thyroid dysfunctions and renal status: implications in hyponatremia

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder which has been linked to the development of hyponatremia. However, the data supporting the development of hyponatremia is inadequate and confusing. Aims and Objectives: Therefore this study was conducted to investigate an association between hypothyroidism and hyponatremia and to correlate it with other related parameters like renal function status. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of laboratory records of one hundred fifty individuals with TSH level above the normal served as cases and one hundred fifty one individuals with normal TSH served as controls. Results: Hyponatremia(<135mEq/L) was observed in only twenty-one percent of cases of hypothyroidism. Although patients of hypothyroidism had a significantly lower sodium levels than controls, this was not evident with severity of disease. A high creatinine level evident in the overt cases did not affect the sodium level, although the chloride level was reduced. Conclusion: The present study showed that hyponatremia is not a commonly associated with hypothyroidism and screening for hyponatremia is not essential in such patients.