Thyroid Abnormalities in Renal Failure
A Study of 53 Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis
- GERMÁN RAMÍREZ, M.D.;
- WILLIAM JUBIZ, M.D.;
- CHARLEY F. GUTCH, M.D., F.A.C.P.;
- H. ALLAN BLOOMER, M.D., F.A.C.P.;
- RICHARD SIEGLER, M.D.; and
- WILLEM J. KOLFF, M.D.
Abstract
Fifty-three patients with renal failure on chronic hemodialysis were screened for the presence of goiter. Thirty-one had enlarged thyroid glands, a prevalence of goiter of 58% not previously reported. Thyroid function studies showed low 131I uptakes, low serum thyroxine and normal serum triiodothyronine and thyrotrophic hormone levels. Serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin were normal; serum albumin concentration was only slightly reduced. Administration of synthetic thyrotrophin-releasing hormone was followed by a rise in serum thyrotrophin and triiodothyronine levels. The cause of the goiter is not known. The possibility that goitrogenic substances are involved is discussed.
Article and Author Information
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▸From the Divisions of Kidney Disease and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The Division of Artificial Organs, Department of Surgery, and the Clinical Research Center, University of Utah College of Medicine; and the Veterans Administration Hospital; Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Grant support: grant RR-64 from the National Institutes of Health and by the development fund of the Division of Artificial Organs, University of Utah College of Medicine.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Germán Ramírez, M.D., Division of Kidney Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
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- Received May 21, 1973.
- Accepted June 14, 1973.
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