Age-specific correlation between thyroid hormone concentrations and ultrasound thyroid volume for diagnosing thyroid dysfunction in preterm infants: a single-centre, prospective, observational study protocol

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Thyroid disorders are commonly concomitant with premature birth; however, indications to start therapy remain unclear due to lack of gestational age-specific reference ranges and thyroid ultrasound nomograms. We aim to evaluate the age-specific correlation between circulating free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and ultrasound thyroid volume to assist identify infants requiring thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Methods and analysis

This is an observational, prospective, single-centre study that will include 200 preterm infants born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestational age, without any congenital diseases or malformation that may affect thyroid function. Venous blood will be obtained in infants at 14–21 days of life, and a

SUBMITTER: Mikołajczak A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8718476 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature