Prevalence and Determinants of Hypothyroidism in Patients on Routine Hemodialysis in Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study

In recent decades, the relationship between thyroid and kidney disease has drawn considerable attention. We aim to assess the prevalence and the determinants of hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients in Somalia.

This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted in the hemodialysis unit of Mogadishu Somalia Turkish Training and Research Hospital, between June 1 and July, 31 2022. A total of 301 patients who are routinely going to hemodialysis were included in the study. Demographic data including age, gender, and data regarding hemodialysis were extracted from hospital information system (HIS). All participants had their thyroid function test measured before hemodialysis sessions.

A total of 301 patients were examined. Their ages ranged from 40 to 66 years, with the median age being 54 (IQR= 40-66). Males were 167 (55.5%) compared to females 134 (44.5%). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity among the patients with 137 (45.5%). Diabetic kidney disease was the most common cause of renal failure in 138 patients (45.84%) followed by hypertensive kidney disease 100 (33.22%). The prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients in our study was 28%. In hypothyroidism patients 57.8% had subclinical hypothyroidism and 42.2% had overt hypothyroidism. 70.8% of our patients were in euthyroid status. Subclinical hypothyroidism was commonly seen in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. We found that increasing age, decreased albumin level were related to higher risk of subclinical hypothyroidism. We also found that increasing creatinine levels were associated with lower risk of overt hypothyroidism.

The prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients was 28%, with 57.8% showing subclinical hypothyroidism and 42.2% overt hypothyroidism. Increased age and low albumin level was associated with the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients. Also low creatinine level was observed in overt hypothyroidism patients.