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Low-Normal Thyroid Function Is Not Associated with Either Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or with Metabolic
Julia Zuarth-Vázquez1, Lidia Moreno-Castañeda1, Juan Pablo Soriano-Márquez2
1Internal Medicine Department, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Mexico City 14050, Mexico.
Background:
The association of low-normal thyroid function (LNTF) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is controversial; thus, the aim of this study is to determine this association.
Methods:
NAFLD was evaluated by controlled attenuation parameter of transient elastography. Patients were classified by MAFLD criteria. LNTF was defined as TSH levels of 2.5 to 4.5 mIU/L and were divided into three different cut-off points (>4.5 to 5.0, >3.1, and >2.5 mIU/L). Associations between LNTF, NAFLD, and MAFLD were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results:
A total of 3697 patients were included; 59% (n = 2179) were male, and median age and body mass index were 48 (43-55) years and 25.9 (23.6-28.5) kg/m2, respectively, and 44% (n = 1632) were diagnosed with NAFLD. THS levels of 2.5 and 3.1 showed significant associations with the presence of NAFLD and MAFLD; however, LNTF did not show an independent association with the presence of NAFLD or MAFLD in multivariate analysis. According to different cut-off points, patients with LNTF presented similar risks for NAFLD as the general population.
Conclusion:
LNTF is not associated with NAFLD or MAFLD. Patients with high LNTF are equally at risk for NAFLD as the general population.
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