Nonautoimmune overt hypothyroidism in the early stages of nephrotic syndrome: a case report from Somalia

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) was first characterized in 1827 as the occurrence of proteinuria greater than or equal to 3.5 g/24 h, hypoalbuminemia (albumin≤3.0 g/dl), peripheral edema, hyperlipidemia, lipiduria caused by increased permeability of the renal glomerulus. Persistent proteinuria will eventually lead to hypothyroidism.

Case presentation: In the presenting case, we reported a 26-year-old male patient with no known history of chronic disease who presented to the emergency department with a complaint of 1-week generalized edema, nausea, fatigue, and generalized ache in the extremities. He was diagnosed with NS complicated by hypothyroidism and was hospitalized for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of treatment and close monitoring, the patient's clinical condition and laboratory investigations were improved, and was discharged in good health.

Conclusion: Hypothyroidism in the early stages of NS is a rare entity which may be encountered and physicians should be aware that hypothyroidism can be seen at any stage of NS.

Keywords: nephrotic syndrome; nonautoimmune; overt hypothyroidism; thyroid dysfunction.