Association of patent ductus arteriosus and severe hypothyroidism in term newborns: coincidence or causal?
We report on 3 term newborns with the association of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and severe hypothyroidism attributed to thyroid agenesis (n = 2) or feto-maternal pit-1 deficiency (n = 1). This association suggests that sufficient thyroid hormone availability is among the prerequisites for normal postnatal ductal closure. Unravelling the maturational effects of thyroid hormone on the ductus arteriosus might also be relevant in preterm infants as further studies of the perinatal thyroid axis may clarify the potential role of thyroid hormone in PDA closure in preterm infants. Based on our observation, hypothyroidism should be considered in term infants with PDA.
Allegaert
Karel
K
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals, Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Vanhole
Christine
C
Van Helvoirt
Maria
M
Vanhaesebrouck
Sophie
S
Gewillig
Marc
M
Debeer
Anne
A
Devlieger
Hugo
H
de Zegher
Francis
F
D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000002:abnormalities*; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*
D013963:Thyroid Hormones