Frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease

Objective: To determine the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methodology: It was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted at Internal Medicine and Nephrology Departments of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from March 2016 to August 2016. A total of 90 adult patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) of both gender between ages 30-70 years with non-dialysis dependent CKD were enrolled. Their serum TSH and free T4 levels were measured. Results: Out of 90 patients, 57(63.3 %) males and 33(36.7%) females. Mean age was 46.9±10.7 years. SCH was found in 19(21.1%) patients. The binary logistic analysis showed statistically significant relation of SCH with CKD stages 4 (p=0.04) and 5 (p=0.002) and insignificant relation with patients’ gender, age groups and CKD duration (P>0.05). Conclusion: The frequency of SCH in our patients with established CKD was 21.1%. Multicenter studies should be conducted to further explore its prevalence and treatment effects in our population.