Thyroid function in newborn infants from goitrous and non goitrous mothers

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Endemic goiter, a consequence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), frequently occurs during pregnancy.
• Thyroid hormones are critical for fetal neurodevelopment and maturation.
• Iodine deficiency can lead to neurological damage in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess thyroid hormone and TSH levels in cord blood and newborn blood spots from mothers with and without goiter in IDD areas.
• To investigate the relationship between maternal goiter severity and neonatal thyroid function.
• To identify potential risks for congenital hypothyroidism in infants born to mothers with goiter.

Main Methods:

• Thyroid hormones (T4, T3) and TSH were measured in cord blood using enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
• TSH in newborn blood spots (5-14 days) was measured using radioimmunoassay (RIA).
• Mothers were categorized as non-goitrous or goitrous (Grades I-III).

Main Results:

• Significant differences in cord serum T3 were observed between non-goitrous and goitrous mothers (Grades I-III).
• Newborns from Grade III goitrous mothers showed significantly higher TSH levels compared to non-goitrous mothers and Grade I goitrous mothers.
• Lower cord T4 levels were found in non-goitrous mothers from IDD areas compared to non-IDD areas and goitrous mothers in IDD areas.
• Neonatal TSH levels differed significantly between goitrous mothers in IDD and non-IDD areas, and non-goitrous mothers in IDD areas.
• Two cases of congenital hypothyroidism were detected in infants of goitrous mothers.

Conclusions:

• Maternal goiter in IDD areas is associated with significant alterations in neonatal thyroid hormone profiles.
• Elevated neonatal TSH in infants of severely goitrous mothers suggests potential thyroid dysfunction.
• Findings highlight the importance of monitoring thyroid status in pregnant women and newborns in iodine-deficient regions.