Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Neonatal thyroxine, maternal thyroid function, and child cognition

Emily Oken1, Lewis E Braverman, Deborah Platek

  • 1Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. emily_oken@hphc.org

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 27, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Newborn thyroid hormone (T4) levels within the normal range do not predict cognitive development in children. This study found no association between neonatal T4 and later cognitive test scores in an iodine-sufficient area.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development.
  • Limited data exist on neonatal thyroid function's impact on later cognitive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate associations between newborn thyroxine (T4) levels and maternal thyroid function.
  • To examine the relationship between newborn T4 levels and childhood cognitive development.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study of 500 children born between 1999-2003.
  • Cognitive test scores were assessed at 6 months and 3 years of age.
  • Newborn T4 levels and maternal thyroid function (T4, TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibodies) were measured.

Main Results:

  • Higher newborn T4 levels were unexpectedly linked to poorer visual recognition memory scores at 6 months.
  • No significant associations were found between newborn T4 and cognitive scores at 3 years.
  • Maternal thyroid function tests were not associated with child cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Newborn T4 concentrations within the normal physiological range do not predict cognitive outcomes.
  • Neonatal thyroid function is not associated with maternal thyroid function in this population.
  • Findings are relevant for iodine-sufficient regions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function04:05

A Versatile, Behavioral Method to Investigate Thyroid Hormone Effects on Cerebellar Function

Published on: October 6, 2023

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 105:44

Concurrent Collection of Fetal Murine Brain and Serum to Assess Effects of Maternal Diet on Nutrition and Neurodevelopment in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Published on: May 17, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
The Thyroid Gland01:23

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...