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Association of thyroid gland volume, serum insulin-like growth factor-I, and anthropometric variables in euthyroid

Malene Boas1, Laszlo Hegedüs, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen

  • 1University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. malene.boas@rh.regionh.dk

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|July 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Thyroid size in children correlates with growth hormones like IGF-I and anthropometric factors. Body surface area is a key predictor of thyroid volume in prepubertal children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Thyroidology
  • Growth Hormone Axis

Background:

  • Limited data exist on thyroid size, anthropometry, and IGF-I in children.
  • This study investigates these relationships in prepubertal children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the correlation between thyroid volume (TV) and anthropometric variables, hormonal levels (TSH, free T4), and Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) in prepubertal children.
  • To identify predictors of thyroid volume in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Ultrasound was used to measure thyroid volume in 859 prepubertal Danish children (aged 4-9 years).
  • Measurements included anthropometrics, TSH, thyroid hormones, autoantibodies, and urinary iodine.
  • Longitudinal growth data were also analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Thyroid volume significantly increased with age.
  • A positive association was found between IGF-I and TV (P < 0.001).
  • TSH, free T4, lean body mass, and body surface area were significant predictors of TV (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • The GH/IGF-I axis is positively correlated with thyroid size in prepubertal children, suggesting a role in thyroid growth regulation.
  • Anthropometric measurements, especially body surface area, are the strongest predictors of thyroid volume.
Abstract

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