STUDY OF THYROID FUNCTION IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Abstract

Liver cirrhosis is considered one of the major health problems in

Egypt and throughout the world.

In. Egypt cirrhosis is mainly caused by schistosomiasis and viral hepatitis; most cases being due to both together i.e. mixed cirrhosis. In Europe and American alcoholic cirrhosis comes first.

. The liver is the major organ in thyroid hormone metabolism being involved in its conjugation, excretion, peripheral deiodinations and in synthesis of thyroxine binding globulin.

The aim of this work was to assess the thyroid function and volume in post hepatitic cirrhosis to find out if any possible correlation could exist between the degree ofliver impainnent and the level of thyroid hom1ones and thyroid volume.

The study was carried out on 20 patients whose ages ranged between 25 and 52 years, in whom liver cirrhosis was diagnosed from history, clinical examination, biochemical and ultrasonic examination. Ten normal; age and sex matched controls were included in the study.

For each case the following investigations were done:

1. Routine laboratory investigations. (Complete blood picture, urine, and stool analysis).

2. Liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, prothrombin activity, total . serum protein, A/G ratio, and total serum bilirubin).

3. Thyroid function tests using radioimmuneassy technique (TT3,

FT3,,TT, FT 4 and TSH).

4. Ultrasonic examination of the thyroid gland and upper abdomen.