Hypothyroidism as an obstacle to the resolution of acute kidney injury

Abstract

We described the clinical course of 4 patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) in whom kidney function improvement was delayed because of concomitant hypothyroidism. After initiating thyroid hormone replacement therapy, the kidney function improved partially or completely. We discussed the underlying possible pathophysiological mechanisms of delayed recovery. A 33-year-old female presented with kidney failure following severe preeclampsia. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The second case was a 70-year-old male who was healthy previously, and presented with elevated serum creatinine. The third patient was a 72-year-old female, who was admitted with non-oliguric AKI associated with aminoglycoside and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug exposure. The fourth patient was a 60-year-old female under amiodarone treatment after coronary bypass grafting who presented with fatigue, and AKI. We suggest that delayed recovery of kidney dysfunction might be associated with hypothyroidism that prevents regeneration of tubular cells.