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Former Very Preterm Infants Show Alterations in Thyroid Function at a Preschool Age
Anna Posod1, Irena Odri Komazec2, Ulrike Pupp Peglow1
1Pediatrics II (Neonatology), Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Biomed Research International
|August 15, 2017
Summary
Former very preterm infants (VPI) show altered thyroid hormone levels, including lower free thyroxine (fT4) and higher free triiodothyronine (fT3) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), by preschool age. This suggests a need for careful monitoring of thyroid function in these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neonatal Research
- Thyroid Function Studies
Background:
- Preterm birth is linked to thyroid hormone changes in newborns.
- Prematurity, independent of birth size, may influence childhood thyroid dysfunction.
- The thyroid hormone status of very preterm infants (VPI) later in childhood is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thyroid hormone status in preschool-aged children who were born very preterm.
- To compare thyroid hormone levels (fT3, fT4, TSH) in former VPI versus term-born controls.
Main Methods:
- Assessed free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
- Included 82 former VPI and 31 term-born controls aged 5-7 years.
- Analyzed data independent of major neonatal morbidities.
Main Results:
- Former VPI exhibited significantly lower fT4 levels compared to term-born controls.
- Former VPI showed significantly higher fT3 levels than term-born controls.
- Elevated TSH levels were observed in former VPI compared to term-born children.
Conclusions:
- Former very preterm infants demonstrate distinct thyroid hormone profiles at preschool age.
- These subclinical thyroid function alterations warrant close monitoring for potential adverse health outcomes.
- Early identification and management of thyroid changes in VPI are crucial.
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