Related Experiment Videos
Thyroid function in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus
Chao-Hsu Lin1, Yann-Jinn Lee, Chi-Yu Huang
1Department of Pediatrics, Mackay Memorial Hospital, No. 92, Sec. 2, Chung-Shan North Road, Taipei 10449, Taiwan.
Acta Paediatrica Taiwanica = Taiwan Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi
|October 3, 2003
Summary
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with type 1 diabetes significantly alters thyroid function tests. These thyroid abnormalities are reversible with good diabetic control, suggesting selective thyroid testing at diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Diabetology
- Thyroidology
Background:
- Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in children can be complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
- Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients with diabetes mellitus.
- The impact of DKA on thyroid hormone indices in pediatric type 1 diabetes requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate thyroid hormone indices in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, comparing those with and without DKA to healthy siblings.
- To determine if DKA influences thyroid function tests and if these changes are reversible.
Main Methods:
- Thyroid function tests (T3, T4, free T4, FTI, TSH) were measured in 138 children with new-onset type 1 diabetes (76 with DKA, 62 without DKA) and 35 healthy siblings.
- Measurements were taken within 3 days of diagnosis and during follow-up (1 month to 2 years) after diabetes treatment.
Main Results:
- Children with DKA showed significantly lower levels of T3, T4, free T4, and FTI compared to non-DKA and control groups.
- Children without DKA had lower T3 levels than controls, but T4, free T4, and FTI did not differ significantly.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were similar across all three groups.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis significantly alters thyroid function measurements in children with type 1 diabetes.
- Abnormal thyroid function tests associated with DKA are reversible with improved glycemic control, in the absence of underlying thyroid disease.
- Thyroid function testing at initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes should be reserved for patients with suspected thyroid disorders.