Conversation

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-023-00946-w

> COVID-19 has been linked to an increase in thyroid dysfunction among current and past patients. This Review discusses and evaluates the evidence for COVID-19 causing thyroid dysfunction, including after COVID-19 vaccination and during long COVID.

> The prevalence of abnormal thyroid function is around 15% in patients with COVID-19 and most commonly presents as non-thyroidal illness syndrome.

> SARS-CoV-2 can affect the thyroid directly or indirectly, possibly resulting in subacute thyroiditis and autoimmune thyroid disorders.

> Patients with pre-existing thyroid dysfunction do not appear to be at higher risk of adverse outcomes related to SARS-CoV-2 infection than members of the general population.

> Follow-up studies of survivors of COVID-19 in the past 2 years show no major long-term sequelae from SARS-CoV-2 infection on the thyroid.

> COVID-19 vaccination might be associated with subacute thyroiditis and Graves disease, although this is very uncommon, and COVID-19 vaccination is otherwise not associated with major changes in thyroid function and autoimmunity.

> Patients with pre-existing thyroid dysfunction can safely receive COVID-19 vaccination.

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