Ramification of thyroid dysfunction in progression of jaundice in preterm infants among rural population of Prayagraj, India

Author: Godson P. Nelson, Sapna Smith Lal

Category: Research Article

Abstract:

In infants, overall growth is a continuous process and it depends upon the right care, nutrition, and metabolism. Metabolism is regulated by many factors and, the endocrine system is one of them. The thyroid gland is one of the important glands in the endocrine system and dysfunction of this gland may lead to many metabolic disorders. Prevalence of Jaundiceis the most common metabolic disorder in preterm infants (32-34 gestational weeks) and the root cause of many diseases. Keeping this fact, this study is designed to draw the relation between thyroid dysfunction in preterm infants and the prevalence of jaundice. A total of 200 preterm infants were randomly selected for the study as per consent given by their parents and their treating doctors. Out of these 116 infants were diagnosed with total bilirubin levels of more than 1mg/dl and selected as respondents for the research work. 3 ml venous blood samples were collected within 42-78 hrs after their birth from Infants having jaundice and estimated for triiodothyronine (T3), tetraidothyronine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH)and compared them with full term (34-36 gestational weeks)infants. The study reveals that 58% of preterm infants were high serum bilirubin and out of which 72% were suffering from congenital hypothyroidism as compared to fullterm infants. It may be because of the gestational period of 36 weeks have lower chances of thyroid dysfunction due to their completely matured hypothalamic pituitary thyroid axis (HPT). After statistical analysis of the data obtained, it is concluded that high serum total bilirubin is associated with thyroid gland dysfunction in newborn preterm infants and it is recommended that all newborn preterm infants must be screened early for thyroid dysfunction.

Keywords: bilirubin, preterm infants, thyroid stimulating hormones, triiodothyronine