Subclinical thyroid dysfunction and chronic kidney disease: a nationwide population-based study.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nephrology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant global health challenge.
• The relationship between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and CKD in the general population remains incompletely understood.
• Existing research suggests a potential link, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between thyroid function status and the risk of developing CKD.
• To evaluate subclinical thyroid dysfunction as a predictor of CKD in a large, population-based cohort.
• To clarify the independent role of thyroid status in CKD development.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional survey (KNHANES VI) including 3,257 participants aged ≥19 years.
• CKD defined by estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m² and/or urine albumin-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g.
• Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for numerous potential confounders, was used to assess CKD risk.

Main Results:

• Overall CKD prevalence was 6.7%.
• A significant difference in CKD proportion was observed across thyroid function groups (p=0.012).
• Subclinical hypothyroidism demonstrated a significantly increased CKD risk (12.6%) compared to euthyroidism (6.6%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (1.5%) (p-trend <0.001).
• Subclinical hypothyroidism was identified as an independent risk factor for CKD (OR 2.161, 95% CI 1.032-4.527, p=0.041) after comprehensive adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Subclinical hypothyroidism is a significant and independent predictor of chronic kidney disease in the general population.
• These findings underscore the importance of considering thyroid function in the assessment and management of CKD.
• Further research may explore the mechanisms underlying this association.