Related Experiment Videos
Effects of transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia on intellectual quotient and psychomotor performance
Insights
Transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia (TNH) may negatively impact intellectual development. This study found lower IQ scores in children with TNH compared to controls, suggesting long-term effects on cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Neurodevelopmental Science
Background:
- Transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia (TNH) is common in iodine-deficient regions.
- The long-term neurodevelopmental impact of TNH requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of TNH on intellectual function and psychomotor performance in 9-year-old children.
- To compare cognitive outcomes in children with and without a history of TNH.
Main Methods:
- A historical cohort study compared 18 children with TNH to 19 controls.
- Intellectual function (IQ) and psychomotor performance were evaluated using Raven and Bender-Gestalt tests.
- Thyroid function and urinary iodine levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Children with TNH had significantly lower mean IQ scores (98) compared to controls (106) at age 9 (P < 0.01).
- No significant differences were observed in psychomotor performance between the groups.
- Thyroid function tests and urinary iodine levels were similar at age 9, except for elevated TSH at birth in the TNH group.
Conclusions:
- Transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia may have an adverse effect on long-term intellectual development.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and implications of TNH on cognitive outcomes.
Abstract:
Transient neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia (TNH) occurs frequently in areas of iodine deficiency. To evaluate the effect of TNH in intellectual function and psychomotor performance, a historical cohohrt study was performed in 9 years old children with documented TNH at birth. 18 children with TNH who had been born in Mahdieh Hospital were studied at age 9 and compared to 19 matcheal children born at the same time, but having normal thyroid function at birth. Global intelligence (IQ) and psychomotor performance were evaluated with Raven and Bender-Gestalt tests, respectively. Total serum T4 and T3 by commercial RIA and TSH by IRMA. Urine was tested for iodine content by digestion method. Height and weight were similar in two groups at birth and at 9 years of age. Thyroid function tests were similar in the two groups except for TSH at birth which was higher in TNH than in control group (23.4 +/- 8.3 vs 3.6 +/- 1.0 mU/L, P < 0.001). Results of T4, T3, resine uptake, and urinary iodine at 9 years of age were not different between two groups. Mean IQ was 98 +/- 11 and 106 +/- 8 in TNH and normal children, respectively (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between psychomotor performance in the two groups. There was no correlation between TSH at birth and IQ at 9 years of age. The present finding suggests that TNH can adversely affect longterm intellectual development.