Follow-up study of preterm infants with thyroid dysfunction after medication

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Thyroid dysfunction in preterm infants can impact growth and neurodevelopment.
• Levothyroxine sodium is a common treatment for hypothyroidism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of levothyroxine sodium tablets on growth, development, and thyroid function in preterm infants with thyroid dysfunction.
• To compare outcomes between treated and untreated preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 82 preterm infants (2013-2017).
• Observation group (n=31) received levothyroxine sodium; control group (n=51) did not.
• Follow-up to corrected age of 12 months, assessing physical and intellectual development and thyroid function.

Main Results:

• Levothyroxine normalized thyroid function in 31 infants within 2-4 weeks.
• No significant differences in physical development indices between groups.
• Preterm infants (34-<37 weeks gestation) treated with levothyroxine showed lower gross motor scores and other developmental delays compared to controls.
• Most infants (68%) achieved drug withdrawal, but those failing withdrawal had poorer neonatal screening results.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction in preterm infants can mitigate developmental impacts.
• Transient thyroid dysfunction is common in preterm infants.
• Positive neonatal screening results may indicate a higher risk of permanent thyroid dysfunction.