Related Experiment Videos
Thyroid function in children with cystic fibrosis
Insights
Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) show signs of subclinical hypothyroidism, with lower T4 and rT3 levels and higher TSH. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms in CF patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs.
- Thyroid dysfunction can occur in various chronic diseases.
- The thyroid status in children with CF requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate thyroid hormone levels and TSH response to TRH stimulation in children with CF.
- To investigate potential subclinical hypothyroidism in pediatric CF patients.
Main Methods:
- Measured serum concentrations of T4, T3, reverse T3 (rT3), TSH, Thyroxine binding globulin (TBG), and Thyroxine binding prealbumin (TBPA).
- Performed a TRH-stimulation test.
- Compared results between 10 iodide untreated children with CF and 84 controls.
Main Results:
- CF patients exhibited lower T4 and rT3 levels compared to controls.
- CF patients had similar T3 and TBG levels but an increased T3:T4 ratio.
- Higher basal and TRH-stimulated TSH levels were observed in CF patients, alongside lower TBPA.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest subclinical hypothyroidism in children with cystic fibrosis.
- The specific mechanisms causing this thyroid alteration in CF remain unclear from this study.
Abstract:
Serum concentrations of T4, T3, reverse T3 (rT3), TSH, Thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) and Thyroxine binding prealbumin (TBPA) were measured and a TRH-stimulation test was performed in 10 iodide untreated children affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) and in 84 controls. As compared to the controls, CF patients had lower T4 and rT3, similar T3 and TBG and increased T3:T4 ratios. They also had lower TBPA, but this could not account for the low T4. Finally they had higher basal and TRH-stimulated TSH. Our results indicate subclinical hypothyroidism in CF. The mechanisms responsible for this situation are not elucidated by our data.