Abstract
Serum thyroxin values (T4) were found to be low in 6 of 1350 admissions when the tests were ordered on clinical grounds. Hypothyroidism was confirmed in 3 infants, but the remaining 3 had transient depressions of 3, due to binding globulin (TBG) deficiency. Consequently, a longitudinal study was carried out on 9 infants (gestation 30-34 wks). Data are means ± SE.
Four infants displayed a transient decline in T4 levels (≥40% of their 24h value) at some time between 72 hrs and 2 wks, a pattern unlike the normal full-term baby. These data indicate that for infants admitted to a NICU: 1. The incidence of hypothyroidism may be higher than in the general population; 2. T4 values vary markedly and falsely low values may occur frequently; 3. A TSH determination on or after 72 hours of life may be the most appropriate screen for hypothyroidism; 4. Transient decrements in T4 may reflect a transient TBG deficiency.
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Uhrmann, S., Marks, K., Maisels, M. et al. THYROID FUNCTION IN INFANTS ADMITTED TO A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU): A LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENT. Pediatr Res 11, 432 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00378
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00378
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