Study of Association Between Chronic Liver Disease and Thyroid Function Tests at a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background: Chronic liver disease (CLD) and thyroid dysfunction are two common clinical entities with complex interrelations. The liver plays a pivotal role in the metabolism and regulation of thyroid hormones, and liver dysfunction may alter thyroid function tests (TFTs). Aims & objectives: This study aims to evaluate the association between chronic liver disease and abnormalities in thyroid function tests among patients attending a tertiary hospital. Material & Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at [Hospital Name], analyzing medical records of 250 patients diagnosed with CLD from January 2023 to December 2024. Data collected included demographic information, etiology and severity of CLD, and thyroid function parameters—TSH, free T4 (FT4), and total T3 levels. Statistical analyses were performed to examine correlations between CLD severity and thyroid hormone levels. Results: Among 250 patients with CLD, 90 (36%) had abnormal TFTs. Low T3 syndrome was the most common abnormality (28%), followed by subclinical hypothyroidism (5%) and overt hypothyroidism (3%). A significant negative correlation was found between liver disease severity, measured by the Child-Pugh score, and serum total T3 levels (r = -0.62, p < 0.001). FT4 and TSH levels showed variable patterns but were less frequently altered. Patients with alcoholic liver disease had a higher prevalence of thyroid abnormalities compared to viral hepatitis (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, especially low T3 syndrome, is frequently associated with chronic liver disease and correlates with liver disease severity. Routine assessment of thyroid function in CLD patients may help in comprehensive management and prognostication. Keywords: Chronic Liver Disease, Thyroid Function Tests, Tertiary Hospital