Association of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Hypothyroidism

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent metabolic liver condition linked to obesity, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. Several studies have connected hypothyroidism to NAFLD, with evidence from Bangladesh indicating significant coexistence, albeit local data is scarce. This research seeks to evaluate the relationship between hypothyroidism and NAFLD and determine the prevalence of NAFLD in hypothyroid patients in Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional research was carried out at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (2020) involving 120 hypothyroid patients through purposive sampling. Data were gathered via interviews, clinical evaluations, ultrasonography for NAFLD, and laboratory tests. Analysis utilized SPSS version 23.0 with ethical approval and informed consent obtained. Results: Out of 120 hypothyroid patients, 32 (26.7%) were diagnosed with NAFLD. No notable difference was found in socio-demographic or habitual factors (p > 0.05). Patients with NAFLD exhibited markedly decreased FT4 levels and elevated AST, ALT, creatinine, fasting and postprandial glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, along with reduced HDL-C (p < 0.05). Logistic regression revealed that low FT4, high TSH, increased creatinine, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia are significant risk factors for NAFLD (p < 0.05). Conclusion: NAFLD is strongly linked to hypothyroidism and negative metabolic factors; thus, screening for NAFLD ought to be taken into account for patients with hypothyroidism.