Euthyroid sick syndrome in children with diabetic ketoacidosis

The discussion of the relationship between cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperative thyroid function changes in pediatric congenital heart disease, and the analysis of oral thyroid hormone therapy and cardiac prognosis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the relationship between CPB factors and changes in TH levels in postoperative patients and the effect of oral levothyroxine sodium tablets on outcomes in patients with postoperative TF abnormalities.

METHODS

Select patients who underwent CHD surgery between September 2017 and September 2023 and were aged 13 years or younger. The relationship between CPB and postoperative TF changes and the influencing factors were analyzed. In addition, patients with different diseases and ages were divided into the medication group and the non-medication group. The primary outcome was postoperative ejection fraction (EF), and the secondary outcomes were PICU hospitalization days and total hospital cost.

RESULTS

Seven hundred 53 patients were included. The longer the CPB time and ACC time, the lower the postoperative triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4) levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). The longer the CPB time, the more pronounced the postoperative T3 level abnormality (p < 0.001). The longer the CPB time, ACC time, and DHCA time, the more pronounced the postoperative T4 level abnormalities (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 and p = 0.046). The postoperative EF of patients in the medication group was slightly higher than that of the non-medication group, and the EF before discharge was significantly higher than that of the non-medication group (p = 0.021, p = 0.015, and p = 0.024). Postoperative PICU days in the medication group [3.0 (2.0,7.0) versus4.0 (2.0,10.0), p = 0.020] were shorter than the non-medication group, and the proportion of ≤ 5 days was more [154 (66.1%) versus304 (58.5%), p = 0.047]. The total hospitalization cost was slightly lower in the medication group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The duration of CPB, ACC, and DHCA in the open surgery process for CHD affects patients' thyroid function in the postoperative period. In our study, we found that oral levothyroxine sodium tablets are beneficial to the children's postoperative recovery.

Does an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis affect thyroid function tests in pediatric patients?

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in thyroid hormone levels during and after acute metabolic disorder in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

METHODS

Eighty five patients diagnosed with DKA were included in the study. Patients with control thyroid function test (TFT) values at admission (the first blood sample) and 1 month later were included in the study. Thyroid function tests obtained during diabetic ketoacidosis and at the first month follow-up were compared. Euthyroidism and euthyroid sick syndrome were defined and grouped according to current guidelines. The mild and moderate groups, according to DKA classification, were combined and compared with the severe group.

RESULTS

A significant increase was observed between the first admission and the control TFT values 1 month later. However, there was no significant difference found in TFT between mild/moderate and severe groups taken at the time of DKA. Difference between two groups, euthyroid sick syndrome and euthyroid, was examined and the result that was different from the literature was the difference between TSH levels. We found that low FT4 levels were associated with higher HgbA1c, although the correlation was weak.

CONCLUSIONS

Thyroid hormone levels may not reflect a thyroid disease during severe DKA attack. Therefore, it is unnecessary to check thyroid function tests.

The prevalence, hospitalization outcomes and risk factors of euthyroid sick syndrome in patients with diabetic ketosis/ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the prevalence of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) and to evaluate the outcomes and risk factors associated with ESS among hospitalized patients with diabetic ketosis (DK) or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

METHODS

Laboratory and clinical data of 396 adult hospitalized DK/DKA patients with or without ESS were collected and analyzed. Spearman linear analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate correlated factors of thyroid hormones and risk factors of ESS.

RESULTS

Most of the individuals were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (359/396, 90.7%). The prevalence of ESS was 57.8% (229/396). Patients in ESS group were older and had a longer course of diabetes. Levels of thyroid hormones, serum lipids, and parameters reflecting acidosis were significantly decreased in ESS group. The proportion of patients with infection, acute renal injury and DKA was significantly higher in ESS group than in control group, accompanied by longer hospitalization stay and higher hospitalization costs. Free triiodothyronine positively correlates with albumin, eGFR, parameters reflecting acidosis and lipid profiles (All P < 0.001), and negatively correlates with age, onset age, 24-h urine albumin, hsCRP and WBC count (All P < 0.001). Hypoalbuminemia, low level of carbon dioxide combining power, high level of HbA1c and WBC, and co-infection are shown to be risk factors for ESS (OR = 0.866, 0.933, 1.112, 1.146, 1.929, respectively; All P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of ESS was high in adult DK/DKA patients. Patients with ESS had inferior clinical and socioeconomic outcomes. Early recognition and management of patients with ESS may be necessary to improve outcome.

