[The thyroid hormone system in mucoviscidosis]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Pulmonology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Endocrine disorders are not primary in cystic fibrosis (CF).
• Abnormal thyroid function is common in chronic nonthyroidal illnesses.
• Thyroid hormone imbalances can affect overall health in chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate thyroid gland function in children with cystic fibrosis.
• To assess thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) levels.
• To determine the necessity of thyroid hormone therapy in CF patients.

Main Methods:

• Measured serum TSH, T4, and T3 concentrations in 24 pediatric CF patients (ages 6-16.5).
• Administered a thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test.
• Compared CF patient results to a control group, assessing nutritional status and Shwachman scores.

Main Results:

• CF patients exhibited increased basal TSH and lower T4 and T3 levels compared to controls.
• TRH stimulation resulted in higher TSH and decreased peripheral T4 and T3 in CF patients.
• No correlation was found between thyroid function and nutritional status or Shwachman scores; other thyroid-binding proteins were normal.

Conclusions:

• Results indicate subclinical hypothyroidism in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.
• Thyroid hormone levels are altered in CF, suggesting a need for monitoring.
• Routine thyroid hormone therapy is not deemed necessary or recommended for CF patients based on these findings.