A Study of Thyroid Function Tests in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder characterized by declining renal function and metabolic disturbances. Thyroid hormones regulate renal growth, glomerular filtration, and electrolyte balance, whereas impaired kidney function alters thyroid hormone synthesis, metabolism, and clearance. Objective: To evaluate thyroid function abnormalities in CKD patients and determine their correlation with disease severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 52 CKD patients at Government General Hospital, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, excluding those with known thyroid disorders or on dialysis. Serum T3, fT4, and TSH were analyzed by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay, and eGFR was calculated using the MDRD formula. Thyroid dysfunctions were categorized as low T3 syndrome, subclinical or overt hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroid states. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v17, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Mean age was 61.96 ? 13.59 years; 65.4% were in stage 4 CKD. Thyroid dysfunction was present in 88.5%, predominantly subclinical hypothyroidism (50%) and low T3 syndrome (23.1%). Serum T3 and TSH showed significant correlations with CKD stage (p = 0.007, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, especially subclinical hypothyroidism and low T3 syndrome, is highly prevalent in CKD and worsens with disease progression. Routine thyroid function screening is recommended to enable timely intervention and improve outcomes.