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A systematic review of thyroid dysfunction in preterm neonates exposed to topical iodine

Julie Aitken1, Fiona L R Williams

  • 1Population Health Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Mackenzie Building, University of Dundee, , Dundee, Scotland.

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|October 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal exposure to iodine disinfectants can cause transient thyroid dysfunction in premature infants. Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects on neurodevelopment.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Endocrinology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Premature infants (<32 weeks' gestation or <1.5 kg) are vulnerable to thyroid dysfunction.
  • Iodine exposure, both maternal and neonatal, is a potential risk factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal or neonatal iodine exposure and transient thyroid dysfunction in high-risk neonates.
  • To synthesize evidence from existing studies on neonatal thyroid function following iodine exposure.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane Library) was conducted.
  • Studies reporting neonatal thyroid function after topical iodine or maternal iodine exposure were included.
  • No restrictions were placed on publication date, study type, or language.

Main Results:

  • 15 studies were reviewed from an initial search of 794 papers.
  • Transient hypothyroidism/hyperthyrotropinemia occurred in 12-33% of neonates exposed to topical iodine, compared to 0% in unexposed infants.
  • Maternal iodine exposure data was not explicitly detailed in the results.

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal exposure to iodine-containing disinfectants is linked to thyroid dysfunction in preterm infants.
  • Current evidence does not address the impact of iodine exposure on neurodevelopment.
  • Restricting topical iodine disinfectant use in preterm infants and considering alternatives like chlorhexidine is recommended pending further research.
Abstract

Keywords:
Neonatologyiodinesystematic reviewthyroid hormonestoxicity

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