Thyroid Function in Normal Neonates and Infants

Abstract

This study was unndertaken to determine the thyroid function of normal healthy Chinese neonates and infants from birth to 2 years of age. Our results showed that mean serum thyrotropin (TSH) levels decreased steeply in the first 3 days of life. Mean serum thyroxine (T4) concentration was high in the first 7 days of life and it decreased to the level of normal preschool children at 6-9 months of age. On the other hand, there was a tendency for mean sserum triiolothyronine (T3) level to increase with age. It is hoped that the establishment of the ranges of the thyroid function study in normal Chinese neonates and infants can help to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate therapy of thyroid disorders during this period of life.#0257#