Correlation between thyroid function characteristics, vitamin D levels, and brain injuries in preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Endocrinology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Preterm infants face risks to brain development.
• The interplay between Vitamin D (VD) and thyroid function (TF) in preterm infants is not fully understood.
• Investigating VD-thyroid axis impact on neurodevelopment in preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between Vitamin D status and thyroid function indicators in preterm infants.
• To assess the association between Vitamin D, thyroid function, and brain structural abnormalities in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 94 preterm infants (PI) admitted to NICU.
• Measured serum 25(OH)D levels and thyroid function indicators (STSH, FT3, FT4).
• Evaluated brain structural abnormalities using cranial ultrasound and MRI.

Main Results:

• Lower STSH and higher FT3/FT4 levels observed in Vitamin D sufficient infants compared to deficient.
• Thyroid dysfunction was prevalent in preterm infants with brain structural abnormalities.
• Perinatal brain injury, particularly intracranial hemorrhage, showed significant correlations with STSH and FT4 levels.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid dysfunction in preterm infants is associated with neurodevelopmental impairments.
• No clear correlation found between Vitamin D levels and thyroid function in this cohort.
• Enhanced thyroid function monitoring and optimized clinical management are recommended for high-risk preterm infants.