Abnormal liver function test in hydatidiform moles: a retrospective study comparing the hyperthyroid state and the euthyroid state

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2014 Apr;30(4):287-9. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2013.875993. Epub 2014 Jan 30.

Abstract

Introduction: The effect of a hyperthyroid or euthyroid state on liver function tests in patients with hydatidiform moles (HM) is not known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hyperthyroidism on liver transaminases in HM.

Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in 80 patients with HM (23 complete moles and 57 partial moles).

Results: Of the 80 HM patients, 52 (65%) were euthyroid and 28 (35%) were hyperthyroid. The number of gravida and the levels of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), AST, and ALT were significantly higher in the hyperthyroid state than in the euthyroid state (p = 0.033, p = 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001; respectively). Number of gravida, serum TSH and total T4 were significantly higher in complete HM than partial HM (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.05; respectively).

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that HM-related β-HCG may activate thyroid cells via TSH-related signalling, resulting in the release of high levels of FT4, FT3, TT3 and TT4, and a subsequent decrease in TSH.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydatidiform Mole / blood
  • Hydatidiform Mole / enzymology
  • Hydatidiform Mole / physiopathology*
  • Liver Diseases / blood
  • Liver Diseases / enzymology
  • Liver Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology
  • Thyroid Hormones / blood
  • Uterine Neoplasms / blood
  • Uterine Neoplasms / enzymology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase