Study of association between chronic liver disease and thyroid function tests at a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: Among the various functions of liver, one function is synthesis of carrier proteins and metabolism of hormones and liver diseases, have been shown to be associated with various endocrinal disturbances. Aim of the study was to evaluate the spectrum of chronic liver disease and association between thyroid profile and severity of liver damage at a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: Present study was single-center, hospital based, case-control study, conducted in 88 cases of liver cirrhosis/ chronic liver disease and 88 age/sex matched healthy controls (randomly selected from relatives attending OPD with patients) were studied. Thyroid function tests were done and compared among cases and controls. Results: In present study 88 cases of liver cirrhosis/ chronic liver disease and 88 healthy controls were studied. Mean age and gender were comparable in cases and controls and difference was not statistically significant. Most of cases had alcoholic liver cirrhosis (80.7 %), rest had non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis (12.5%) and chronic viral hepatitis (6.8%). As per Child-Pugh Score, most cases were from Child-Pugh B (42%), followed by Child-Pugh C (31.8%) and Child-Pugh A (26.1%). In present study free T3, free T4 and TSH were compared between cases and controls, abnormal values were noted in cases and statistically significant difference was noted. Serum thyroid profile abnormalities were noted as per advancement in Child-Pugh Score Classes and difference was statistically significant for free T3 and free T4. Conclusion: Thyroid function test abnormalities in circulating thyroid hormone concentrations were noted in patients liver cirrhosis as compared to healthy subjects and severe abnormalities were associated with advanced Child Pugh score.