PREVALENCE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME ADMITTED IN A TERTIARY MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL OF ASSAM, INDIA

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and often hyperlipidemia. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in growth, development, and overall metabolic function. In the circulatory system, these hormones are primarily bound to specific proteins for proper distribution and regulation throughout the body. The substantial loss of these binding proteins innephrotic syndrome may lead to a reduction in circulatory levels of thyroid hormones, potentially resulting in a hypothyroid state. We conducted this study to find out the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pediatrics patients in Barpeta region of Assam, India. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study of 67 patients was conducted, admitted in the Department of Pediatrics, diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Consecutive sampling method was used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21.0). Categorical data was expressed as frequency and percentage, while continuous data was expressed as mean and standard deviation. Results: Hypothyroidism was present in 32.8% of cases and no statistically significant difference in hypothyroidism prevalence was found across age groups orgender. Conclusion: Present study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of hypothyroidism in pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome. The findings reveal a significant prevalence of hypothyroidism (32.8%) among these patients, highlighting the importance of regular thyroid function monitoring in this population.