Correlation between thyroid function characteristics, vitamin D levels, and brain injuries in preterm infants
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Preterm infants: VD-thyroid interplay and impact on brain development. Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was employed, selecting 94 PI admitted to the NICU from January to August 2024 as the study subjects. Serum 25(OH)D levels and TF indicators (STSH, FT3, FT4) were measured, and brain structural abnormalities were evaluated using cranial ultrasound and MRI. Results: The STSH level in the VD sufficient group (SG) was visibly lower as against the deficient group (DG) (p = 0.03), and FT3 and FT4 levels in the SG were visibly higher as against the DG (0.06, 0.01), although the correlation analysis was not statistically meaningful (p > 0.05). In the subjects with brain structural abnormalities, thyroid dysfunction was visibly present. Perinatal brain injury was positively correlated with STSH (r = 0.42) and negatively correlated with FT4 (−0.45); the subjects with intracranial hemorrhage suggested the strongest correlations (STSH: 0.51, FT4: −0.52) (all p < 0.001). Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction in PI is visibly associated with neurodevelopmental impairments, but there is no clear correlation between VD levels and TF. It is recommended to enhance TF monitoring for high-risk PI and optimize clinical management strategies.
Source: Biomarkers in Medicine
Authors: Lan Chang, Rong Zhu, Qian Liu, Yaya Jia, Yindi Wu
Institution: Hefei First People's Hospital
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7161387196