Prognostic role of euthyroid sick syndrome in MIS-C: results from a single-center observational study

Background

Euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) is characterized by low serum levels of free triiodothyronine (fT3) with normal or low levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) and is reported in different acute clinical situations, such as sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis and after cardiac surgery. Our aim was to evaluate the predicting role of ESS for disease severity in patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children (MIS-C).

Methods

A single-centre observational study on consecutive patients with MIS-C. Before treatment clinical, and laboratory data were collected and, in a subset of patients, thyroid function tests were repeated 4 weeks later. Variables distribution was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U-test and correlations between different parameters were calculated by Spearman's Rho coefficient.

Results

Forty-two patients were included and 36 (85.7%) presented ESS. fT3 values were significantly lower in patients requiring intensive care, a strong direct correlation was shown between fT3 and Hb, platelet count and ejection fraction values. A significant inverse correlation was retrieved between fT3 levels and C-reactive protein, brain natriuretic peptide, IL-2 soluble receptor and S-100 protein. Subjects with severe myocardial depression (EF < 45%) had lower fT3 values than subjects with higher EF. The thyroid function tests spontaneously normalized in all subjects who repeated measurement 4 weeks after admission.

Conclusion

ESS is a frequent and transient condition in acute phase of MIS-C. A severe reduction of fT3 must be considered as important prognostic factor for severe disease course, with subsequent relevant clinical impact in the management of these patients.

Euthyroid sick syndrome and its association with complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus onset

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate (i) the prevalence and association of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) [decreased FT3 and/or FT4 and normal/decreased TSH] with severity indexes of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) onset such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and kidney damage [acute kidney injury (AKI) based on KDIGO criteria, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), renal tubular damage (RTD)], (ii) relationship between clinical/metabolic parameters at T1DM onset and thyroid hormones, and (iii) ESS as a prognostic indicator of delayed recovery from kidney damage.

METHODS

A total of 161 children with T1DM onset were included. RTD was defined by abnormal urinary beta-2-microglobulin and/or neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and/or tubular reabsorption of phosphate <85% and/or fractional excretion of Na>2%. ATN was defined by RTD+AKI.

RESULTS

Of 161 participants, 60 (37.3%) presented ESS. It was more prevalent in case of more severe T1DM presentation both in terms of metabolic derangement (DKA) and kidney function impairment (AKI, RTD and ATN). Only ATN, however, was associated with ESS at adjusted analysis. FT3 inversely correlated with serum triglycerides and creatinine, and urinary calcium/creatinine ratio and NGAL. Participants with euthyroidism showed earlier recovery from AKI than those with ESS. ESS spontaneously disappeared.

CONCLUSIONS

ESS is associated with T1DM onset severity and spontaneously disappears. ESS delayed the recovery from AKI.

IMPACT

This is the first longitudinal study describing in detail the relationship between clinical/metabolic factors at type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) onset and thyroid hormones, with particular attention to the relationship between diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-related kidney function impairment and euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS). Participants with more severe T1DM onset presentation both in terms of metabolic derangement and kidney function impairment had an increased prevalence of ESS. Children with ESS had a slower recovery from acute kidney injury compared with those without ESS. ESS spontaneously disappeared in all participants.

Clinical, hormonal, and biochemical characteristics of 70 chinese children with moderate to severe type 1 diabetic ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most severe acute complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Patients with DKA of different severities may have different clinical manifestations, serum biochemical levels and hormone changes.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical manifestations, serum hormone levels, and biochemical levels of 70 Chinese patients with moderate to severe type 1 DKA in the acute and recovery phases admitted to Shanghai Children's Hospital from 2015 to 2020.

