Hypothyroxinemia of prematurity: cause, diagnosis and management

Author: Ng, Sze May

Source: Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Volume 3, Number 4, July 2008 , pp. 453-462(10)

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Abstract:

Infants born at extreme prematurity are at a high risk of developmental disability. A major risk factor for disability is having a low level of thyroid hormone, described as hypothyroxinemia, which is recognized to be a frequent phenomenon in these infants. At present, there is uncertainty among clinicians regarding the most appropriate method of managing hypothyroxinemia of prematurity. The literature suggests that some, but not all, forms of thyroid supplementation may reduce the incidence of disability in infants born at extreme prematurity. There is a pressing need to confirm the benefit of treatment and to establish the optimal way to treat transient hypothyroxinemia in these infants.

Keywords: hypothyroxinemia; prematurity; thyroid hormones; thyroxine T4

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/17446651.3.4.453

Affiliations: 1: School of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, University Department, 1st Floor, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Crown Street, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK., Email: m.ng@liverpool.ac.uk

Publication date: 2008-07-01

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Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism provides extensive coverage of state-of-the-art research and clinical advancements in the field of endocrine control and metabolism, with a focus on screening, prevention, diagnostics, existing and novel therapeutics, as well as related molecular genetics, pathophysiology and epidemiology
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