PITUITARY-THYROID RESPONSES TO SURGICAL STRESS

Abstract
The effect of surgery on pituitary-thyroid function was studied in 12 euthyroid patients. There was a sharp early increase in total thyroxine level, causing displacement of triiodothyronine [T3] from thyroid hormone binding proteins resulting in the elevation of the biologically more potent free T3 fraction. The serum T3 concentration fell rapidly during and after the operation, with a concomitant rise in reverse T3 level. Increased prolactin levels were found during and after surgery. With no post-operative complication, recovery or normal pituitary-thyroid function occurred after 4-7 days of convalescence.

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