Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal (Jan 2013)
Relationship between liver function tests and thyroid hormones in thyroid disorders
Abstract
Aims and Objectives: To evaluated the effect of thyroid dysfunction on liver function tests and if there is any correlation between them. Materials and methods: A total of 68 subjects (40 hyperthyroid and 28 hypothyroid) between the ages of 20-60 years old and 40 healthy euthyroid volunteers of the same age groups were studied. Plasma albumin, bilirubin (total and conjugated), thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) were estimated in the plasma of the participants. Results: Plasma concentration of Total .bilirubin and liver enzyme activities increased significantly in both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid subjects. The positive correlations between thyroid hormones and liver enzymes in hyperthyroid subjects were negative in hypothyroid subjects and vice - visa. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism altered liver function tests. It is thus recommended that liver function tests interpretation in thyroid dysfunction should be with caution.
