Abstract
Infants born to diabetic mothers have decreased activity of many metabolic pathways which might be regulated by thyroid hormone. This study was designed to define thyroid function in neo-nates born to diabetic mothers. Serum TSH, T4, and T3 levels were measured in 19 term infants of diabetic mothers and in 7 normal term babies at 2,12,24, and 72 hrs. of age, as well as in maternal and cord sera. Mean TSH levels did not differ between diabetic and normal mothers or infants. Results are expressed as mean ± SEM.
Maternal T4 and T3 levels are decreased at delivery in diabetics as compared to normals. Neonates of diabetics have significantly decreased serum levels of T3, suggesting decreased gland secretion or peripheral synthesis. These data lead to the speculation that decreased thyroid hormone levels may explain some metabolic alterations seen in neonates born to diabetic mothers.
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Wilker, R., Fleischman, A., Saenger, P. et al. 1188 THYROID FUNCTION IN NEONATES OF DIABETIC MOTHERS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 640 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01214
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01214