Correlation of creatinine with TSH levels in overt hypothyroidism - a requirement for monitoring of renal function in hypothyroid patients?

OBJECTIVE: Renal function is influenced by thyroid status. Therefore, this study was done to determine the relationship between renal function and different degrees of thyroid dysfunction. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thyroid and kidney function tests were analyzed in 47 patients with overt (TSH ≥ 10.0 µIU/L) and 77 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 6.0-9.9 µIU/L) in a cross-sectional study. These were compared with 120 age- and sex-matched euthyroid controls. RESULTS: Overt hypothyroid subjects showed significantly raised serum urea, creatinine and uric acid levels as compared to controls whereas subclinical hypothyroid patients showed significant increased levels of serum urea and creatinine levels. TSH showed significant positive correlation with creatinine and uric acid values and, fT4 had a negative correlation with uric acid in overt hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: Hypothyroid state is associated with significant derangement in biochemical parameters of renal function. Hence the renal function should be regularly monitored in hypothyroid patients.

Role of hormones in acne vulgaris.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the role of endogenous hormones like testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, insulin-like growth factor, insulin and glucocorticoids in a common skin condition acne vulgaris. DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature and abstracted the data for every published cut point. RESULTS: We screened more than 1000 studies and found that serum testosterone, progesterone, glucocorticoids, insulin and insulin-like growth factors are increased in patients with acne vulgaris and serum estrogen levels are low in patients. CONCLUSIONS: Various endogenous hormones play important role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Thus, in the clinical practice it is important to evaluate serum levels of these hormones and patients must be treated accordingly to avoid serious endocrine disorders at an early age.

The relationship of lipid profile and menstrual cycle with acne vulgaris.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find lipid profile and hormone levels in patients with severe acne vulgaris and to correlate lipid profile with hormone levels. DESIGN AND METHODS: Prospective study was performed in the 60 patients of severe acne vulgaris. Lipid profile and serum testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone levels were measured in three consecutive menstrual cycles during luteal phase (19th to 21st day). Their results were compared with a group of 60 age-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, testosterone, and progesterone levels were higher in patients. Estrogen and HDL-C levels were decreased in patients. Positive correlation was found between testosterone and TC and LDL-C. Estrogen levels were positively correlated with VLDL-C, triglyceride levels, and HDL-C and negatively correlated with TC and LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: These abnormalities must be considered in the pathogenesis of the disease and must be taken into account for the treatment of patients of acne.