Seizure duration may increase thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in children experiencing a seizure
Ji Yoon Han1, In Goo Lee1, Soyoung Shin2
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Insights
Seizures can alter thyroid hormone levels in children. Longer seizure duration was linked to higher initial thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, suggesting impacts on the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Epileptic discharges can disrupt hormone levels in humans and animals.
- Seizures are known to affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify parameters influencing thyroid hormone alterations in children with seizures.
- To investigate the relationship between seizure characteristics and thyroid hormone levels.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 181 pediatric seizure patients' medical records.
- Comparison of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and triiodothyronine (T3) levels at admission and 2 weeks later.
- Multivariable logistic regression analysis of parameters including gender, age, fever, seizure type, duration, and medication.
Main Results:
- Seizure duration was significantly longer in patients with elevated initial TSH levels compared to those with normal TSH.
- No significant association was found between gender, age, fever, seizure type, or anti-epileptic drug medication and higher initial TSH levels.
Conclusions:
- Seizure-induced neuronal excitability can lead to changes in thyroid hormones.
- These hormonal changes likely indicate alterations in hypothalamic function.
Objective:
Variations in hormone levels are a direct effect of epileptic discharges in both animals and humans, and seizure can affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. The purpose of this study was to determine which parameters could affect the alternation of thyroid hormones in children experiencing seizure.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 181 pediatric patients with seizure and compared three thyroid hormones (serum thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH], free thyroxine [fT4], and triiodothyronine [T3]) between initial (admission to hospital) and follow-up (2 weeks later) testing.
Results:
Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine which six parameters (gender, age, seizure accompanying with fever, seizure type, seizure duration, and anti-epileptic drug medication) could help to explain the higher initial TSH levels in pediatric seizure. Only seizure duration in patients with an increase in TSH levels was significantly longer compared with patients with normal TSH at the time of initial testing.
Conclusion:
Neuronal excitability by seizure can cause thyroid hormonal changes, which likely reflects changes in hypothalamic function.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
01:18Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
01:13Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...