CORTICOSTEROIDS AND THYROID-FUNCTION - DIFFERENT EFFECTS ON PLASMA-VOLUME, THYROID-HORMONES AND THYROID HORMONE-BINDING PROTEINS AFTER ORAL AND INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 205  (5) , 379-383
Abstract
The influence of glucocorticosteroids on plasma volume, thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone-binding proteins was studied in 17 patients. Plasma volume was not affected either by i.v. .beta.-methasone (6 mg daily) or by oral prednisolone (45-180 mg daily) given for 5 days. The serum T3 [triiodothyronine] concentration decreased while r[reverse]T3 increased independently of the route of administration of corticosteroids. Serum T4 [thyroxine] concentration decreased after i.v. but not after oral administration of corticosteroids. Oral steroids as compared to i.v. increased the 125I-T3 uptake test value. The serum TBG [thyroxine binding globulin] concentration decreased independently of the route of administration, while the serum TBPA [thyroxine binding prealbumin] concentration increased after oral corticosteroids but was unchanged after i.v. treatment. The serum TSH concentration was slightly reduced. About half of the patients were given both corticosteroids and nutrition i.v. and the other half were given all treatment orally. The part played by the route of administration of corticosteroids and calories, respectively, cannot be evaluated at present but these factors seem to be of importance.