Association of IgA nephropathy, hypothyroidism and hypercholesterolemia

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy can rarely be associated with thyroid disease. We present a case of a young lady with nephrotic range proteinuria, microscopic hematuria, a creatinine clearance of 67 ml/min, biopsy proven IgA nephropathy, in whom hypercholesterolemia persisted after immunosuppressive therapy induced remission of glomerulonephritis. Fluvastatin was given but rhabdomyolysis developed. Unexpectedly, CK remained elevated following discontinuation of fluvastatin. Secondary amenorrhoea prompted endocrine work-up and hypothyroidism was diagnosed. Cholesterol, CK and TSH values became normal within 3 months on L-thyroxin therapy. The literature of the association of glomerular diseases and thyroid illness is reviewed. We would like to draw the attention to the possible association of glomerular pathologies and thyroid diseases and the importance of ruling out hypothyroidism and measuring CK level before starting statin therapy.