An observational study in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, Hypothyroidism and Liver Cirrhosis, sponsored by Assiut University. Not yet recruiting. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-28.
Sponsored by Assiut University · Observational
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver associated with metabolic risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Over time, MASLD can progress from simple liver fat accumulation to liver inflammation and fibrosis (scar tissue formation), which is the most critical factor predicting long-term liver health complications.
Thyroid hormones play a key role in controlling hepatic metabolism and lipid handling. An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), including both overt and mild (subclinical) forms, has been linked to increased fat accumulation and advanced fibrosis in the liver. However, further evidence is needed regarding how thyroid dysfunction relates to liver fibrosis using modern, non-invasive assessment tools in clinical practice.
The primary purpose of this observational case-control study is to evaluate the relationship between hypothyroidism and the severity of liver fibrosis in adult patients with MASLD.
Participants diagnosed with MASLD will be categorized into two groups based on thyroid function: patients with hypothyroidism (cases) and patients with normal thyroid function (controls). All participants will undergo standard clinical assessments, routine fasting laboratory tests, thyroid function tests, abdominal ultrasound, and transient elastography (FibroScan) to measure liver stiffness and fibrosis severity non-invasively. Non-invasive fibrosis scores, including the FIB-4 index and the NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS), will also be calculated.
The findings will help determine whether hypothyroidism is independently associated with more severe liver fibrosis in patients with MASLD, potentially guiding screening and management strategies.
Adult patients aged 18 years or older attending Assiut University Hospital diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), confirmed by abdominal ultrasound and at least one cardiometabolic risk factor. The population includes patients with concomitant primary hypothyroidism (cases) and patients with normal thyroid function (controls).
Exclusion Criteria:
Adult patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) who have concomitant primary hypothyroidism (either overt hypothyroidism, defined as elevated TSH with low free T4, or subclinical hypothyroidism, defined as elevated TSH with normal free T4).
Adult patients diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) who have normal thyroid function (euthyroid state, defined as normal serum TSH and free T4 levels).
Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM)
Liver stiffness measurement assessed by transient elastography (FibroScan), measured in kilopascals (kPa), where higher values indicate greater hepatic fibrosis severity.
Time frame: Baseline
No study locations are listed for this record.
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Assiut University