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Neonatal Endocrinologic Problems in Collodion Babies
Ahmet Ozdemir1, Sabriye Korkut1, Selim Kurtoglu1,2
1Division of Neonatology , Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
Insights
Collodion babies (CBs) often experience premature birth and small for gestational age (SGA) conditions. These infants show signs of growth hormone resistance, with higher GH and lower IGF-1/IGFBP-3 levels, alongside a notable increase in hypothyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Growth Disorders
Background:
- Collodion babies (CBs) present unique challenges in neonatal care.
- Prematurity and small for gestational age (SGA) are common in CBs, necessitating investigation into associated endocrine issues.
- Understanding growth-related endocrinopathies is crucial for the long-term health of CBs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate endocrinologic problems in collodion babies (CBs).
- To specifically identify growth-related endocrine dysfunctions in newborns with collodion ichthyosis.
- To compare growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels with a control group.
Main Methods:
- A study group of 42 clinically identified newborn collodion babies was recruited.
- A control group was matched for gestational age and birthweight.
- Serum samples were analyzed for thyroid function, GH, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 levels.
Main Results:
- Collodion babies exhibited lower IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels and higher GH levels compared to controls.
- Ten CBs were diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism, 2 with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 1 with central hypothyroidism.
- A significant difference in primary hypothyroidism prevalence was observed between groups (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Collodion babies frequently experience premature birth and SGA.
- Elevated GH and reduced IGF-1/IGFBP-3 levels suggest growth hormone resistance in CBs.
- The increased incidence of hypothyroidism in collodion babies is a significant finding requiring attention.
Objectives:
To identify endocrinologic problems, particularly those concerning growth, in collodion babies (CBs).
Methods:
Clinically identified newborn CBs were included in the study group (group 1). Because CBs are generally born premature, small for gestational age (SGA), or both, a control group matched to the study group in terms of gestational age and birthweight (group 2) was also established. Blood specimens were collected from both groups for thyroid function tests and to measure serum growth hormone (GH), insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels.
Results:
Group 1 consisted of 42 CBs (25 male, 17 female) with gestational ages of 32 to 42 weeks and birthweights of 1,400 to 4,000 g. Twelve were assessed as premature and 17 as SGA. Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were lower and serum GH levels higher than in controls. Primary hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 10 patients in the study group, subclinical hypothyroidism in 2, and central hypothyroidism in 1. A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in terms of primary hypothyroidism (p = 0.01). Serum GH levels were weakly negatively correlated with birthweight (correlation coefficient [r] = -0.32, p = 0.04) and serum IGF-1 (r = -0.38, p = 0.001) and IGFBP-3 (r = -0.36, p = 0.002) levels.
Conclusion:
Premature birth and SGA are common in CBs. GH levels are high and IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels low at birth as a sign of GH resistance in these patients. The greater prevalence of hypothyroidism in these children is also significant.
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