SCREENING FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM IN CHILDREN WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME.

To evaluate the thyroid status in children with steroid sensitive nephroticsyndrome. This prospective study was conducted over a period from June 2016 to May 2017. Serum T3, T4, FT4, FT3, TBG and TSH were measured during relapse in all children, and were reassessed in 44 children (who had abnormal thyroid function test) after achievement of remission. A total of 60 children of age 1-12 year of either sex were included. There were 44 (73.3%) patients got hypothyroidism and were clinically euthyroid. Hypothyroidism occurred more frequently in younger age group,in patients aged < 3years (100%) and 3-6 years (79.4%) . Fifty nine percent (59%) of patients with hypothyroidism were newly diagnosed, and 41% were in relapse. Mean level of total T4 and total T3 in hypothyroidism patients was (83nmol/L, 1.79nmol/L) respectively,while mean level of TSH was (9.1miu/L). During remission phase, the mean value of T3 was 1.99 nmol/l, T4 90 nmol/l, TSH 3.3 miu/L. Serum TSH levels were significantly higher during relapse, which normalized during remission. There was negative significant correlation between serum albumin and serum TSH during relapse (p<0.001). Patients with nephrotic syndrome have risk for development of subclinical hypothyroidism during relapse, which resolves during remission, and no treatment with thyroxin is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]