Urinary Radio-iodine Excretion in the Malnourished Infant

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Abstract
Radio-iodine urinary excretion tests were carried out in 12 infants suffering from protein malnutrition. A technique of iodide precipitation was used, involving a dosage of 0.01 [mu]c I131/kg. Changes in basal metabolic rate were observed in the same infants. In the initial phase of hospital admission radioiodine excretion was essentially normal. During recovery some cases showed a decrease in excretion. This decrease, however, was unrelated to dramatic increases in O2 uptake and body weight and tended to lag behind them. It is concluded that thyroid action may facilitate, but in no way initiates, the accelerated respiratory activity during recovery.