Effect of Perinatal Asphyxia on Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Thyroid Hormones

Abstract

Abstract:Less is known about the effect of perinatal asphyxia on fetal and neonatal thyroid hormone levels despite their importance. Only few studies carried out so far on this subject and even these have conflicting results. Aim of our study was to compare the serum levels of thyroid hormone (FT3&FT4) and TSH in term newborns with perinatal asphyxia and in healthy term newborns at 18 to 24 hr. after birth. And to find the association between severity of hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy and altered thyroid hormone (FT3&FT4) and TSH levels. It was a hospital based observational, Analytical, case-control study, 32 Term babies with perinatal asphyxia (as per NNF definition) were taken as cases and 32 healthy term newborns as controls. Thyroid hormones (FT3&FT4) and TSH levels from the blood collected between 18 and 24 hr. after birth were measured by Chemiluminiscence immunoassay. The results were analysed using chi square, ANOVA and post HOC test. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Mean value of S.FT3, FT4 & TSH were significantly lower in the asphyxiated group (2.99 + 0.91, 1.47 + 0.39 & 6.61 + 3.40) than control group (5.08 + 1.01, 2. 49 + 0.57 & 14.42 + 9.32). Asphyxiated neonates presented with significantly lower mean levels of FT3, FT4 and TSH with the advancing stages of HIE. Serum concentrations of FT3, FT4 & TSH were significantly lower in asphyxiated newborns than in normal newborns. Lower levels of FT3, FT4 & TSH had significant association with advance stages of HIE.

Study of Impact of Birth Asphyxia on Thyroid Hormone in Newborn.

“…Our findings are similar to the findings of a study conducted by Umesh G. et al and Pereira DN. et al [24,25] however, another study by Borges M. et al found the enrolled neonates, despite a surge in the TSH levels at 5 and 3 hours of birth, T3 and T4 failed to elevate in the asphyxiated group.…”