Abstract
Numerous reports have confirmed the occurrence of elevated serum TSH in idiopathic hypopituitarism, suggesting association with primary thyroid disease or production of an abnormal TSH. Eight hypopituitary children with high baseline TSH concentrations between 6.6 and 33uU/ml (Normal: X ± SD=2.30 ± 1.13) were evaluated. TSH response to TRH were exagerated, prolonged and/or delayed. Serum T4 were normal in 6/8 and low in 2. bTSH (Bovine TSH) stimulation showed increase above baseline values in T4 (range 81-158%) and T3 (range 135-340%) similar to the responses obtained in the control group (n=4, T4 = 64-183%, T3=59-441%). Antithyroid antibodies were negative in 7/8. Elevated TSH levels were suppressed following either thyroxine treatment in 2/2 patients and bTSH in 3/3. The normal T4 and T3 responsiveness to TSH stimulation and the suppression of elevated TSH suggest a normal response to thyroid gland and an intact feedback mechanism.
Elevated TSH levels associated with normal or low T4 in the presence of a normally TSH responding thyroid gland suggests that the TSH detected in serum had poor biological activity.
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De Papendieck Laura, G., Sonia, I., Rivarola, M. et al. 46 ELEVATED SERUM THYROTROPIN (TSH) IN IDIOPATHIC HYPOPITUITARISM. Pediatr Res 15, 190 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198102000-00103
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198102000-00103
