title: Delayed closure of the ductus arteriosus in term newborns with congenital hypothyroidism: effect of L-thyroxine therapy.
abstract: Congenital hypothyroidism is associated with an increased incidence of congenital defects (15.6%), frequently involving the heart (5.8%). Only a few studies have evaluated the association between congenital hypothyroidism and patent ductus arteriosus. We report on two term newborns affected by thyroid agenesis and patent ductus arteriosus that closed after starting L: -thyroxine substitutive therapy. This association suggests a close relation between hypothyroidism and patent ductus arteriosus. Hypothyroidism should be considered in term infants with patent ductus arteriosus, because thyroid hormone production is among the prerequisites for postnatal ductal closure.
authors: Department of Obstetric Gynecology and Neonatology, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology Unit, University of Bari, Via Andrea da Bari 35, 70122 Bari, Italy. giovannaguarnieri@yahoo.it
authors: Giovanna Favia
authors: GF
authors: Guarnieri
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Laforgia
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: Mautone
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Balducci
mesh_terms: D003409:Congenital Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D013974:Thyroxine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D013974:Thyroxine