Previous studies have shown that pennatal exposure to ID may cause elevations of blood TSH levels in the screening programs for CH. Thus, replacement of ID by iodine free disinfectants has been recommended. The goal of this paper was to assess the impact of ID on the TSH levels in a group of ID-exposed patients compared with the non exposed patients from a NICU and with a group of control samples from a screening program.

MATERIALS & METHODS: TSH was measured in dried blood spots(DBS) collocted on filter paper (S&S 2992) by a immunofluorometric assay(DELFIA) and the results were expressed as μIU/ml of serum (cutoff value 20μIU/ml of serum) Group 1) DBS samples from a NICU population n=155, ages (days, X±SD) 19.2 ± 22.4, range=0 to 104: weight(grams, X±SD) 2641±962.4. Within group 1, 63/155 patients were exposed to ID (Group 1a) and 69/155 patients were not exposed to ID (Group 1b). In 23/155 data of ID-exposure were not available. The degree of iodine exposure was registered as: a) only one exposure. b) repeated exposures. c) exposed body surface: 25%, 50%, or >50%. A group of DBS samples from a screening program were considered as controls (Group 2). n=748.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account
Continue with Google
Continue with ORCiD