The correct renal function evaluation in patients with thyroid dysfunction

J Endocrinol Invest. 2016 May;39(5):495-507. doi: 10.1007/s40618-015-0402-8. Epub 2015 Oct 28.

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction induces several renal derangements involving all nephron portions. Furthermore, dysthyroidism is a recognized risk factor associated with the development of chronic kidney disease. Current data, in fact, demonstrate that either subclinical or overt thyroid disease is associated with significant changes in creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, measured glomerular filtration rate and Cystatin C. Herein, we systematically reviewed several relevant studies aiming at the identification of the most sensitive and specific parameter for the correct renal function evaluation in patients with thyroid dysfunction, that are usually treated as outpatients. Our systematic review indicates that estimated glomerular filtration rate, preferably with CKD-EPI equation, appears to be the most reliable and wieldy renal function parameter. Instead, Cystatin C should be better used in the grading of thyroid dysfunction severity.

Keywords: Creatinine; Cystatin C; Renal physiology; Thyroid diseases; eGFR.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate*
  • Humans
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / diagnosis*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / epidemiology
  • Thyroid Diseases / physiopathology*