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

Lan Chang1, Rong Zhu1, Qian Liu1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Inpatient, The First People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.

Biomarkers in Medicine
|May 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Thyroid dysfunction in preterm infants is linked to brain development issues. While Vitamin D levels showed no clear link to thyroid function, monitoring thyroid health is crucial for high-risk 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.
Abstract

Keywords:
Thyroid functionintracranial hemorrhageneurodevelopmentpreterm infantsvitamin D

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