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Thyroid hormone changes in chronic spinal cord injury
1University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey, Newark, USA.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Low thyroid hormone levels, specifically triiodothyronine (T3), are common in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. This study found a 23.3% incidence of low T3 syndrome (LT3S) in SCI, suggesting a link to metabolic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts metabolic function and hormonal axes.
- Previous research indicated depressed thyroid hormones (T3, T4) in acute SCI, with a notable incidence of low T3 syndrome (LT3S).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess thyroid function in chronic SCI patients.
- To determine the incidence and clinical significance of LT3S in this population.
Main Methods:
- Thyroid function tests were conducted on 30 chronic SCI patients (tetraplegics and paraplegics) and 30 matched controls.
- Comparison of thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, T3RU) between SCI patients and controls, and within the SCI group based on LT3S presence.
Main Results:
- SCI patients exhibited significantly lower mean T3 and T4 levels compared to controls.
- The incidence of LT3S was 23.3% in the chronic SCI group, occurring exclusively in these patients.
- SCI patients with LT3S showed no significant differences in injury characteristics but had co-morbidities like decubiti and UTIs.
Conclusions:
- Low T3 syndrome (LT3S) is prevalent in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.
- Depressed serum T3 levels may increase susceptibility to sick euthyroidism in SCI patients with minor health issues.