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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests01:24

Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests

Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
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...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction01:25

Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
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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...

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Reference ranges for analytes of thyroid function in children.

F A Verburg1, C Kirchgässner, H Hebestreit

  • 1Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. fverburg@ukaachen.de

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|April 13, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Establishing pediatric reference ranges for thyroid hormones is crucial for early detection of dysfunction. This study provides age-specific ranges for serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) in children up to 18 years.

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Published on: June 6, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Laboratory Medicine

Background:

  • Accurate diagnosis of pediatric thyroid dysfunction relies on age-specific reference ranges for key thyroid hormones.
  • Existing ranges may not adequately reflect physiological changes throughout childhood and adolescence.
  • The Immulite® 2000 assay is widely used, necessitating validated reference values for its application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish age-specific reference ranges for serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) in a pediatric population.
  • To characterize the age-related changes in these hormone reference ranges from birth through adolescence.
  • To provide data supporting the use of tailored reference intervals for improved clinical interpretation in children.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 656 healthy children (newborn to 18 years) were analyzed using Immulite® 2000 assays for TSH, FT4, and FT3.
  • Non-normally distributed data required using the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles to define reference ranges.
  • Age-related reference range curves were calculated using the linearity, median, and skewness method.

Main Results:

  • Thyroid hormone reference ranges exhibited wide variation at birth, decreasing significantly within the first two years of life.
  • Reference range width stabilized around age 4, with lower and upper limits progressively declining towards adult values by age 18.
  • Significant age-dependent shifts were observed for TSH, FT4, and FT3, particularly in early childhood.

Conclusions:

  • Age-specific reference ranges are essential for accurate interpretation of TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels in children.
  • The wide variability in early life necessitates careful consideration when assessing thyroid function in infants and newborns.
  • These established ranges facilitate prompt and reliable detection of pediatric thyroid dysfunction.