Serum creatinine and eGFR are affected in female hypothyroid patients with poor Thyroid control

Hypothyroidism is a rising concern in India especially among women of all ages. Every year new cases are being diagnosed either independently or in combination with other medical and gynecological problems. With the further advent of our knowledge on hypothyroidism, it has been noticed that the renal function could be affected in such patients.

The aim of the present study was done to understand the effect of hypothyroidism on renal function in untreated or poorly treated hypothyroid subjects with the objective of comparing serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in hypothyroid females with healthy age-matched controls.

Serum samples of 30 female patients received in our immunology lab with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) more than 5mIU/L were analyzed for creatinine levels and the GFR was calculated concerning their age by using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) formula online. The same was repeated in 30 healthy female controls.

The mean TSH value was significantly more in the cases (cases 8.15±2.5mIU/L; controls 3.11±0.88mIU/L; p-value < 0.0001) as purposefully high TSH samples were selected. Mean serum creatinine was significantly raised in the cases (cases 0.9±0.13mg/dl; controls 0.67±0.07mg/dl; p-value < 0.0001). The mean calculated GFR was 108.32±13.41mL/min/1.73m² in controls whereas in cases it was significantly low at 77.19±13.36mL/min/1.73m² (p-value < 0.0001).

The mean serum creatinine was on the higher side of the normal range and mean calculated GFR was low in untreated or poorly treated hypothyroid females in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Hypothyroid women should regularly undergo renal assessment as a precautionary measure.