To study thyroid hormone levels (FT3, FT4, and TSH levels) in critically ill children and their correlation with disease severity and clinical outcome in Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Abstract

Introduction: There are manifold effects on neuro-endocrine and metabolic systems due to critical illness. Abnormalities in thyroid hormone levels in a critically-ill patient with no pre-existing hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid dysfunction is seen in Euthyroid sick syndrome or Non thyroidal illness syndrome. The understanding of different endocrinal changes in acute phase of critical illness may help us to intervene early and improve by pharmacological intervention.

Materials and methods: Critically ill children admitted in PICU, RIMS, Ranchi, aged 29 days to 17 years.

Results: In our study, it was seen that FT3 and FT4 were low at admission at admission in critically ill children. And among them, the non-survivors had significantly lower values compared to survivors.

Discussion: Among this critically ill patient, more than 70% of patients have shown low free T3 (Type I NTIS) and around 50% of low free T4 levels and free T3 levels (Type II NTIS). We have done this study to assess the thyroid dysfunction in critically ill children admitted in our PICU and its correlation with disease severity and clinical outcome.

Keywords: Children; critically ill; thyroid hormone.