THYROID PROFILE IN CHILDREN WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Abstract

Objectives: Nephrotic syndrome is a common renal disorder seen in children, with proteinuria as the hallmark. Growth retardation is a known feature of nephrotic syndrome, either due to the disease or treatment with steroids. Thyroid hormone strongly inuences growth of the body. So, the present study was undertaken with the objective to assess the thyroid prole in children with nephrotic syndrome Methods: The study involved 41 cases of nephrotic syndrome and 41 age and sex matched controls. Serum total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were assessed in these subjects. The thyroid hormones were correlated with urinary protein creatinine ratio. The cases were followed up after one month and the levels of thyroid hormones were reassessed. Results: Total T3, total T4, free T3 and free T4 are signicantly decreased and TSH signicantly increased among cases when compared to controls. TSH is positively correlating with urinary protein creatinine ratio in cases. After one month of treatment, total T3 and total T4 are signicantly increased in cases. Conclusions: The thyroid hormone levels are altered in children with nephrotic syndrome during the episode. A state of subclinical hypothyroidism exists during the nephrotic stage. The alteration is normalized with remission and does not require treatment.