T3 resin uptake in protein-calorie malnutrition

RT3U3) is significantly elevated (P less than 0.001) in the acute stage of kwashiorkor and returns to normal after 2 weeks of appropriate refeeding. RT3U is characterized by a high negative correlation with TBGcap. This negative correlation is maximal on admission (r equals -0.88) and gradually declines to normal value (r equals -0.63) with clinical recovery. This finding is consistent with the main role attributed to TBG in determining RT3U level. The collected data emphize the importance of the protein plasma levels in the evaluation of the thyroid function with RT3U in protein-calorie malnutrition.