Low thyroid function is not associated with an accelerated deterioration in renal function.
Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association 2017 ; 34: 650-659.
Meuwese CL, van Diepen M, Cappola AR, Sarnak MJ, Shlipak MG, Bauer DC, Fried LP, Iacoviello M, Vaes B, Degryse J, Khaw KT, Luben RN, Åsvold BO, Bjøro T, Vatten LJ, de Craen AJM, Trompet S, Iervasi G, Molinaro S, Ceresini G, Ferrucci L, Dullaart RPF, Bakker SJL, Jukema JW, Kearney PM, Stott DJ, Peeters RP, Franco OH, Völzke H, Walsh JP, Bremner A, Sgarbi JA, Maciel RMB, Imaizumi M, Ohishi W, Dekker FW, Rodondi N, Gussekloo J, den Elzen WPJ, Thyroid Studies Collaboration Thyroid Studies Collaboration
DOI : 10.1093/ndt/gfy071
PubMed ID : 29684213
PMCID : PMC6452200
URL : https://academic.oup.com/ndt/article/34/4/650/4976469
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is frequently accompanied by thyroid hormone dysfunction. It is currently unclear whether these alterations are the cause or consequence of CKD. This study aimed at studying the effect of thyroid hormone alterations on renal function in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in individuals from all adult age groups.
Individual participant data (IPD) from 16 independent cohorts having measured thyroid stimulating hormone, free thyroxine levels and creatinine levels were included. Thyroid hormone status was defined using clinical cut-off values. Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were calculated by means of the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. For this IPD meta-analysis, eGFR at baseline and eGFR change during follow-up were computed by fitting linear regression models and linear mixed models in each cohort separately. Effect estimates were pooled using random effects models.
A total of 72 856 individuals from 16 different cohorts were included. At baseline, individuals with overt hypothyroidism (n = 704) and subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 3356) had a average (95% confidence interval) -4.07 (-6.37 to -1.78) and -2.40 (-3.78 to -1.02) mL/min/1.73 m2 lower eGFR as compared with euthyroid subjects (n = 66 542). In (subclinical) hyperthyroid subjects (n = 2254), average eGFR was 3.01 (1.50-4.52) mL/min/1.73 m2 higher. During 329 713 patient years of follow-up, eGFR did not decline more rapidly in individuals with low thyroid function compared with individuals with normal thyroid function.
Low thyroid function is not associated with a deterioration of renal function. The cross-sectional association may be explained by renal dysfunction causing thyroid hormone alterations.