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Mitsumatsu T, Yoshimura Noh J, Iwaku K, Yoshihara A, Watanabe N, Aida A, Yoshimura R, Mikura K, Kinoshita A, Suzuki A, Suzuki N, Fukushita M, Matsumoto M, Sugino K, Ito K. Establishment of reference intervals for fT3, fT4, and TSH levels in Japanese children and adolescents. Endocr J 2023; 70:815-823. [PMID: 37286518 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej22-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to establish new reference intervals (RIs) for serum free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in Japanese children and adolescents aged 4 to 19 years. A total of 2,036 (1,611 girls, 425 boys) participants were included over a 17-year period; they all tested negative for antithyroid antibodies (TgAb, TPOAb) and were found to have no abnormalities on ultrasonography. RIs were determined by nonparametric methods. The results showed that serum fT3 was significantly higher in the 4-15-year-olds than in the 19-year-olds. The serum fT4 was significantly higher in the 4-10-year-olds than in the 19-year-olds. The serum TSH was significantly higher in the 4-12-year-olds than in the 19-year-olds. All of them gradually decreased with age to approximate the adult levels. The upper limit of TSH was lower in those aged 13 to 19 years than in adults. The differences were examined by sex. The serum fT3 was significantly higher in boys than in girls between the ages of 11 and 19 years. The serum fT4 was significantly higher in boys than in girls between the ages of 16 and 19 years. There did not seem to be any sex difference in those under 10 years of age. In conclusion, serum fT3, fT4, and TSH levels in children and adolescents differ from those in adults. It is important to evaluate thyroid function using the new RIs that are appropriate for chronological age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Mitsumatsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Iwaku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
- Sapporo Thyroid Clinic (Ito Hospital), Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
| | - Ai Yoshihara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Natsuko Watanabe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Azusa Aida
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Ran Yoshimura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mikura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Aya Kinoshita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Ai Suzuki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Nami Suzuki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Miho Fukushita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | - Masako Matsumoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
| | | | - Koichi Ito
- Department of Surgery, Ito Hospital, Tokyo 150-8308, Japan
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Förster LJ, Vogel M, Stein R, Hilbert A, Breinker JL, Böttcher M, Kiess W, Poulain T. Mental health in children and adolescents with overweight or obesity. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:135. [PMID: 36658514 PMCID: PMC9849834 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15032-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity represent huge concerns for children's physical and mental well-being. This study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), somatoform complaints, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Additionally, the influence of sex, age, and socioeconomic status (SES) on these associations was considered. METHODS In total, we studied 2350 participants between the ages of 4 and 18 years (1213 4- to 10-years-old (child sample) and 1137 11-to 18-year-olds (adolescent sample)). To assess HRQoL, somatoform complaints, and behavioral difficulties, we applied the KIDSCREEN-27, a short form of the Giessen Complaints Questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The BMI was transformed to BMI standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS), according to German gender- and age-specific reference data. Associations were investigated using linear regression analyses. Each association was checked for interaction with sex, age, and SES. RESULTS Regarding HRQoL, we found worsening scores in physical well-being and psychological well-being with increasing BMI-SDS. Somatoform complaints were not significantly associated with BMI-SDS. Conduct problems, peer relationship problems, and emotional problems (the latter only in the adolescent sample) were positively associated with BMI-SDS. While we did not observe any significant interactions with sex, we found some significant interactions with age and/or SES. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the importance of mental difficulties in children and adolescents with higher BMI and, consequently, underline the relevance of including psychological interventions in the treatment of overweight or obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas-Johann Förster
- LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 27, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. .,Department of Women and Child Health, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Mandy Vogel
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Women and Child Health, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Stein
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Women and Child Health, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany ,grid.411339.d0000 0000 8517 9062Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Hilbert
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Stephanstrasse 9a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julius Lars Breinker
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Stephanstrasse 9a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marleen Böttcher
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Women and Child Health, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Women and Child Health, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tanja Poulain
- grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Department of Women and Child Health, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents and Center for Pediatric Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstrasse 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Suzuki S, Suzuki S, Iwadate M, Matsuzuka T, Shimura H, Ohira T, Furuya F, Suzuki S, Yasumura S, Yokoya S, Ohto H, Kamiya K. Possible Association Between Thyroid Nodule Formation and Developmental Alterations in the Pituitary-Thyroid Hormone Axis in Children and Adolescents: The Fukushima Health Management Survey. Thyroid 2022; 32:1316-1327. [PMID: 36066342 PMCID: PMC9700379 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: We previously found low thyrotropin (TSH) levels in children and adolescents with thyroid nodules, including papillary thyroid cancer, although it is generally accepted that high TSH levels are a risk factor for formation and growth of thyroid nodules in adults. To clarify the reasons for the discrepancy, we precisely analyzed the features of pituitary-thyroid hormone (TH) actions in children and adolescents with or without nodules at different ages. Methods: Among the 4955 participants who participated in a second screening by thyroid ultrasound examination in the Fukushima Health Management Survey, 721 and 2849 euthyroid participants aged 6-20 years without or with nodules, including thyroid cancer, were selected for evaluation of TH regulation. The responsivity of TSH to THs was assessed by two thyroid feedback quantile-based indices (T4FQI and T3FQI). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) of serum concentrations related to thyroid functions for positive thyroid nodules compared with negative nodules. Results: The feedback indices declined in a sex-specific manner with aging. In particular, T3FQI, the index for TSH response to free triiodothyronine (fT3), started to decline after ∼10 and 15 years of age in female and male participants, respectively. Compared with the absence of nodules, the age- and sex-adjusted ORs (confidence intervals) for logTSH, free thyroxine (fT4), fT3, T4FQI, T3FQI, and thyroglobulin levels were 0.586 (0.501-0.685), 1.036 (0.595-1.805), 1.059 (0.842-1.332), 0.569 (0.454-0.715), 0.564 (0.443-0.719), and 1.01 (1.005-1.014), respectively. Associations between the presence of nodules and either low logTSH or low feedback indices were observed in participants aged between 12 and 17 years among the total cohort. Conclusions: The relationships between the levels of TSH and THs changed in a sex-dependent manner in children and adolescents. The age-dependent shift in the pituitary-TH set point may be associated with age-dependent nodule formation during restricted periods of growth and maturation in both young female and male participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Suzuki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University Hospital, Fukushima City, Japan
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
| | - Satoru Suzuki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University Hospital, Fukushima City, Japan
- Address correspondence to: Satoru Suzuki, MD, PhD, Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City 960-1295, Japan
| | - Manabu Iwadate
- Department of Surgery, Minamisoma Municipal General Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsuzuka
- Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Asahi University, Mizuho, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shimura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ohira
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Furuya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, Fukushima Medical University Hospital, Fukushima City, Japan
- Department of Thyroid and Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
| | - Shinichi Suzuki
- Department of Thyroid Therapeutic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Seiji Yasumura
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Susumu Yokoya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
- Thyroid and Endocrine Center, Fukushima Global Medical Science Center, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ohto
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
| | - Kenji Kamiya
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima City, Japan
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Chen X, Deng S, Sena C, Zhou C, Thaker VV. Relationship of TSH Levels with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in US Youth and Reference Percentiles for Thyroid Function. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e1221-e1230. [PMID: 33274355 PMCID: PMC7947754 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thyroid hormones play an important role in metabolic homeostasis, and higher levels have been associated with cardiometabolic risk. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors with TSH levels in US youth. METHODS Cross-sectional study of youth aged 12 to 18 years without known thyroid abnormalities from 5 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles (n = 2818) representing 15.4 million US children. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) was defined as thyrotropin (TSH) levels of 4.5 to 10 mIU/L. Assessed cardiometabolic risk factors include abdominal obesity (waist circumference >90th percentile), hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride ≥130 mg/dL), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (<40 mg/dL), elevated blood pressure (systolic and diastolic blood pressure ≥90th percentile), hyperglycemia (fasting blood glucose ≥100 mg/dL, or known diabetes), insulin resistance (homeostatic model for insulin resistance > 3.16), and elevated alanine transferase (≥ 50 for boys and ≥44 U/L for girls). Age and sex- specific percentiles for thyroid parameters were calculated. RESULTS In this cohort of youth (51.3% male), 31.2% had overweight/obesity. The prevalence of SH was 2.0% (95% CI 1.2-3.1). The median TSH levels were higher in youth with overweight/obesity (P < 0.001). Adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and obesity, youth with TSH in the fourth quantile had higher odds of abdominal obesity (OR 2.53 [1.43-4.46], P = .002), insulin resistance (OR 2.82 [1.42-5.57], P = .003), and ≥2 cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) (OR 2.20 [1.23-3.95], P = .009). CONCLUSION The prevalence of SH is low in US youth. The higher odds of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk factors in youth with TSH levels >75th percentile requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shuliang Deng
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cecilia Sena
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chuhan Zhou
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vidhu V Thaker
