Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences (Jul 2024)
Evaluating the effect of thyroid disorders in hemodialysis patients
Abstract
Background & Aims: The thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped organ in the neck, regulates the body’s metabolism. Disruptions in its function can lead to various health issues, including fatigue, weight changes, and cardiovascular problems. In hemodialysis patients, thyroid function is even more crucial. Hemodialysis, a treatment for kidney failure, filters waste and excess fluid from the blood, potentially affecting various bodily systems, including the endocrine system. This study examines the effect of thyroid function on hemodialysis. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, dialysis patients were classified into three groups: hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, and euthyroid. The levels of thyroid and parathyroid hormones, serum electrolytes, clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and blood pressure of the patients in these groups were compared. Results: There was no significant difference between the number of dialysis sessions and thyroid function. The serum calcium level was significantly higher in hypothyroid patients than in euthyroid and hyperthyroid patients. There were no significant differences in weight changes before and after dialysis considering the participants’ sex and age (P = 0.227 and P = 0.457). Moreover, there were no significant differences in the number of dialysis sessions (P = 0.508), systolic (P = 0.419), and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.559), or in the serum level of parathormone in patients with different thyroid functions (P = 0.103). However, the serum level of phosphorus was significantly higher in hyperthyroid patients than in normal patients and lower than in hypothyroid patients (P = 0.049). The hemoglobin concentration was higher in hyperthyroid patients than in other groups (P = 0.021). Conclusion: The changes in calcium, hemoglobin, and parathormone levels in hemodialysis patients with different thyroid function statuses showed significant differences. These differences are believed to be caused by high bone metabolism in dialysis patients. Evaluating these parameters in dialysis patients is recommended, highlighting the need for regular thyroid function screening among these patients.
