Serum T4, TBG, T3Uptake, T3, Reverse T3and TSH Concentrations in Children 1 to 15 Years of Age

Abstract

Measurements of serum thyroxine (T4), thyroxine binding globulin (TBG), T3 talc uptake (T3U), 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine (reverse T3 or rT3) and thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations were conducted in 195 healthy children and adolescents 1 to 15 years of age. All were of normal height and weight, had thyroid glands normal to palpation and none was taking medication. Caucasian, Asian and black children were included in the study. Regression analyses were made for each variable against race, sex, and age. There were no significant racial or sex differences noted for any of the variables studied. There were no agerelated changes in serum TSH or T3U. Linear regression of serum T4, T3 and TBG levels showed that each decreased significantly (P < 0.001 by Ftest) between 1 and 15 years; the decrease in mean concentration approximated 30% in each instance. The results indicate that the decrease in serum T4 and T3 concentrations with age are largely accountable on the basis of decreasing TBG ...