Abstract
Background
Antenatal steroids (ANS) are used widely for women at risk of preterm delivery. Evidence on the effects of ANS on thyroid hormone function in preterm infants is limited.
Objectives
To determine effects of ANS on thyroid hormone function in preterm infants.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation. Infants were divided into no ANS, partial ANS, and complete ANS groups. Thyroid function tests at day of life 30 were compared.
Results
260 Infants were included. A significantly higher proportion of patients were started on levothyroxine (LT4) in no ANS group and partial ANS group compared to complete ANS group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that infants in no ANS group are more likely to have TSH > 6 μIU ml−1 and started on LT4 compared to complete ANS group.
Conclusion
Infants in no ANS group are more likely to have thyroid dysfunction compared to complete ANS group.
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Acknowledgements
Author contributions
Dinushan C. Kaluarachchi designed the study, drafted the project proposal, collected data, drafted and approved the final manuscript as submitted. Qianqian Zhao involved in designing of the study, did the data analysis, reviewed and approved the final manuscript as submitted. Tarah T. Colaizy involved in designing of the study, reviewed and approved the final manuscript as submitted.
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Kaluarachchi, D.C., Zhao, Q. & Colaizy, T.T. Antenatal steroids and thyroid hormone function in preterm infants. J Perinatol 38, 1466–1470 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0225-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0225-5