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Association of thyroid function with estimated glomerular filtration rate in a population-based study: the HUNT study
Bjørn Olav Asvold1, Trine Bjøro, Lars J Vatten
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, PO Box 8905 MTFS, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway. bjorn.o.asvold@ntnu.no
European Journal of Endocrinology
|October 9, 2010
Summary
Even mild thyroid dysfunction, within the normal range, is linked to reduced kidney function. This population study shows lower estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) in individuals with lower thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Thyroid dysfunction is a known factor affecting kidney function.
- Subclinical hypothyroidism may impact estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between thyroid function and eGFR in a large population.
- To determine if thyroid function within the normal range correlates with kidney function.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, population-based study of 29,480 adults over 40 without prior thyroid disease.
- Calculated geometric mean eGFR and odds ratios (OR) for chronic kidney disease (CKD) across TSH categories.
- Used TSH in the lower third of the reference range (0.50-1.4 mU/l) as the comparison group.
Main Results:
- A negative association was observed between TSH within the reference range and eGFR (P for trend <0.001).
- Lower eGFR was found in individuals with TSH in the middle and highest thirds of the reference range, as well as in subclinical and overt hypothyroidism.
- Increased odds of CKD were associated with higher TSH levels within the reference range and with subclinical or overt hypothyroidism.
Conclusions:
- Low thyroid function, even within the clinically normal range, is associated with reduced GFR.
- These findings highlight the importance of thyroid function in maintaining kidney health.
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