Decreased serum total T3 level in hepatitis B and C related cirrhosis by severity of liver damage

Objective. Thyroid hormones profile in patients with hepatic cirrhosis due to chronic HBV and HCV infections was evaluated in order to find any relationship between thyroid hormones and severity of liver damage. Material and methods. Patients with the diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis due to hepatitis B or C were screened for thyroid function status. Child-Pugh and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were calculated. Considering each thyroid function test, patients were divided into two groups with lower than normal and normal range of thyroid hormones, separately for each (for TSH, normal and upper than nor- mal). The correlation between thyroid function tests and severity of liver disease was taken into account. Results. Number of patients with a T3 level lower than normal range (70-110 ng/dL) significantly increased along with Child-Pugh scores A, B and C. A negative correlation was found between Child-Pugh scores and total serum T3 level (r = -0.453, P < 0.001). Also a reverse correlation was observed between MELD score and T3 levels (r = -0.305, P = 0.14). Conclusion. In conclusion serum T3 concentration is a good index of hepatic function, decreasing by the severity of liver damage.