RESULTS

The time required for acidosis correction in 37 patients with severe DKA was 5.9 h longer than that in 33 patients with moderate DKA (P < 0.001). In addition, serum levels of serum ionized calcium (P = 0.003), free triiodothyronine (FT3) (P = 0.029), white blood cells (WBCs) (P = 0.044), and triglycerides (TGs) (P = 0.002) were significantly different between patients with moderate and severe DKA. Serum levels of ionized calcium decreased significantly after recovery from severe DKA. Within 1 week, thyroid hormone and blood lipid levels recovered to normal ranges without intervention.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe DKA had higher acidosis correction times, higher WBC counts, TGs and ionized calcium levels, and lower FT3 levels than patients with moderate DKA. No additional intervention was required for thyroid hormone, and blood lipid and serum ionized calcium levels recovered to the normal range.

Frequency of non-thyroidal illness syndrome in pediatric patients with sepsis and septic shock

Background

Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is considered when patients demonstrate altered thyroid hormones and is frequently seen in patients with sepsis and septic shock. Levels keep affected with disease progression and usually get normalized after the sickness is cured. NTIS is not studied well in pediatric population.

Aim of the work

Our primary outcome was to assess the frequency of hormonal changes of NTIS in sepsis and septic shock patients. The secondary outcome was to follow-up the severity of NTIS and its effect on the prognosis of the primary illness.

Patients and methods

This study (1st phase: cross-sectional, 2nd phase: prospective) included 40 critically ill children categorized into two groups: (i) sepsis group: defined according to standard international criteria using pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (p SOFA) score and sepsis was considered when p SOFA score > 2; (ii) septic shock group: defined by a vasopressor requirement to maintain a mean arterial pressure ≥ 65 mmHg and having a serum lactate level > 2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation, with 20 patients in each group. Patients were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Thyroid hormone levels were assessed and compared in day 1 and day 5 in all patients and subgroups. All patients were followed up until discharge or death.

Results

NTIS was found in 47.5% of patients. NTIS was higher among septic shock group than sepsis 65.5% versus 30% (p = 0.027). NTIS was associated with each of ventilation, catecholamines infusion and SOFA score (p = 0.044, 0.027, and 0.033) respectively. FT3 (free triiodothyronine) levels were lower and rT3 (reverse T3) levels were higher in day 5 of sickness than day 1 (p = 0.041 and 0.000) respectively. Furthermore, FT3 levels in day 5 were lower, and rT3 levels in day 1 and day 5 were higher in non-survivors than survivors (p = 0.002, 0.015, and 0.003) respectively. ROC curve was done to assess predictors of mortality and revealed that FT3 levels in day 5 was the best in predicting PICU mortality, followed by SOFA score day 5.

Conclusion

NTIS is common among critically ill children and higher among septic shock group than sepsis. Also, beside the SOFA score, FT3 measured in day 5 of sickness were the best predictors of PICU mortality.

Biochemical indicators of euthyroid sick syndrome in critically ill children

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) in pediatric intensive care, and to establish a link between thyroid function tests and mortality.

METHODS

Between January 2015 and March 2020, children admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and tested for free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyrotropin (TSH) levels were included. Patients with decreased fT3, with normal or decreased fT4, and normal or decreased TSH levels were assigned to the ESS group. The association between biochemical indicators and ESS, as well as the relationship between fT3 and mortality, were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 141 (36%) of 386 children included to study were classified in the ESS group. The ESS group had a higher rate of 28-day mortality (12 [8.5%] vs. 9 [3.7%]). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, platelet, lactate, and pediatric index of mortality 3 [PIM3 (%)] were significantly associated with ESS (odds ratios in order: 1.024, 0.422, 0.729, 1.208, 1.013). Multivariate regression analysis showed that BUN, albumin, platelet, and lactate were independently associated with ESS progression. The area under curve (AUC [95%CI]) for fT3 was 0.644 (0.555-0.789) to detect mortality. Children with a fT3 level lower than 2.31 pg/mL had significantly higher 28-day mortality (log rank test, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified BUN, albumin, lactate, and platelet count as independent risk factors for ESS progression in children. Furthermore, our findings indicated a correlation between fT3 and mortality, which makes fT3 an ideal candidate to be included in mortality indices.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients with and without diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of type 1 diabetes diagnosis

PURPOSE

We investigated the possible effects of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the initial diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on the clinical outcomes of pediatric patients.

