Basal and TRH induced thyreotropin in neutral goiter: dependence upon duration of illness, lack of response in 3 out of 62 patients

Abstract

Study was carried out in 97 goiter patients: Group I -69 patients, goiter of less then 2 yr and group II -28 patients, goiter of 2 yr or more duration. The diagnosis was confirmed by T3 and T4 determinations. TRH tests were carried out in 46 patients of group I and in 16 of group II. All determinations were done using Byk-Mallinkrodt kits. The mean basal TSH value in group II 5,18 μIU/ml was significantly higher than in group I /x̄=3,47/ and in a group of children with not hormonal short stature with no goiter -reference group. No difference between basal TSH value of group I and reference group /x̄=3,35/. No difference between TRH induced TSH concentration in group I and II - 16,06 and 17,71 respectively. Three patients with a negative TRH tests come from group I. Follow up of the patients excluded hyperthyroidism. Cnclusion: Early in the course of goiter development TSH concentration is not elevated in contrast to goiter of 2 yr or more duration. Negative TRH test can occure in early stages of neutral goiter development.

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