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Correspondence: Vidhu V. Thaker, MD, Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 1150, St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Bebeshko VG, Bruslova KM, Boyarska OY, Lyashenko LO, Tsvyetkova NM, Gonchar LO, Chernysh TO, Trychlib IV, Pismenniy VD, Yaroshenko ZS, Vasylenko VV. ENDOCRINE REGULATION OF ERYTHROID LINEAGE OF HEMATOPOIESIS IN CHILDREN LIVING UNDER A LOW-DOSE RADIATION EXPOSURE AFTER THE CHORNOBYL NPP ACCIDENT. PROBLEMY RADIAT︠S︡IĬNOÏ MEDYT︠S︡YNY TA RADIOBIOLOHIÏ 2020; 25:374-389. [PMID: 33361848 DOI: 10.33145/2304-8336-2020-25-374-389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elucidation of relationship between the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free serum thyroxine, serum and urine cortisol and parameters of erythroid lineage of hematopoiesis to estimate the thyroid functionin children of prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal age permanently residing under a low-dose radiation exposureto determine the premorbid state of thyroid function. MATERIALS AND METHODS Children aged 3 to 18 years old (n = 203) living in the most intensively radionuclide-contaminated regions of Kyiv, Zhytomyr and Chornihiv oblasts of Ukraine after the Chornobyl NPP accident wereenrolled. Complaints of ossalgia, arthralgia, fatigue, bone fractures in the history, bone dysembryogenetic stigmata,hypermobility syndrome degree, and types of somatic diseases were taken into account. Peripheral blood countparameters, biochemical indices of blood serum were studied, namely the levels of total protein, cholesterol, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase activity. Levels of the free thyroxine, pituitary TSH, serum and daily urine cortisol, anddoses of radiation exposure were determined. RESULTS The radiation dose values in children ranged from (0.35 ± 0.09) mSv to (0.54 ± 0.12) mSv. There was nodifference between the parameters of erythroid lineage of hematopoiesis depending on radiation dose. At the levels of serum TSH up to 1.0 μIU/ml no correlation was found with cortisol levels; at TSH levels of 1.0-3.0 μIU/ml thecorrelation coefficient was r = 0.31; at TSH levels higher than 3.0 μIU/ml the correlation coefficient was r = 0.61probably indicating a compensatory role of adrenal cortex in children at risk of thyroid disease development. In children with joint hypermobility grade II there was a higher incidence of dentofacial anomalies (χ2 = 6.9), deformitiesof lower extremities (χ2 = 6.9), and dental caries (χ2 = 4.3) (p < 0.05). There was a direct correlation between theserum TSH level (over 3 μIU/ml) and micrognathia (brachygnathia) (r = 0.62) indicating the impact of thyroid disease on dentofacial development. The TSH at a level of upper limit of the reference range values may contribute toa decreased RBC count in peripheral blood, increased average volume and hemoglobin content in erythrocyte beingassociated with the initial manifestations of thyroid dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal endocrine regulation of hematopoiesis affects the connective tissue, stromal microenvironment of bone marrow, and accordingly the erythroid branch of hematopoiesis in children, which may be relevant inthe development and course of oncohematological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- V G Bebeshko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - K M Bruslova
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - O Y Boyarska
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - L O Lyashenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - N M Tsvyetkova
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - L O Gonchar
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - T O Chernysh
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - I V Trychlib
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - V D Pismenniy
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - Z S Yaroshenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
| | - V V Vasylenko
- State Institution «National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», 53 Yuriia Illienka St., Kyiv, 04050, Ukraine
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6
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Campbell PJ, Brown SJ, Kendrew P, Lewer M, Lim EM, Joseph J, Cross SM, Wright MJ, Martin NG, Wilson SG, Walsh JP. Changes in Thyroid Function Across Adolescence: A Longitudinal Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5700334. [PMID: 31922575 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are no large, longitudinal studies of thyroid function across adolescence. The aims of this study were to examine longitudinal trends in thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4) and determine age-specific reference ranges. METHODS Thyroid function was assessed in 3415 participants in the Brisbane Longitudinal Twin Study at ages 12, 14, and 16, using the Abbott ARCHITECT immunoassay. Longitudinal analyses were adjusted for body mass index and puberty. RESULTS In girls, mean fT4 (± SE) increased between age 12 and 14 (by 0.30 ± 0.08 pmol/L; P < 0.001), while remaining unchanged in boys; from age 14 to 16, fT4 increased in both girls (by 0.42 ± 0.07 pmol/L; P < 0.001) and boys (0.64 ± 0.07 pmol/L, P < 0.001). There was a slight increase in fT3 from age 12 to 14 years in girls (by 0.07 ± 0.03 pmol/L; P = 0.042), with a more marked increase in boys (0.29 ± 0.03 pmol/L; P < 0.001), followed by a decrease from age 14 to 16 in both sexes (girls, by 0.53 ± 0.02 pmol/L; P < 0.001; boys, by 0.62 ± 0.03 pmol/L; P < 0.001). From age 12 to 14, TSH showed no significant change in girls or boys, then levels increased from age 14 to 16 in both sexes (in girls, by 4.9%, 95% CI: 2.4%-10.3%, P = 0.020; in boys, by 7.2%, 95% CI: 3.0%-11.6%, P = 0.001). Reference ranges differed substantially from adults, particularly for fT4 and fT3. CONCLUSIONS Thyroid function tests in adolescents display complex, sexually dimorphic patterns. Implementation of adolescence-specific reference ranges may be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purdey J Campbell
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Suzanne J Brown
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | | | - Ee Mun Lim
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - John Joseph
- Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Simone M Cross
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Margaret J Wright
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Scott G Wilson
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - John P Walsh
- Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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