Thyroid hormone status in children with protein energy malnutrition

Authors

  • Sandeep M. Department of Pediatrics, Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, India
  • Krishnamurthy B. Department of Pediatrics, Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysore, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20160158

Keywords:

Protein energy malnutrition, Thyroxine, Triiodothyronine, Serum total protein, Albumin

Abstract

Background: Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) continues to be a major public health problem throughout the developing world. PEM is associated with reduced synthesis of plasma proteins; it affects several aspects of secretion and metabolism of thyroid hormones. The present study has been conducted to study the effect of PEM on thyroid hormone, plasma protein levels and to find correlation between thyroid hormones, plasma protein levels in PEM children.

Methods: Present study was a cross sectional hospital based case control study. 125 children with PEM, equal number of controls of age group 1-5 years were included in the study; details were collected in predesigned proforma. Triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), serum total protein, albumin and hemoglobin levels were estimated. The parameters were compared among cases and controls using appropriate statistical tool.

Results: Mean haemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin levels, A/ G ratio, T3 and T4 levels were significantly low in PEM children (cases) as compared to controls. TSH levels were similar in both groups. T3 and T4 levels had a significant positive correlation with haemoglobin, serum total protein and serum albumin levels.

Conclusions: PEM is associated with reduction in T3 and T4 levels without any alteration in TSH levels. The altered thyroid hormone status in children with PEM is perhaps a defense mechanism against excessive metabolic stimulation and energy consumption and protects the malnourished child with low calorie reserve from an early death.

 

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Published

2016-12-31

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Original Research Articles