Hyperthyroidism and Renal Tubular Acidosis

The ability to excrete an imposed acid load was studied in five patients with untreated hyperthyroidism and in one patient with hyperthyroidism occurring with overt renal tubular acidosis. All five patients with hyperthyroidism alone showed a normal ability to excrete an acid load. Acid excretion in the one patient with both diseases was not improved following treatment of the hyperthyroidism. Thus, it appears that excessive thyroid activity does not influence renal tubular acidification and that the coexistence of hyperthyroidism with renal tubular acidosis is merely coincidental.