Thyroid function evaluation in pediatric nephrotic syndrome: a study in a developing country

Abstract Background In steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), protracted proteinuria leads to the loss of thyroxine-binding proteins resulting in low thyroid hormones and in damage renal tubules and exhausts the thyroid reserve. This study aimed to assess thyroid function in those patients with SRNS and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). A comparative cross-sectional study evaluated the thyroid status of 50 children with an equal age- and sex-matched SSNS, and controls were enrolled in this study. Demographic data, clinical examination, renal profile, and thyroid function tests were conducted for them. Results Subclinical non-autoimmune hypothyroidism was significantly prevalent in 54% of SRNS patients and 12% of SSNS patients ( p < 0.001). No cases of overt hypothyroidism were detected. Albumin and protein/creatinine ratio emerged as significant independent factors influencing subclinical hypothyroidism with odds ratio (OR) 0.624, 95% CI (0.425–0.916), and 1.315 OR (1.315) and 95% CI (1.035–1.672), respectively. Conclusion Subclinical non-autoimmune hypothyroidism among patients with SRNS might occur, especially with protracted proteinuria necessitating regular screening of thyroid function in this cohort.