BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common disorders of the liver worldwide. Recently, a correlation between thyroid dysfunction and NAFLD has been discussed. Objective of the present study was to investigate the association between thyroid dysfunction and hepatic steatosis.MethodsData from 2,445 subjects (51.7 % females) aged 18 to 65 years participating in a population-based cross-sectional study were assessed based on a standardized questionnaire and documentation of physical, biochemical and ultrasonographic findings. After application of exclusion criteria, a total of 1,276 subjects were included in the study collective. The influence of potential factors on the development of hepatic steatosis was assessed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of hepatic steatosis in the study collective was 27.4 % (n = 349). The serum thyroxin (TT4) concentration in subjects with hepatic steatosis was reduced (p = 0.0004). Adjusting for age, or BMI, there was an increased prevalence of hepatic steatosis in subjects with reduced TT4 concentrations (p = 0.0143; p = <.0001).ConclusionsThe findings of the present study confirm an association between both subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism and hepatic steatosis

SummaryBackgroundOvert or subclinical hypothyroidism is a common finding in adult populations affected by non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Currently, there are only sparse data available on the association of thyroid dysfunction and NAFLD in obese children and adolescents.ObjectiveThe study aims to investigate the association of thyroid function test values with NAFLD and metabolic risk factors in a population of obese children and adolescents.MethodsA total of 332 overweight and obese children and adolescents (170 girls) aged between 10 and 19 years were analysed. Subjects underwent ultrasound examination of the liver. Thyroid function was evaluated by laboratory determination of thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine (T3) and total thyroxine levels. All included subjects were either euthyroid or had subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH > 4 μU mL−1, normal thyroxine). Further metabolic profiling included the determination of lipid status, insulin and liver function tests. Anthropometric parameters body mass index, waist and hip circumference were documented.ResultsThe prevalence of hepatic steatosis was 29.8%. Subjects with NAFLD had significantly higher TSH levels than those without (p = 0.0007). After dividing TSH values into quartiles, both univariate and multivariate analyses (adjusted for age, body mass index–standard deviation scores and stage of puberty) showed a significant association with hepatic steatosis (p < 0.05).ConclusionTaking possible variables into consideration, our results show that there is a significant association between hepatic steatosis and the TSH levels in obese children and adolescents. Mild thyroid dysfunction may therefore have a role in determining an unfavourable metabolic profile in obese children and adolescents.

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