Association of Thyroid Disorder and Liver Function Tests in Pregnancy

Background: Thyroid disease is prevalent among women of reproductive age and has a complex interplay with liver function, affecting both healthy and diseased states, including during pregnancy. To determine the relationship between thyroid disorders and liver function abnormalities during pregnancy among pregnant women. Methods: This was an unmatched case–control study over a period of 2 years. A total of 90 pregnant women who were above 24 weeks of gestation were recruited in the study. They were divided into two groups of 45 antenatal women each; those with normal liver function tests (LFT) were taken as controls (Group A) and those with abnormal LFT were considered as cases (Group B). Women in both these groups were then subjected to thyroid function tests. The number of women with thyroid disorder in both these groups was compared, and data analysis was done. Results: Among 90 pregnant women (45 cases with deranged LFT and 45 controls with normal liver functions), baseline demographic characteristics were comparable between groups. Liver enzymes and bilirubin levels were significantly higher in cases ( P < 0.05). Mean serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was also significantly elevated in cases (3.3 ± 2.4 mIU/L) compared to controls (2.3 ± 1.1 mIU/L; P = 0.011). Women with elevated TSH (>3 mIU/L) had significantly higher odds of abnormal liver function (adjusted odds ratio = 3.6–3.8; P = 0.008). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate a significant association between thyroid dysfunction and liver function abnormalities in pregnancy. Early and combined screening of thyroid and liver function may facilitate timely diagnosis and management, thereby improving maternal and fetal outcomes.