METHODS

Medical records of children and adolescents with newly diagnosed T1DM seen in the Ajou University Hospital from January 2008 to August 2020 were reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 129 diagnosed T1DM patients, 40.3% presented with DKA. Although demographic and basic characteristics did not differ between DKA and non-DKA patients, DKA patients needed a significantly higher insulin dosage than non-DKA patients for 2 years after diagnosis. However, control of glycated hemoglobin was not different between the DKA and non-DKA groups during the observation period. In the biochemical analysis, C-peptide, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free T4, and T3 values were lower, but thyroid-stimulating hormone, initial serum glucose, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values were higher in DKA patients than non-DKA patients at the diagnosis of T1DM; however, these differences were temporarily present and disappeared with insulin treatment. Other clinical outcomes, such as height, thyroid function, and urine microalbumin level, did not vary significantly between the DKA and non-DKA groups during 5 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

DKA at initial presentation reflects the severity of disease progression, and the deleterious effects of DKA seem to impact insulin secretion. Although no difference in long-term prognosis was found, early detection of T1DM should help to reduce DKA-related islet damage and the socioeconomic burden of T1DM.

Evaluation of the Thyroid Characteristics and Correlated Factors in Hospitalized Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and thyroid dysfunction (TD) are two closely associated disorders. The objective of the present study was to investigate the thyroid status and the relationships between thyroid hormones, diabetic complications and metabolic parameters in hospitalized patients with newly diagnosed type 2 DM (T2DM).

METHODS

This was an observational cross-sectional study, conducting on 340 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM who were admitted to ward of endocrinology department and 120 matched individuals without diabetes. Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data were collected. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to evaluate the correlations between thyroid hormones and other variables. Factors associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN) was analyzed with multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were significantly lower in patients with T2DM as compared to control group without diabetes. The prevalence of TD was 21.2% in patients with diabetes, higher than that in controls (4.2%). The low T3 syndrome was the most frequent TD, shown in 14.7% of patients. The presence of diabetic complications DN, diabetic ketosis or ketoacidosis), metabolic and demographic factors, including age, glycemic control and insulin resistance were factors significantly associated with levels of thyroid hormones. FT3 level was inversely correlated with the level of urinary total protein (mg/24h) and the presence of DN. Multivariate analysis indicated low FT3 level as a strong independent risk factor (OR = 0.364, P = 0.001) for DN.

CONCLUSION

TD is not rarely seen in hospitalized patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. Diabetic complications and diabetes-related metabolic and demographic factors are related to thyroid hormone levels. Decreased FT3 is strongly correlated with the presence of DN.

Effect of Hyperglycemia-Related Acute Metabolic Disturbance on Thyroid Function Parameters in Adults

Non-thyroidal illness (NTI) is a condition in which the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid system and thyroid hormone metabolism are abnormal due to non-thyroidal diseases. Although NTI has been reported to occur in hyperglycemic emergencies in children, there have been few studies in adult cases. In this study, we examined adult patients with hyperglycemia regarding the frequency of NTI and its triggers. Adult diabetic patients who were hospitalized for diabetic ketosis (DK), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), or hyperglycemic hyperosmolarity syndrome (HHS) were included in the study. Compared with the DK group, the DKA and HHS groups had higher admission blood glucose, Anion Gap, serum osmolality, creatinine, and urea nitrogen, and lower pH and eGFR. The frequency of NTI in the DKA, HHS, and DK groups was 80%, 70%, and 50%, respectively, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine 3 (FT3) were significantly improved after treatment for hyperglycemia. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the decrease in FT3 level and 3-hydroxybutyrate and albumin. Acute metabolic failure associated with hyperglycemia tends to be associated with a high rate of NTI and low FT3 levels at the start of treatment. The data in this study clearly shows that transient NTI is frequently observed in subjects with acute metabolic disorders such as DKA, HHS and DK. In addition, we should bear in mind that thyroid hormone replacement therapy is not necessary in subjects with NTI due to DKA, HHS and DK, especially when overt symptoms of hypothyroidism are not observed.

