[Brief antiseptic application of iodine in neonatal intensive care units: effects on thyroid function].
BACKGROUND
Transient thyroid dysfunction with its adverse effects of diminished levels of thyroid hormone on mental development has been reported in neonates whose skin has been cleaned with iodine-containing substances. We report the results of thyroid screening in iodine-exposed neonates and controls.


METHODS
Thirty seven neonates admitted to an intensive care unit from 1990 to 1992 and whose medical condition required umbilical catheterization were included in the study. There were 21 neonates (six term and 15 preterm) for whom the area around the umbilicus was cleansed with iodine antiseptic and 16 controls (four term and 12 preterm) for whom the antiseptic used did not contain iodine. Levels of serum free T3 and T4, and TSH were determined by 7 days after catheterization as did urinary iodine and creatinine concentrations.


RESULTS
Iodine-exposed neonates had significant high levels of TSH (P < 0.01) and low free T3 (P < 0.05); levels of free T4 were lower than in controls but not significantly. Urinary iodine excretion was significantly increased. The increase in TSH disappeared between 15 and 30 days after iodine application.


CONCLUSIONS
Application of iodine antiseptics may cause transient thyroid dysfunction in neonates leading to propose the use of non iodinated substances with similar antibacterial efficacy.
Service de pédiatrie, hôpital Saint-Michel, Paris, France.
E
E
Vilain
Y
Y
Bompard
K
K
Clément
S
S
Laplanche
S
S
de Kermadec
C
C
Aufrant
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D007455:Iodine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000652:urine; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000097:blood; D014284:Triiodothyronine / Q000097:blood; D014472:Umbilicus
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D014284:Triiodothyronine; D013972:Thyrotropin; D007455:Iodine; D003404:Creatinine; D013974:Thyroxine
Application brève d'antiseptique iodé en soins intensifs néonatals: conséquences sur la fonction thyroïdienne.