Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Thyroid disorders are the second most common endocrine disorders after diabetes mellitus. These disorders are associated with cardiovascular complications which increase morbidity and mortality in affected patients. The kidney normally plays an important role in the metabolism, degradation, and excretion of several thyroid hormones. The study sets out determine renal function in patients with goiter.

Methodology: The study design was cross sectional involving 100 subjects with goitre presenting to the Endocrinology Clinic of OAUTHC. The presence of thyroid dysfunction was assessed from clinical history, clinical examination and confirmed with biochemical tests. Electrolytes, urea, and creatinine were done in all subjects and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) estimated using modification of diet in renal disease formula.

Results: The mean (±s.d.) age for subjects in the study population was 44.6±13.8 years. Majority (47.3%) of subjects in the study population were in the age group 40–59 years. Twelve (12%) subjects with goitre were males while 88 (88%) were females giving a female : male ratio of 7.3:1. A positive correlation was established between free triiodothyronine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (r=0.531, P=0.063) and free thyroxine and estimated glomerular filtration rate(r=0.897, P=0.013). A negative correlation was observed between sensitive TSH and estimated glomerular filtration rate but this was not statistically significant (r=−0.189, P=0.060)

Conclusions: Declining renal function could be an indication of hyperthyroidism in patients with goiter.

Key Words: goiter, renal function, thyroxine.