Abstract
Thyroid function was compared in prematures with RDS (PROS) and healthy prematures (controls) with EGA from 30 to 37 weeks, to determine how long the reported differences in cord blood persist. Compared to controls, PRDS had lower serum T4, T3 and free T4 index (FT4I) during the first 20 days. Sick prematures without RDS had Intermediate values.
TSH at 1 to 3 hrs was lower in 6 PRDS (22.1 ± 4.1 μU/ml)** than In 9 controls (53.6 ± 6.4 μU/ml). TSH and FT4I were lowest tn PRDS with birth asphyxia, suggesting that early stress depresses these hormones. Injection of TRH increased TSH in 4 PRDS, ruling out pituitary unresponsiveness. It is important to determine whether early depression of thyroid function has adverse consequences, since 4 prematures with low T4 and T3 had symptomatic improvement (less apnea, better intestinal motllity and weight gain) in association with temporary T4 or T3 administration.
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Cuestas, R., Engel, R. LOW THYROID ACTIVITY IN PREMATURES WITH RDS. Pediatr Res 11, 424 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00329
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00329