The Serum Levels Of Thyroxine (T4) And Thyrotropin (TSH) in Some Nigerian Malnourised Children

Abstract

Serum thyroxine (T4) and thyrotropin TSH) were determined in 5 malnourished children and 5 well nourished controls matched for age and sex. The age range of both groups of subjects was nine months to three years. The serum level of T4 were 80.00 +2.31 ng/ml and 45.40+ 14.03 ng/m1 for control and malnourished subjects respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The values for TSH were 0.875+0.18 IU/ml for control and malnourished groups respectively. The difference was also statistically significant (P<0.05). In conclusion, there is significant reduction in serum T4 and TSH in the malnourished children studied.

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol. 9, No. 1 (1999) pp. 62-63