consisted of patients whose PCR test was positive for the first time, while Group II (control group) consisted of patients whose test was negative. The study examined the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), fT3 (free tri-iodothyronine), fT4 (free thyroxine), albumin, and total protein (TP) test parameters of all patients in both groups and compared the results. Statistical significance was assessed using SPSS 20.0, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The study included 1360 patients, with 356 in Group I and 1004 in Group II. In Group I, TSH levels were low, but fT3 and fT4 levels were significantly high. Additionally, albumin and TP values were significantly lower in Group I. A moderate positive correlation was found between albumin and fT3 levels, as well as between albumin and TP levels, in Group I. There was no statistically significant difference in age or gender distribution between the groups Conclusions: There is a significant increase in thyroid function tests when COVID-19 infection is first diagnosed. However, detailed pathophysiological studies are needed to reveal the underlying reasons for this increase.