Elevation of free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels by Plasmodium falciparum independent of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in children with uncomplicated malaria

Abstract

BackgroundMalaria parasites have a devastating effect on the infected host. However, there is a paucity of data on the effect of Plasmodium falciparum on thyroid hormones.MethodsThis case–control study (1:1) involved children <16 years of age with uncomplicated malaria. Hematological parameters were determined using the URIT‐5380 hematology analyzer (China). Later, levels of thyroid hormones, namely free triiodothyronine (fT3), free tetraiodothyronine (fT4), and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), were determined using human ELISA kits (DiaSino ELISA kit, Zhengzhou, China).ResultsNinety children with malaria and ninety matched control group were studied. Overall, compared to the control group, lower TSH (3.43 ± 1.25 vs. 3.84 ± 1.34, p = 0.035) and elevated levels of fT3 levels (5.85 ± 1.79 vs. 3.89 ± 1.19, p < 0.001) were observed in patients with malaria. However, fT4 levels were comparable between cases and control group (16.37 ± 2.81 vs 17.06 ± 3.5, p = 0.150). Free T3 levels were significantly higher in children <10 years (p < 0.001) and higher among male children with malaria (p < 0.001). Overall, there was a significant positive relationship between parasite counts and fT3 (R = 0.95, p < 0.001). Furthermore, body temperature was positively correlated with fT3 (R = 0.97, p < 0.001).ConclusionsIsolated fT3 thyrotoxicosis was observed in falciparum malaria, especially in children <10 years and male malaria patients, independent of TSH. This observation could explain the severity of malaria in children.