Abstract: FR-PO219
Severe Hypothyroidism May Contribute to AKI but Not Hyponatremia: A Case Report
Session Information
- AKI: Mechanisms - Case Reports
November 03, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Acute Kidney Injury
- 103 AKI: Mechanisms
Authors
- Carbajal, Nicholas Julius, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Kanduri, Swetha Rani, Ochsner Health, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Introduction
Hypothyroidism is commonly encountered in patients with chronic kidney disease but rarely contributes to acute kidney injury. Majority of the published cases of acute kidney injury (AKI) have associated rhabdomyolysis secondary to severe hypothyroidism. In addition, hypothyroidism work up is typically included as a standard practice in the etiology of hyponatremia. Herein, we report a severe case of hypothyroidism resulting in AKI without associated rhabdomyolysis or hyponatremia.
Case Description
An 89-year-old woman presented to emergency department with a chief complaint of left-sided hip pain following mechanical fall. Review of systems positive for fatigue and constipation. Medical history was pertinent for CKD IIIb, hypothyroidism and hypertension. Physical examination revealed persistent bradycardia (HR;30-50 bpm) and 2+ bilateral lower extremity edema. Telemetry additionally demonstrated intermittent sinuses pauses. Laboratory data at the time of admission revealed serum creatinine (Scr) of 1.8 mg/dL (baseline 1.3 mg/dL), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) of 298 uIU/mL, free T4 < 0.40 ng/dL and total T3 < 40 ng/dL, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) was 404 U/L and serum sodium was 136 mmol/L. Urine analysis consistent with 1+protein, no blood and urine sediment notable for waxy and granular casts. Urine protein: creatinine ratio (UPCR) was 0.28 mg/dL and a kidney ultrasound was negative. Other serologies including AST, ALT, cortisol resulted negative. Upon further inquiry patient mentioned of missing several doses of levothyroxine as she ran out of several medications. Patient was started on intravenous (IV) fluid supplementation and high doses of IV levothyroxine. Meanwhile, with persistent bradycardia, a pacemaker was implanted. She had gradual resolution of her symptoms and thyroid function tests with thyroid hormone supplementation. Her Scr returned closed to baseline and she was eventually discharge on levothyroxine dose of 88 mcg daily with close follow up.
Discussion
Severe hypothyroidism can cause AKI secondary to associated cardiac conduction abnormalities and hemodynamic alteration, even in the absence of rhabdomyolysis. In addition, the traditional teaching of hypothyroidism as a cause of hyponatremia is a very rare entity.