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Reference values for neonatal thyroid volumes in a moderately iodine-deficient area
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, 16059 Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey.
Insights
Neonatal thyroid volume reference ranges vary by region. This study establishes local values for Bursa city, a moderately iodine-deficient area, using ultrasonography in healthy newborns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neonatal Ultrasound
- Thyroidology
Background:
- Thyroid volume reference ranges in neonates are influenced by regional iodine status.
- Previous studies indicate a wide range (0.47-1.62 ml) for neonatal thyroid volumes.
- Bursa city is recognized as a moderately iodine-deficient region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal reference ranges for neonatal thyroid volumes in Bursa city.
- To establish local, region-specific reference values for neonatal thyroid assessment.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 100 healthy full-term neonates (51 boys, 49 girls).
- Thyroid volumes were measured using ultrasonography within the first week of life.
- Data were analyzed in relation to gestational age, birth weight, gender, TSH levels, and maternal factors.
Main Results:
- Mean neonatal thyroid volumes were calculated: 0.82±0.18 ml for all neonates, 0.84±0.21 ml for males, and 0.80±0.14 ml for females.
- No statistically significant differences in thyroid volumes were found concerning gestational age, birth weight, gender, TSH values, or maternal factors.
- Mean TSH levels varied between genders, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.006).
Conclusions:
- Normal neonatal thyroid volumes exhibit regional variations.
- Establishing local reference values is crucial for accurate thyroid volume assessment.
- The findings provide valuable reference data for neonatal thyroid volumes in this moderately iodine-deficient region.
Background:
The reference ranges of thyroid volumes in neonates vary according to the iodine status of a specific region. In different studies, it ranged between 0.47 and 1.62 ml. It has been previously shown that Bursa city was a moderately iodine-deficient area. We therefore aimed at determining normal reference ranges of neonatal thyroid volumes in our moderately iodine-deficient area.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, thyroid volumes of 100 healthy fullterm neonates (51 boys and 49 girls; mean gestational age 38.9+/-1.1 weeks; and mean birth-weight 3370+/-446 g) were measured during the first week of life using thyroid ultrasonography. These data were compared with the gestational age, birth weight, gender, and TSH values of neonates as well as with maternal factors such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, smoking, medication use, and heart disease.
Results:
All blood samples for TSH were taken during the first 5 days (mean 1.09+/-0.9 days). The mean TSH levels in all male and female neonates were 3.77+/-3.71, 4.57+/-3.61, and 2.93+/-3.66 mIU/l, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.006). Mean thyroid volumes for all male and female neonates were calculated as 0.82+/-0.18 (range 0.51-2.04), 0.84+/-0.21 (range 0.51-2.04), and 0.80+/-0.14 ml (range 0.58-1.30), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in thyroid volumes with respect to gestational age, birth weight, gender, TSH values of neonates and maternal factors.
Conclusion:
Normal thyroid volumes in neonates vary between different regions. Local reference values should be used in thyroid volume assessment. Our results are in concordance with the literature and can be used as reference values for our region.
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