FREQUENCY OF HYPOTHYROIDISM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AT AYUB TEACHING HOSPITAL, ABBOTTABAD

Background: Hypothyroidism, both overt and subclinical, is a prevalent yet often undiagnosed comorbidity in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to increased morbidity. Understanding its local prevalence is critical for establishing screening and management protocols. Objective: To determine the frequency of hypothyroidism in CKD patients visiting the outpatient department of Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted from January 15, 2024, to June 15, 2024, enrolled 380 CKD patients (stages 1–4). Data on age, gender, CKD stage, and thyroid function tests (serum TSH, free T3, free T4) were collected. Hypothyroidism was defined as overt (TSH >5.0 mIU/L, low T4) or subclinical (TSH >5.0 mIU/L, normal T4). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with chi-square tests for associations (P ? 0.05 considered significant). Results: Of 380 patients (mean age 46 ± 11.93 years; 57% male), 68 (18%) had hypothyroidism. Age distribution showed 49% aged 51–60 years, 39% aged 41–50 years, and 12% aged 18–40 years. CKD stages included 12% stage 1, 24% stage 2, 31% stage 3, and 33% stage 4. Hypothyroidism prevalence was 18%, with no significant associations with age (P=0.821), gender (P=0.674), or CKD stage (P=0.532). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism affects 18% of CKD patients at Ayub Teaching Hospital, highlighting a significant public health concern. Routine thyroid screening is recommended to mitigate associated complications.