Study of Thyroid Function Tests in Cirrhosis of Liver And Correlation of Thyroid Function Tests Levels With Severity of Liver Dysfunction

Abstract

Background: One of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world is chronic liver diseases. Thyroid hormones regulate the basal metabolic rate of all cells, including hepatocytes, and thereby modulate hepatic function. The liver in turn metabolizes the thyroid hormones and regulates their systemic endocrine effects. Thyroid dysfunction may perturb liver function, liver disease modulates thyroid hormone metabolism, and a variety of systemic diseases affect both organs. Keeping in mind the above view we have done this study by highlighting the association between thyroid function tests with severity of liver dysfunction in cirrhosis of liver by using child Pugh scoring Methods: All patients aged 30-80 years with cirrhosis of liver who are attending Rajarajeshwari Medical College and Hospital. Detailed history, physical examination and drug history was taken as per pre-designed performa. Relevant investigations were done for assessing thyroid function and liver cirrhosis. Severity of liver dysfunction was graded by using Child Pugh Scoring Results: The prevalence of hypothyroidism among patients with liver cirrhosis was 64%. Majority of the cases had a high TSH and TSH levels were directly correlated severity of liver disease. Total T3 levels were low in majority of the cases and it was inversely correlated with severity of liver disease. FT3 was low in most of the cases with child B and child C score; it was inversely correlated with severity of liver disease. FT3 was found to be a more sensitive marker than total T3 for assessing severity of liver disease. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction is common in cirrhosis of liver hence thyroid function tests should be carried out in all cirrhotic patients to assess the severity and prognostication of such patients.