Abstract:

Introduction: Abnormal thyroid function tests occur in various non-thyroidal illnesses, like chronic liver disease(CLD), where no pre-existing hypothalamic-pituitary and thyroid gland dysfunction is present. Available studies reported decreased T3 and fT3 in most cases. But a limi ted study reported the association of fT4, rT3 and TSH level with severity of CLD. Aim is to measure thyroid functions in patients with CLD and to assess the severity of liver dysfunction in relation with thyroid functions a in tertiary care hospital. Methods: 100 patients of CLD were included. Blood sample was analysed for Thyroid profile (TSH, FT4, FT3, total T3 and rT3), Serum LFT, Serum creatinine, Prothrombin time, INR and USG of Hepatobiliary apparatus. Results were analysed to find out the correlation of thyroid profile with the severity of liver dysfunction according to Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Results: Majority of the patient had low FT3 (90 %), Normal FT4 (58%), Normal TT3 (57%), high rT3 (57 %), and a normal TSH (72%). High TSH, low FT4, low FT3, low Tota l T3 (TT3) and high rT3 correlated with the severity of liver disease as per CTP score. High TSH, low FT3 and low total T3 correlated with the MELD score. Conclusion: This study showed the existence of several abnormalities in thyroid function test in CLD, although euthyroidism was maintained in the majority. Low FT3 and low TT3 might be used as a predictor of severity in CLD.

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