THYROID PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH SEVERITY AND ETIOLOGY OF LIVER DISEASE

RUPINDER SINGH; HARJAP SINGH; YADWINDER KUMAR

doi:10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i6.8001

Authors

RUPINDER SINGH Department of Internal Medicine, MataGujri Memorial Medical College and Lions Seva Kendra Hospital, Kishanganj, Bihar, India
HARJAP SINGH Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India
YADWINDER KUMAR Department of Internal Medicine, MataGujri Memorial Medical College and Lions Seva Kendra Hospital, Kishanganj, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijcpr.2025v17i6.8001

Keywords:

Liver cirrhosis, Thyroid dysfunction, Sick euthyroid syndrome, Child-pugh score, MELD score

Abstract

Objective: Liver cirrhosis is associated with various endocrine abnormalities, including thyroid dysfunction. The liver plays a crucial role in thyroid hormone metabolism, and cirrhosis may alter thyroid function tests (TFTs). This study aimed to evaluate thyroid function in cirrhotic patients and correlate it with disease severity and etiology.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 patients with liver cirrhosis. Thyroid profiles (TSH, FT3, FT4) were assessed and correlated with Child-Pugh and MELD scores. Etiologies included alcohol, viral hepatitis (HBV, HCV), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26.

Results: Thyroid dysfunction was present in 40.7% of patients, with sick euthyroid syndrome (low FT3) being the most common (29.6%). Hypothyroidism (elevated TSH) was seen in 11.1%. FT3 levels inversely correlated with Child-Pugh (r =-0.52, p<0.01) and MELD scores (r =-0.48, p<0.01). Viral hepatitis-related cirrhosis showed more thyroid dysfunction (55.5%) compared to alcoholic cirrhosis (33.3%).

Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, particularly low FT3, is common in cirrhosis and correlates with disease severity. Viral etiology is associated with a higher prevalence of thyroid abnormalities. Routine thyroid screening in cirrhotic patients may aid in better management.

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