Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the changes of thyroid function in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) with or without dialysis. Methods Serum free-T3 (FT3), free-T4 (FT4) and thyrotropin (uTSH) concentrations were measured by electrochemiluminescence. These levels were compared in ESRD patients not on dialysis (n=42), those on hemodialysis (n=36), those on hemodialysis before and after hemodialysis sessions (n=12), and normal control subjects (n=30). Results (a) Compared with normal controls, serum levels of FT3 and FT4 were significantly lower (P＜0.05), and uTSH content was significantly higher (P＜0.01) in patients with ESRD. However, the differences of serum FT3 and FT4 levels were insignificant between ESRD patients on dialysis group and not on dialysis group (P＞0.05). (b) Serum FT3 and FT4 changed insignificantly in hemodialysis patients before and after hemodialysis sessions (P＞0.05). (c) The prevalence of hypothyroidism was higher in ESRD patients than in normal controls (P＜0.01), but the prevalence of hyperthyroidism was similar in ESRD patients and normal controls (P＞0.05).  Conclusion Thyroid dysfunction with hypothyroidism is frequently found in ESRD patients. Dialysis can not change this abnormality.

Key words: End stage renal disease, Thyroid function, Hemodialysis