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The Effect of Plaquenil on Serum Inflammatory Markers and Goiter in Euthyroid Young Women With Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Not Applicable
Conditions
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT02126683
Lead Sponsor
National Taiwan University Hospital
Brief Summary

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common form of autoimmune thyroid disease, which affects up to 2% of general population. The annual incidence of HT worldwide is estimated to be 0.8 - 3.5 cases per 1000 persons. The thyroid gland attacked by a variety of cell- and antibody-mediated immune processes. Various auto-antibodies may be present against TPO and Tg, and ADCC is a substantial factor behind the apoptotic fall-out of HT. Activation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in response to cell-mediated immune response affected by helper T-cells is central to thyrocyte destruction. Recent studies showed higher pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum of patients with HT, and suggested HT is associated with regulatory T-cells dysfunction, imbalance of ratio of Th1 cell and Th2 cell, overexpression of Th17 cells.

Several studies suggested that pregnant women with HT, even at euthyroid state had higher risk of spontaneous miscarriage, more frequent post-partum depression and higher depressive, anger, and total mood disturbance risk compared to those without HT. Presence of thyroid auto-antibodies is also associated with negative pregnant outcomes including gestational hypertension, late abortion, fetal death, premature delivery and neonatal respiratory distress. Neonates from mothers with ATD have higher rate of transient hypothyroidism. Children of mothers with ATD had higher risk of positive serum thyroid auto-antibodies and development of goiter and thyroid dysfunction. However, there is no suggested treatment for subjects with HT who have normal thyroid function. Low-iodine diet and regularly follow-up were suggested.

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an anti-malarial agent, and has been used to treat several autoimmune diseases, including lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis for more than a century. It reduced lymphocytes, production of auto-antibodies, cytokines, and immune mediators, NK cell activity, and inhibits antigens presenting to CD4 T-cells of B cells, dendritic cells and monocytes.

This study focuses on the effect of Plaquenil on thyroid auto-antibodies, inflammatory markers, cytokines, and goiter size in euthyroid women with HT.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
60
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Plaquenil laterHydroxychloroquineStart Plaquenil 200mg BID orally since the 25th week after enrollment Duration: 6 months
Plaquenil firstHydroxychloroquineStart Plaquenil 200mg BID orally since enrollment Duration: 6 months
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change of thyroid auto-antibodiesBaseline, up to 18 months

Change of serum thyroid autoantibodies including anti-TPO antibody and anti-thyroglobulin antibody at baseline, and every 3 months after treatment intervention up to 18 months

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change of proinflammatory markersBaseline, up to 18 months

Change of serum proinflammatory markers and cytokine level at baseline, and every 3 months after treatment intervention up to 18 months

Change of inflammatory markersBaseline, up to 18 months

Change of serum inflammatory markers, including hsCRP and ESR at baseline, and every 3 months after treatment intervention up to 18 months

Change of goiter sizeBaseline, up to 18 months

Change of thyroid volume measured by ultrasound at baseline, and every 3 months after treatment intervention up to 18 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Taiwan University Hospital

🇨🇳

Taipei, Taiwan

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