The Relationship Between The Broad Spectrum Of Subclinical Hypothyroidism And NAFLD In Elderly Subjects

Background&Aims:The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between the broad spectrum of Subclinical hypothyroidism and NAFLD.Methods:A cross-sectional study with806subjects (403cases with Subclinical hypothyroidism vs. age-and sex matched controls) was conducted. The subjects were categorized as having subclinical hypothyroidism [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)>4.2mIU/ml and normal free thyroixine (T4) level (12-22pmol/L)]. NAFLD was diagnosed on the basis of typical ultrasonographic findings, and alcohol consumption of less than20g/day or140g/week (for man)、70g/week (for women) in the absence of other causes of liver disease.Results:The mean age of the subjects were56.99±7.98years (Subclinical hypothyroidism)and56.99±7.98years (control),81.3%(Subclinical hypothyroidism) and81.3%(control) were female. NAFLD was significantly associated with hypothyroidism (42.2%patients vs.35.2%control, p=0.043). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that NAFLD was statistically significantly associated with hypothyroidism (odds ratio (OR)1.23,95%confidence interval (CI),0.87-1.73, P=0.04). There was no statistically significant difference between Subclinical hypothyroidism and NAFLD In multivariate logistic regression analysis. In multivariate logistic regression analysis BMI, waist circumference, higher serum TG levels, lower serum HDL and diabetic mellitus were independent predictors for NAFLD (P<0.05).Conclusions:This study has not yet found the relationship between the broad spectrum of Subclinical hypothyroidism and NAFLD. But we found that obesity, especially central obesity, lower HDL, higher TG and diabetes are independent risk factors of NAFLD.