Study of Correlation between Chronic Renal Failure and Thyroid Hormones

Correlation between Chronic Renal Failure and Thyroid Hormones

Abstract

The interactions between kidney and thyroid functions are known for years. Thyroid hormones are necessary for growth and development of the kidney and for the maintenance of water and electrolyte homeostasis. Kidney on the other hand, is involved in the metabolism and elimination of thyroid hormone.
The prevalence of hypothyroidism is increased in patients with chronic renal failure while primary hyperthyroidism is extremely rare. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism & euthyroid state have all been reported in various studies.
The kidney plays an important role in the metabolism, degradation, and excretion of thyroid hormones. So, any impairment in kidney function leads to disturbed thyroid physiology including hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, leading to alterations in hormone production, distribution, and excretion.
Epidemiologic data suggests that reduced kidney function is associated with prevalent subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism. Though the thyroid function has been extensively studied in patients with chronic renal failure; the results are variable.