Identifying elevated plasma free triiodothyronine levels: age-adapted reference intervals for pediatrics.
Clément Janot1,2, Pauline Perrin1, Patricia Bretones3
1Hospices Civils de Lyon, LBMMS, Service de Biochimie et Biologie moléculaire, Centre de Biologie et de Pathologie Est, Bron cedex, France.
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|March 22, 2023
Summary
Pediatric free T3 (FT3) levels are higher than adult ranges, necessitating age-specific reference intervals for accurate diagnosis. This study provides new, age-adapted FT3 reference values for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Diagnostic Assays
Background:
- Elevated free T3 (FT3) is crucial for diagnosing conditions like Grave's disease.
- Current reference intervals for plasma thyroid hormones in children are lacking age adaptation.
- Accurate FT3 measurements are vital for pediatric health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish age-adapted reference intervals for plasma FT3 in children.
- To address the limitations of using adult reference ranges for pediatric patients.
- To utilize a common automated immunoassay for defining these pediatric FT3 values.
Main Methods:
- Anonymized thyroid function test (TFT) results were extracted from laboratory data.
- Reference intervals were established following International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) guidelines.
- A widely used electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA) kit was employed.
Main Results:
- Five distinct reference intervals were defined for the entire pediatric age range.
- A significant percentage of pediatric FT3 measurements (26.1%) fell outside adult ranges.
- A case demonstrated accurate interpretation of pathological FT3 using the new pediatric interval.
Conclusions:
- Adult FT3 reference intervals are poorly relevant for pediatric care.
- Pediatric plasma FT3 levels are consistently higher throughout childhood.
- The study provides essential, age-adapted FT3 reference intervals for pediatric diagnostics using ECLIA.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
4.8K
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
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...
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...
4.8K
01:18Functions of Thyroid Hormones
2.9K
The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
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...
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...
2.9K
01:24Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
26
Renal function tests are crucial for assessing kidney health, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the kidneys' efficiency in waste elimination, fluid balance, and electrolyte regulation. These tests offer critical insights into kidney function, even though routine measurements may appear normal until there is a significant decline in the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. Typically, signs of kidney impairment only become evident when the GFR falls to about 50% of its normal level.
26
01:17Increased pulse rate
708
Tachycardia is a condition marked by an abnormally fast or irregular heart rate, surpassing the typical resting rate. In adults, tachycardia is characterized by a pulse rate ranging from 100 to 180 beats per minute. The increased heart rate can result in inadequate blood flow to various body parts, ultimately diminishing the oxygen supply to organs and tissues.
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
708
01:21Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
2.0K
When it comes to infants and young children, they are typically administered smaller doses of medication in comparison to adults. This is primarily because their organ functions still need to fully develop, meaning their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing or eliminating drugs. Additionally, their blood-brain barrier is more permeable than in adults. As a result, high concentrations of drugs can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), potentially leading to neurological...
2.0K
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
185
Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
185