Profile of umbilical cord blood TSH ,T4 and influence of perinatal factors on thyroid functions in Newborns

Abstract

Background: Congenital Hypothyroidism, if not treated well in time, may be disastrous for growth and development of child ,therefore early detection of congenital hypothyroidism is important, either by TSH or T4, or both by newborn screening . Influence of several perinatal factors have to be considered while interpreting values of thyroid functions in newborns. The present study is to determine Umbilical cord blood TSH and T4 profile in Newborns and to study influence of Perinatal factors on Umbilical cord blood TSH and T4 . Methods: Umbilical cord blood samples were collected for assessment of TSH and T4 in 830 newborns. The influence of Perinatal factors such as gestational age ,weight, sex, mode of delivery, Ecclampsia, Ante partum haemorrhage , Birth Asphyxia ,Premature rupture of membranes and maternal HIV status on the newborns TSH ,T4 were analyzed . Results: Mean TSH and T4 levels between Pre term and Term and between Term and Post term was statistically significant .Whereas, only T4 level between Preterm and Post term ,was statistically significant . Mean TSH levels, when compared in babies with & without severe birth asphyxia was also statistically significant . Other perinatal factors did not affect cord TSH and T4 levels ,as it was not statistically significant . Conclusion: Perinatal factors have influence over values of Cord blood TSH and T4 levels and a caution in their interpretation should be considered . Key words: TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone), CH (Congenital Hypothyroidism), APH (Ante Partum Hemorrhage).