Subclinical hypothyroidism; frequency in chronic kidney disease patients before dialysis

ABSTRACT

Chronic kidney disease [CKD] is characterized by progressive destruction of renal mass with irreversible sclerosis and loss of nephrons.Various metabolic, hematological and endocrine abnormalities are known to occur in CKD. Subclinical hypothyroidism is an important endocrine abnormality associated with a greater cardiovascular risk, atherosclerosis and an important factor for progression of renal disease in such patients. To calculate the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in predialysis CKD patients. Cross sectional survey. Pathology Department Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore. 06 months [June 2011 to Dec 2011]. 210 patients were included in the study Serum creatinine. TSH and FT4 were measured and the relevant data was entered in predesigned proforma. 19.5% of CKD population had subclinical hypothyroidism with slightly increased preponderance in females as compared to males and also increased frequency as the stage of CKD increased. Subclinical hypothyroidism is more common in CKD population. Increased frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism was found in patients with reduced renal function not on dialysis. 19.5% of CKD population on conservative management had labortary evidence of thyroid dysfunction