Changes in thyroxine requirements in patients with hypothyroidism undergoing renal transplantation

Hypothyroidism is common in the renal failure population and is both influenced by the onset of renal failure and its correction with renal transplantation. We report a series of 20 consecutive patients on oral thyroxine, in which restoration of renal function following transplantation resulted in reduced thyroxine requirements. We speculate that iodide excess, reduced bioavailability, and drug interactions may have contributed both to their hypothyroidism and the increased requirements for thyroxine in these patients while on dialysis. Failure to recognize the changes following renal transplantation may result in significant morbidity.