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[Neonatal hypothyroidism secondary to the use of povidone-iodine]

F Oliver Llinares, A Azpeitia Palomo, L Alfonso Sánchez

    Cirugia Pediatrica : Organo Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola De Cirugia Pediatrica
    |October 1, 1989
    PubMed

    Insights

    Povidone-iodine use in newborns can cause hypothyroidism due to thyroid inhibition. This condition, identified through neonatal screening, requires monitoring and can persist, necessitating avoidance of iodine antiseptics in neonates.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Endocrinology
    • Dermatology

    Background:

    • Skin absorption of iodine products in neonates can lead to thyroid dysfunction.
    • Povidone-iodine is a common cause of iodine intoxication and subsequent hypothyroidism in newborns.
    • Previous cases of neonatal hypothyroidism linked to iodine exposure have been documented.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report on three neonates who developed hypothyroidism after surgical procedures involving povidone-iodine.
    • To highlight the importance of neonatal screening programs in detecting iodine-induced thyroid inhibition.
    • To emphasize the potential risks associated with iodine-containing antiseptics in the neonatal period.

    Main Methods:

    • Case study of three neonates exposed to povidone-iodine during and post-surgery.
    • Inclusion in a routine Programme for Neonatal Metabolic Diseases for screening.
    • Thyroid function tests (TSH-T4) monitored over one year.

    Main Results:

    • All three neonates presented with hypothyroidism secondary to glandular inhibition.
    • Thyroid deficits persisted upon retesting at 14 days of age.
    • Thyroid function normalized after one year of treatment and follow-up.

    Conclusions:

    • Povidone-iodine exposure can lead to significant, albeit treatable, hypothyroidism in neonates.
    • Routine neonatal screening is crucial for identifying such cases early.
    • Iodine-containing antiseptics should be used with extreme caution or avoided in neonates due to the risk of thyroid inhibition and intoxication.

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