Association between hypothyroidism and liver fibrosis risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Adinda Rahadini, Adinda Rahadina
Abstract
Aim of the study: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which encompasses a wide variety of liver pathology, is now the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. The presence of hypothyroidism has been linked to the development of NAFLD. However, its correlation with liver fibrosis, an important clinical entity in NAFLD, is less clear. We aimed to summarize the association between hypothyroidism and liver fibrosis risk. Material and methods: . Results: Eight studies with a total of 14,588 patients were included. The quality of studies ranged from 6 to 8 stars. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) ≥ 2.5 was significantly associated with increased risk of significant liver fibrosis (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.21-2.15). Subclinical hypothyroidism was also correlated with an increased risk of advanced fibrosis (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.65-4.65). A significant association was found between overt hypothyroidism and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) risk (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.61-3.53). However, no significant association was found between subclinical hypothyroidism and significant liver fibrosis. Conclusions: Hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk of fibrosis in NAFLD patients.