Neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia is associated with low birth weight: a twin study
Amnon Zung1, Arie Yehieli, Shlomo Almashanu
1Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, affiliated with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel. amzung2@bezeqint.net
European Journal of Endocrinology
|November 28, 2012
Summary
Neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia (HT) is linked to lower birth weight (BW) in twins. Most infants recover quickly, and perinatal stress markers did not show a significant association with HT.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Neonatal hyperthyrotropinemia (HT) has conflicting associations with prematurity and low birth weight (BW).
- Understanding the factors influencing neonatal thyroid function is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between neonatal HT and BW.
- To assess the recovery rate of neonatal HT.
- To explore the potential association between perinatal stress and HT.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective twin study utilizing a neonatal screening database.
- Evaluation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) levels within twin pairs.
- Analysis of birth weight, birth order, gender, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) as a stress marker.
Main Results:
- Neonatal HT was observed in 7.2% of twin pairs, with higher prevalence in smaller twins (64%) and discordant pairs (76%).
- Seventy-five percent of affected twins showed recovery within weeks.
- Elevated TSH levels were significantly associated with lower BW in both HT and normal neonates, particularly in discordant twins.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight is a significant factor associated with elevated TSH levels in neonates, irrespective of HT diagnosis.
- Most cases of neonatal HT exhibit a rapid recovery pattern.
- Perinatal stress, indicated by 17OHP levels, did not demonstrate a clear association with neonatal HT in this twin cohort.
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