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Association Between Newborn Thyroid-Stimulating-Hormone Concentration and Neurodevelopment and Growth: a Systematic

Molla Mesele Wassie1,2, Lisa Gaye Smithers3,4, Shao Jia Zhou5,6

  • 1Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, PMB1, Glen Osmond, 5064, SA, Australia.

Biological Trace Element Research
|March 9, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Newborn thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels show varied associations with child development. Iodine status influences the link between TSH and cognitive outcomes, but more research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Iodine nutrition during pregnancy is crucial and impacts neonatal thyroid function.
  • Existing research on the link between newborn thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and child neurodevelopment and growth presents inconsistent findings.
  • Understanding these associations is vital for public health and early childhood development interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on the relationship between newborn TSH levels and neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in children.
  • To explore how population iodine status might modify these associations.
  • To identify gaps in the current research and suggest directions for future studies.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO) and relevant organizations (WHO, Iodine Global Network).
  • Seventeen studies investigating the associations between newborn TSH and neurodevelopment (cognitive, psychomotor) and growth (anthropometry, birthweight) in children aged 1-12 years were included.
  • Study quality and potential confounders were considered during the review process.

Main Results:

  • A negative association between newborn TSH and cognitive development was observed in studies from iodine-deficient populations, contrasting with a null association in iodine-sufficient populations.
  • No significant association was found between newborn TSH and psychomotor development across different iodine statuses.
  • While no link was found with general child anthropometry, a negative association was noted between newborn TSH and birthweight.

Conclusions:

  • The association between newborn TSH and cognitive development appears to be influenced by the iodine status of the population.
  • Most studies included in the review had limitations, including small sample sizes and inadequate adjustment for key confounders.
  • High-quality, data-linkage studies using newborn screening TSH data and controlling for confounders are necessary to clarify the relationship between newborn TSH and child neurodevelopment and growth.

Keywords:
ChildrenGrowthIodineNeurodevelopmentTSHThyroid-stimulating-hormone

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