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Hypothyroidism mimicking chronic renal failure in reflux nephropathy
  1. Martin Bald,
  2. Berthold P Hauffa,
  3. Anne-Margret Wingen
  1. Departments of Paediatric Nephrology and Paediatric Haematology, Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Children's Hospital, University of Essen, Germany
  1. Dr M Bald, Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universität (GHS) Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, D-45122 Essen, Germany email:martin.bald{at}uni-essen.de

Abstract

An adolescent with a history of pyelonephritis and renal scarring had antireflux surgery at the age of 2.5 years. His serum creatinine was high at the age of 14 years (133 μmol/l; glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 56 ml/min × 1.73 m2), and reflux nephropathy with chronic renal failure was diagnosed. Because of a fall in height velocity, endocrinological investigations were performed six months later which showed hypothyroidism caused by autoimmune thyroiditis. Substitution with thyroxine was started; renal function improved to normal six months later (GFR 108 ml/min × 1.73 m2). Metabolic changes of hypothyroidism led to a reduction of GFR in this patient and mimicked chronic renal failure.

  • hypothyroidism
  • renal insufficiency
  • reflux nephropathy

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