Thyroid dysfunction in patients on regular hemodialysis: evaluation of the stable intrathyroidal iodine pool, incidence of goiter and free thyroid hormone concentration.

Thyroid function tests and stable intrathyroidal iodine were evaluated in 17 patients on regular hemodialysis treatment (RHD). Triiodothyronine levels in the hypothyroid range, thyroxine levels in the low normal range, but normal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine were found. Normal values of stable intrathyroidal iodine and a normal incidence of goiter for our region were also found. It is concluded that in patients on RHD: (1) free thyroid hormone levels are normal and probably represent the most meaningful way of evaluating thyroid function; (2) in our RHD population goiter is no more prevalent than in normal persons; (3) the iodine storage function of the thyroid is not always altered.