Abstract:
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common problems of liver worldwide. Recently, relationship between thyroid dysfunction and NAFLD has been discussed. The current study aims to evaluate serum levels thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone and its correlation with study variables among NAFLD patients.
Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study (n 80) subjects were enrolled, they classified as (n 40) clinically diagnosed NAFLD and (n 40) apparently health as control group, age between 30 to 80 years old, during January to March 2017 in Khartoum State. Data was collected using standardized questionnaire. Serum TSH, free T3 and free T4 were measured using Automated Immune assay Analyzer 360 (TOSOH).
Results: Independent t-test analyses showed significant increase in TSH level in NAFLD p-value 0.002, while significant decreases were observed in mean concentration of free T3 and free T4 in comparison with healthy group p-value 0.000 and 0.000 respectively. In addition there was significant increase in TSH level in males with NAFLD p-value 0.010 while significant decrease were observed in mean concentration of free T3 and free T4 in comparison with female with NAFLD p-value 0.006 and 0.009 respectively. Also the study revealed significant positive correlation between TSH level and BMI p-value 0.000 and R- value 0.596 and significant negative correlation between free T3 and free T4 with BMI p-value 0.000 and 0.000 respectively, and R- value -0.620 and -0.835 respectively. And have no correlation between serum level of TSH, free T3 and free T4 with age group.
Conclusion: The data of present study concluded that, serum free T3 and free T4 level are lower in NAFLD, while TSH is higher. Females have higher free T3, free T4 and lower TSH than males. BMI correlate positively with TSH and negatively with free T3 and free T4. Thus monitoring of thyroid hormones is recommended for NAFLD patients.