Impact of Diabetic Ketoacidosis on Thyroid Function in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Changes in thyroid function in diabetes patients who developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) still need to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to systematically review available data on the relationship between thyroid function and DKA in diabetes patients who developed DKA.

METHODS

Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China Academic Journal Full-text Database (CNKI)) were searched systematically to search relevant literature before December 2020. The mean ± standard deviation and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used for evaluation, and sensitivity analysis was performed. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plot, Egger's test, and Begger's test.

RESULTS

29 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the indicators (T4, T3, FT3, FT4, TSH, T3RU, and rT3) of patients with DKA were compared and analyzed. The results of this study showed that the levels of T4, T3, FT3, FT4, and TSH were decreased and the level of rT3 was increased in patients with DKA. Compared with after treatment, the levels of T4, T3, FT3, and FT4 in patients with DKA were decreased before treatment, while the levels of rT3 were increased, and there was no significant difference in changes of TSH. With the aggravation of DKA, the levels of T4, T3, FT3, and FT4 will further decrease, while the changes of TSH have no statistical difference.

CONCLUSION

Thyroid function changed in diabetic patients with DKA. It changed with the severity of DKA. This condition may be transient, preceding further recovery of DKA.

Determinants of deranged thyroid function parameters in children admitted for management of diabetic ketoacidosis/diabetic ketosis

BACKGROUND

Euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) frequently arises in children admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis/diabetic ketosis (DKA/DK). This study evaluates the interplay of various metabolic factors with occurrence of deranged thyroid function tests in children suffering from DKA/DK.

METHODS

98 DKA and 96 DK pediatric patients were selected from hospital records. Those on thyroxine replacement, with overt hypothyroidism, or with positive anti-thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibody were excluded. Tests for liver function, renal function, lipid profile, serum osmolarity, thyroid function, c-peptide levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin were done on all patients. Children were divided into euthyroid (n = 88) and ESS groups (n = 106).

RESULTS

The ESS group had a higher level of white blood cell count (WBC), plasma glucose (PG), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (β-HB), triglyceride (TG), anion gap (AG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and a lower level of HCO₃^-, prealbumin (PA), and albumin (ALB) compared with the euthyroid group (P < 0.05). Free T3 (FT3) levels were significantly correlated to β-HB, HCO₃^-, AG, PA, and HbA1c (r = - 0.642, 0.681, - 0.377, 0.581, - 0.309, respectively; P < 0.01). Free T4 (FT4) levels were significantly correlated to β-HB, HCO₃^-, and ALB levels (r = - 0.489, 0.338, 0.529, respectively; P < 0.01). TSH levels were significantly affected by HCO₃^- only (r = - 0.28; P < 0.01). HCO₃^- level was the most important factor deciding euthyroid or ESS on logistic regression analysis (OR = 0.844, P = 0.004, 95%CI = 0.751-0.948).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower levels of free thyroid hormones and occurrence of ESS were associated with a higher degree of acidosis in children with DKA/DK.

Nonthyroidal illness in critically ill children

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes recent literature on nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTI) and outcome of pediatric critical illness, to provide insight in pathophysiology and therapeutic implications.

RECENT FINDINGS

NTI is typically characterized by lowered triiodothyronine levels without compensatory TSH rise. Although NTI severity is associated with poor outcome of pediatric critical illness, it remains unclear whether this association reflects an adaptive protective response or contributes to poor outcome. Recently, two metabolic interventions that improved outcome also altered NTI in critically ill children. These studies shed new light on the topic, as the results suggested that the peripheral NTI component, with inactivation of thyroid hormone, may represent a beneficial adaptation, whereas the central component, with suppressed TSH-driven thyroid hormone secretion, may be maladaptive. There is currently insufficient evidence for treatment of NTI in children. However, the recent findings raised the hypothesis that reactivation of the central NTI component could offer benefit, which should be tested in RCTs.

