Abstract
BackgroundAn association between hypothyroidism and the risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has been suggested. This association remains to be elucidated in patients with morbid obesity.AimTo evaluate the association between thyroid function and parameters of liver function and hepatic scores in patients with morbid obesity.MethodsPatients with morbid obesity followed in our center between January 2010 and July 2018 were included. The ones without evaluation of liver and thyroid functions were excluded. Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and BARD scores were used as predictors of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, respectively.ResultsWe observed a positive association between TSH and both BARD (OR 1.14; p = 0.035) and FLI (OR 1.19; p = 0.010) in the unadjusted analysis. We found a negative association between free triiodothyronine levels and BARD (OR 0.70; p<0.01) and a positive association between free triiodothyronine levels and FLI (OR 1.48; p = 0.022). Concerning liver function, we found a positive association between total bilirubin and free thyroxine levels (β = 0.18 [0.02 to 0.35]; p = 0.033) and a negative association between total bilirubin and free triiodothyronine levels (β = −0.07 [−0.14 to −0.002]; p = 0.042).ConclusionHigher levels of TSH and free triiodothyronine may be associated with a higher risk of NAFLD, particularly steatosis, in patients with morbid obesity.
Highlights
We found a negative association between free triiodothyronine levels and BARD and a positive association between free triiodothyronine levels and Fatty Liver Index (FLI)
Higher levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free triiodothyronine may be associated with a higher risk of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), steatosis, in patients with morbid obesity
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic liver disease characterized by an extensive continuum of liver pathology, ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis
Summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic liver disease characterized by an extensive continuum of liver pathology, ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. NAFLD comprises a massive socioeconomic burden, as it represents the most common cause of chronic hepatic disease worldwide [2]. It is becoming more prevalent and its increasing prevalence parallels the increase in metabolic syndrome and obesity. Morbid obesity is believed to carry a higher risk of fibrosis and cirrhosis [3]. An association between hypothyroidism and the risk of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has been suggested. This association remains to be elucidated in patients with morbid obesity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
