Ultrasound and Functional Thyroid Evaluation

Thyroid disorders are most commonly concomitant with prematurity and still remains a controversial topic. The incidence of a temporary form of hypothyroidism among preterm neonates is higher than in the general population. Transient prematurity hypothyroxinemia is defined as a temporary reduction in FT4 values without increase in TSH values. Currently, there is no consensus about normal thyrotropine (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) values in preterm infants. The aim of this study is to determine the volume of the thyroid gland in preterm infants born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation inborn or admitted to the unit within 14 days from birth and compare it with the results of TSH and FT4 blood concentration. Besides, the objective of the study is to determine values of thyroid hormones in premature infants born before 33 wk gestation to help neonatologist to interpreter the thyroid hormone results