Thyroid structure and function changes in end stage renal failure patients: an clinical control study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the thyroid structure changes using a high-frequency sonography and thyroid dysfunction in end-stage renal failure(ESRF)patients. Methods From Jan. 2012 to Apr. 2012, 50 ESRF patients and 55 consecutive outpatients(nonthyroid diseases visitors)as normal controls were included in the study. The size of thyroid gland was measured with ultrasonography and the volume was calculated.The internal echo changes and status of nodules were observed.Measurement such as thyroid hormones, parathyroid hormones and renal function were performed all patients. Results The serum level of T3, FT3 in ESRF patients were significantly lower than those of the control patients(1.05±0.23 mg/ml vs 1.14±0.25 pg/ml, P=0.038; 3.1±0.41 pg/ml vs 3.31±0.57 pg/ml, P=0.029), while the serum level of TSH was significantly higher in ESRF group than in the control group(3.29±1.77 mIU/L vs 2.37±0.67 mIU/L, P=0.001). Ultrasonography showed that 32%(16/50)of ESRF patients and 3.6%(2/55)of the controls had thyroid goiter(P<0.001). Compared to ESRF patients without nodules, the average age was significantly higher in patients with nodules(52.94±14.21 vs 42.32±11.37, P=0.006). Conclusion ESRF patients tend to have a higher incidence of alteration of thyroid function and nodular goiter which can be effectively assessed by ultrasonography. Key words: End-stage renal disease; Thyroid; Nodule