Study of Thyroid Functions in Patients with Proteinuria

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Proteinuria is often a sign of renal diseases. Severe proteinuria results in nephrotic syndrome which is characterised by proteinuria (> 3 gm/ day), hypoalbuminemia, oedema and hyperlipidemia. Several studies have documented urinary loss of thyroid hormones and thyroid binding globulin (TBG) in patients with proteinuria. Limited studies have shown higher prevalence of altered thyroid hormone levels in patients with proteinuria. There are very few studies done on Indian population. Prevalence of hypothyroidism in Indian population is 10.95%..Hence it will be prudent to assess thyroid hormone abnormalities in patients with proteinuria and also its significance. Method: Total number of 70 patients with proteinuria admitted at Father Mullers medical college hospital, Mangalore during the period between November 2016 to April 2018 and were on medical therapy were selected in this prospective study.  Results: Out of 70 patients with proteinuria, 40 were male and 30 were female, their age varied from 20-78 years. The mean age participants was 45.83 (±11.9). Amongst them 38% had only low T3 level with normal T4 level, 33% had low T4 and normal T3 level. The mean T3 levels was 0.94 (0.6 to 2.1 ng/ml) and T4 levels was 7.4(4.5 to 12 micro g/dl).The mean TSH levels was 7.80 (0.4 to 5.5 micro IU/ml). Conclusion: Our results suggest, thyroid dysfunction suggestive of a biochemical subclinical hypothyroidism is common in patients with proteinuria. Keywords: Thyroid dysfunction, proteinuria, T3, freeT4