Vishal M. Kalmani1, Madhuvan H.S.2, Ravishankar S.N.3, Thimmareddy S.R.4, Kavana M.5
BACKGROUND
Thyroid abnormalities are seen in most of the patients suffering from liver
cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver is the major cause of morbidity and mortality
worldwide. Cirrhosis plays a vital role in the thyroid hormone metabolism and
thyroid hormone circulation by producing thyroid binding globulin. Hence, it is seen
that the thyroid dysfunction is associated with the severity of liver disease. We
wanted to study the changes in the levels of thyroid hormones in patients suffering
from alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 50 patients who were admitted to the IP department
and ICU of General Medicine Department of Akash Hospital, Devanahalli, for
symptoms of cirrhosis of liver were evaluated for their thyroid profile along with
other relevant investigations.
RESULTS
Among the 50 patients studied, 43 were male and 7 were female. 17 patients had
an increase in their thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). These patients also had a
significant association with various LFT parameters such as indirect bilirubin, AST,
ALT, APS, and GGT. These 17 patients who had increase in TSH also had
associated hepatic complications such as - jaundice (41 %), hepatic
encephalopathy (35.29 %), bleeding varices (29.4 %), and portal hypertension
(82.35 %).
CONCLUSIONS
Thyroid abnormalities are not uncommon in patients with cirrhosis.
Hypothyroidism is the most common abnormality that was detected. Rate of
complications is also high in patients with elevated levels of TSH. A fair amount of
suspicion is required for detecting thyroid abnormalities in patients suffering from
cirrhosis.
