DECREASED SERUM THYROID HORMONE LEVELS AND INCREASED TSH RESPONSE TO TRH IN INFANTS WITH COELIAC DISEASE

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Abstract
Plasma levels of thyrotropin [TSH] before and after the i.v. administration of 200 .mu.g of thyrotropin releasing hormone [TRH] were studied in 11 patients with active gluten-induced enteropathy and in a group of 21 normal prepubertal children. In 9 of 11 celiac patients an exaggerated and/or sustained response of plasma TSH is observed. Basal plasma TSH level is not significantly different from the value observed in normal children. Plasma levels recorded 20-60 min after injection of the releasing hormone are significantly higher than in control children (at 20 min: P < 0.01; at 60 min: P < 0.001). Serum levels of dialyzed triiodothyronine [T3] and thyroxine and of T3 are significantly lower in celiac patients than in normal infants (P < 0.01). These data support the evidence of an endocrine dysfunction in celiac disease. It is not clear whether it is due to malnutrition and/or to some direct action of circulating gluten-peptides on the hypothalamus.