Thyroid Function Tests in Children with Congenital Hypothyroidism on L-Thyroxine Treatment

Abstract
The plasma levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), free T4 (FT4), free T3 (FT3), reverse T3 (rT3) and immunoradiometrically assayed thyrotropin (IRMA TSH) have been measured in 28 L-T4-treated children with congenital hypothyroidism as well as in a control group (group C). The patients were subdivided into 2 groups according to the nonsuppressed (group A) or suppressed (group B) TSH response to TSH-releasing hormone (TRH). Basal IRMA TSH correlated with the TSH increment after TRH and it was significantly lower in group B vs. groups A and C, while no difference was present between groups A and B in regard to T4, FT4 and rT3, all higher than in group C. FT3 levels were similar in the 3 groups. In children, as in adults, basal IRMA TSH seems to be a reliable index in monitoring overtreatment.

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