Glomerular filtration rate is associated with free triiodothyronine in euthyroid subjects

Background Effects of variations in thyroid function within the euthyroid range on renal function are unclear. Cystatin C-based equations to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are currently advocated for mortality and renal risk prediction. However, the applicability of cystatin C-based equations is discouraged in patients with overt thyroid dysfunction, since serum cystatin C and creatinine levels are oppositely affected by thyroid dysfunction. Here, we compared relationships of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) with various measures of kidney function in euthyroid subjects. Methods Relationships of eGFR, based on creatinine (eGFRcrea), cystatin C (eGFRcysC), creatinine + cystatin C combined (eGFRcrea-cysC) and creatinine clearance (CrCl) with TSH, FT4 and FT3 were determined in 2180 euthyroid subjects (TSH, FT4 and FT3 all within the reference range; anti-thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies negative) who did not use thyroid hormones, anti-thyroid drugs, amiodarone or lithium carbonate. Results In multivariable models including TSH, FT3 and FT4 together, eGFRcrea, eGFRcysC and eGFRcrea-cysC and CrCl were all positively related to FT3 (P ≤ 0.001), translating into a 2.61 to 2.83 mL/min/1.73 m2 increase in eGFR measures and a 3.92 mL/min increase in CrCl per 1 pmol/L increment in FT3. These relationships with FT3 remained taking account of relevant covariates. Conclusions In euthyroid subjects renal function is associated with thyroid function status, especially by serum FT3, irrespective of the eGFR equation applied. In the euthyroid state, cystatin C-based eGFR equations are appropriate to assess the relationship of renal function with variation in thyroid function status.