SUMMARY

NTI in critically ill children can be modified by metabolic interventions. The peripheral, but not the central, component of NTI may be a beneficial adaptive response. These findings open perspectives for the development of novel strategies to improve outcome of critical illness in children.

Levels of serum thyroxine, triidothyronine and thyrotropin in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objective

To determine the levels of serum thyroxine (T3, T4), triiodothyronine and thyrotropin in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

It was an observational prospective study and 60 patients (both males and females) of AMI, (diagnosed by ECG & cardiac enzymes.) were included. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T3 and Free T4 were measured and relevant data was entered into a predesigned proforma.

Results

FT3 levels were below the reference range in 56.7% cases while both the FT4 and TSH values were found to be the lower limit of normal range. When the decrease in FT3 was correlated with the duration of illness, it was found that significant inverse correlation existed between FT3 value and the duration of illness and linear regression line was obtained. No such correlation existed between FT4 and TSH values.

Conclusion

Thyroid hormone levels (FT3) decreases in AMI and this change is associated with the duration of illness.

Higher free triiodothyronine concentration is associated with lower prevalence of microangiopathic complications and better metabolic control in adult euthyroid people with type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a disorder of insulin deficiency but with a wide range of hormones simultaneously disturbed. The study was performed to explore relation of free triiodothyronine (FT3) with metabolic control and occurrence of microangiopathic complications.

METHODS

A total of 266 adult T1DM participants [56% men; 32 (interquartile range, IQR: 25-39) years and disease duration 13 (IQR: 8-19) years] in euthyroid state with negative history for hypothyroidism were included to the study. Participants were screened for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and FT3. Moreover, microangiopathic complications (retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy), markers of metabolic control such as glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 114 (42.9%) people had diagnosed at least one microangiopathic complication. In multivariable linear regression higher HbA_1c was statistically significant independent predictor of lower FT3 (β = -0.25; p < 0.0001) after adjustment for sex, T1DM duration, HbA_1c, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (R² = 0.15, p < 0.0001). Higher FT3 was simultaneously a predictor of lower prevalence of microangiopathy in multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.98; p = 0.04) after an adjustment for: age, hypertension, HbA_1c, WHR and total cholesterol (TC).

CONCLUSIONS

FT3 as tissue active hormone plays a clinically important role in T1DM people. The higher FT3 concentration is related to the lower prevalence of microangiopathy and better metabolic control of the disease in adult euthyroid people with T1DM.

[Prevalence and prognostic value of non-thyroidal illness syndrome among critically ill children]

INTRODUCTION

Alterations in thyroid hormones during critical illness, known as non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS), were suggested to have a prognostic value. However, pediatric data is limited. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and prognostic value of NTIS among critically ill children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective observational study conducted on 70 critically ill children admitted into pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured within 24hours of PICU admission. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

NTIS occurred in 62.9% of patients but it took several forms. The most common pattern was low FT3 with normal FT4 and TSH (25.7% of patients). Combined decrease in FT3, FT4, and TSH levels occurred in 7.1% of patients. An unusual finding of elevated TSH was noted in three patients, which might be related to disease severity. Low FT4 was significantly more prevalent among non-survivors compared with survivors (50% versus 19.2%, P=.028). NTIS independently predicted mortality (OR=3.91; 95% CI=1.006-15.19; P=.0491). Concomitant decrease in FT3, FT4, and TSH was the best independent predictor of mortality (OR=16.9; 95% CI=1.40-203.04; P=.026). TSH was negatively correlated with length of PICU stay (r_s=-0.35, P=.011). FT3 level was significantly lower among patients who received dopamine infusion compared with those who did not receive it (2.1±0.66 versus 2.76±0.91pg/mL, P=.011).

CONCLUSION

NTIS is common among critically ill children and appears to be associated with mortality and illness severity.