Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism Among Egyptian patients with Chronic Hepatic Encephalopathy
Document Type
Original Article
Abstract
Background: In Egypt, liver cirrhosis is common. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is considered a common comorbidity, and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been proven to be associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). However, there is a scarcity of data regarding the association between (HE) and (SCH).
Aim: Evaluate the prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Egyptian Patients with Hepatic encephalopathy.
Methods: we enrolled 100 patients diagnosed with HE based on West Haven Criteria, we assessed signs of CLD, HE grades, thyroid profile, and full laboratory battery including liver and renal functions tests.
Results: In our study, 54% of patients had SCH, which is more common with ageing. TSH levels were notably higher in those with overt hypothyroidism and correlated with the severity of HE. Among patients with SCH, 96.3% exhibited overt HE, contrasting with only 17.4% in those with normal thyroid function, highlighting a significant association (p < 0.001). Liver enzymes, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase levels were reliable predictors of SCH in HE patients.
Conclusion: SCH is prevalent among HE patients, and TSH has a positive correlation with the grade of HE, liver functions, coagulation profile, and ammonia levels, which can significantly predict SCH among cirrhotic patients with HE.
Keywords
subclinical hyperthyroidism; hepatic encephalopathy; liver cirrhosis
Subject Area
Internal Medicine
How to Cite This Article
Ebrahim, Ebrahim Gamal; Anwar, Mohamed A.; Abdelkader, Mohammed E.; and Al-Alfy, Mohammed N.
(2024)
"Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism Among Egyptian patients with Chronic Hepatic Encephalopathy,"
Al-Azhar International Medical Journal: Vol. 5:
Iss.
9, Article 33.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58675/2682-339X.2662