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Euthyroid low thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) states in prematures and sick neonates
1University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance.
Insights
This review covers thyroid system development in fetuses and newborns, focusing on premature infants. It also examines thyroid disorders during neonatal adaptation and illness, including transient hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Thyroid hormones are crucial for fetal and neonatal development.
- Premature infants present unique challenges in thyroid function assessment.
- Neonatal adaptation and illness can significantly impact thyroid status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the ontogenesis of thyroid system function in human fetuses and newborns.
- To characterize thyroid function specifically in premature infants.
- To discuss thyroid function disorders relevant to the neonatal period.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on fetal and neonatal thyroid ontogenesis.
- Analysis of data characterizing thyroid function in premature infants.
- Synthesis of information on neonatal thyroid disorders.
Main Results:
- Thyroid system development follows a defined ontogenetic pathway.
- Premature infants exhibit distinct patterns of thyroid function.
- Transient hypothyroxinemia, primary hypothyroidism, and nonthyroidal illness are key neonatal thyroid disorders.
Conclusions:
- Understanding thyroid ontogenesis is vital for neonatal care.
- Premature infants require careful monitoring for thyroid dysfunction.
- Prompt recognition and management of neonatal thyroid disorders are essential for optimal outcomes.
Abstract:
This article reviews the ontogenesis of thyroid system function in the human fetus and newborn and characterizes thyroid function in the premature infant. Thyroid function disorders associated with neonatal adaptation and illness also are reviewed; these include transient hypothyroxinemia, transient primary hypothyroidism, and the syndrome of nonthyroidal illness.