Covid acts like a form of nonthyroidal disease which affects the thyroid as well as other parameters

[diogenes]

Thyroid Vol. 31, No. 11

Original Studies

Free Access

Thyroid Hormone Levels During Hospital Admission Inform Disease Severity and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

Fabyan Esberard de Lima Beltrão,

Daniele Carvalhal de Almeida Beltrão,

Giulia Carvalhal,

Fabricia Elizabeth de Lima Beltrão,

Amanda da Silva Brito,

Kamilla Helen Rodrigues da Capistrano,

Isis Henriques de Almeida Bastos,

Fabio Hecht, … See all authors

Published Online:10 Nov 2021doi.org/10.1089/thy.2021.0225

Abstract

Background: Illness severity in patients infected with COVID-19 is variable.

Methods: Here, we conducted an observational, longitudinal, and prospective cohort study to investigate serum thyroid hormone (TH) levels in adult COVID-19 patients, admitted between June and August 2020, and to determine whether they reflect the severity or mortality associated with the disease.

Results: Two hundred forty-five patients [median age: 62 (49–75) years] were stratified into non-critical (181) and critically ill (64) groups. Fifty-eight patients (23.6%) were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 41 (16.7%) died. Sixteen (6.5%) exhibited isolated low levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3). fT3 levels were lower in critically ill compared with non-critical patients [fT3: 2.82 (2.46–3.29) pg/mL vs. 3.09 (2.67–3.63) pg/mL, p = 0.007]. Serum reverse triiodothyronine (rT3) was mostly elevated but less so in critically ill compared with non-critical patients [rT3: 0.36 (0.28–0.56) ng/mL vs. 0.51 (0.31–0.67) ng/mL, p = 0.001]. The univariate logistic regression revealed correlation between in-hospital mortality and serum fT3 levels (odds ratio [OR]: 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI 0.29–0.74]; p = 0.0019), rT3 levels (OR: 0.09; [CI 0.01–0.4

[tattybogle]

thankyou for keeping us up to date diogenes.

[Musicmonkey]

That's interesting and depressing, considering so little significance is attributed to T3 levels.

I am currently suffering my second bout of Covid. Had it really early on in March 2020 (obviously the Alpha variant) and now presumably suffering from the Delta variant before my booster jab had a chance to give me any extra protection.

Last year's illness was quite mild, just like a nasty virus for a week, no long term effects. This time, similarly, I have the dry tickly cough which has practically cleared within 2 days, now just have cold symptoms with a raised temperature. Although, because my temperature usually only averages 36.1° having 37.8° doesn't feel too bad.

For both episodes, I have been on combination therapy and my T3 has been high in, or slightly over the range. I only take 25mcg of Levo per day and 30mcg T3. I am in my mid 60s. Has my combination therapy saved me from more serious illness? Looks like it may have.

[Tythrop]

This is good info.Alsoaybe look at Long Covid x Thyroid numbers

[vocalEK]

I have to wonder whether anyone has thought beyond the idea that the body lowering T3 has a "protective effect." Actually, it might very well be that too low T3 is a symptom in dire need of treatment. Has anyone ever tried raising T3 in severely ill patients?

[Gcart in reply to vocalEK]

I thought the same thing. That would a good case for population screening when well.That might prove what comes first !

Low T3 causing more serious disease ?

My sodium levels and iron levels are just below the range but apparently because I’m older doctors “aren’t concerned “ !

We know that won’t happen with the NHS under such strain, looks like it will be a long way yet to address current issues .

[diogenes Remembering in reply to vocalEK]

Yes, but the responses were often unwelcome, and I think low FT3 in NTIS is a defence mechanism so as to concentrate the body on repair and not waste unnecessary energy while doing it