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The effect of thyroid functions on osteopenia of prematurity in preterm infants

Ufuk Çakır1, Cuneyt Tayman1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Training and Research Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Altıntag, Ankara, Turkey.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|December 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

This study found no link between congenital hypothyroidism and osteopenia of prematurity in preterm infants. Further research is needed to understand bone development in premature babies.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Bone Metabolism

Background:

  • Thyroid hormones influence bone development.
  • The impact of thyroid hormones on osteopenia of prematurity (OOP) in preterm infants remains under-explored.
  • Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a potential factor affecting bone health in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and osteopenia of prematurity (OOP) in preterm infants.
  • To determine if thyroid hormone levels correlate with the incidence of OOP.
  • To identify risk factors for OOP in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 543 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (<1500 g).
  • TSH and fT4 levels measured on postnatal day 5; calcium, phosphorus, and ALP on postnatal week 4.
  • OOP defined by serum ALP >700 IU/L.

Main Results:

  • OOP occurred in 14.9% of VLBW infants.
  • No significant difference in OOP prevalence between infants with and without CH (p=0.632).
  • Lower gestational age, preeclampsia, SGA, respiratory support, LOS, BPD, and feeding time were associated with OOP.

Conclusions:

  • Thyroid hormones do not appear to affect the development of OOP in preterm infants.
  • Gestational age and other neonatal complications are more significantly associated with OOP.
  • Further randomized controlled and long-term outcome studies are warranted.

Keywords:
congenital hypothyroidismosteopenia of prematuritythyroid function testsvery low birth weight preterm

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