3,3'-Diiodothyronine sulfate cross-reactive material (compound W) in human newborns.

Background: Thyrosulfoconjugation appears to facilitate fetal-to-maternal transfer of 3,3'-diiodothyronine-sulfate (T(2)S). Elevated maternal levels of T(2)S cross-reactive material (compound W) are found in humans, with higher levels found in venous cord blood than in arterial samples. These findings are consistent with the postulate that the placenta plays an essential role in compound W production.

Phase 1 trial of 4 thyroid hormone regimens for transient hypothyroxinemia in neonates of <28 weeks' gestation.

Background: Transiently low levels of thyroid hormones occur in approximately 50% of neonates born 24-28 weeks' gestation and are associated with higher rates of cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment. Raising hormone levels shows promise for improving neurodevelopmental outcome.

Objective: To identify whether any of 4 thyroid hormone supplementation regimens could raise T(4) and FT(4) without suppressing TSH (biochemical euthyroidism).

Thyroid system immaturities in very low birth weight premature infants.

Continuing advances in the care of premature infants has contributed to the increased survival of very low birth weight premature infants. These infants are characterized by a variety of organ and physiological systems immaturities predisposing to deficiencies of postnatal adaptation and a high prevalence of neonatal morbidities. These morbidities have a major impact on postnatal mental and neurological outcomes.

3'-monoiodothyronine sulfate and Triac sulfate are thyroid hormone metabolites in developing sheep.

We used novel 3'-monoiodothyronine sulfate (3'-T1S) and 3,3',5-triiodothyroacetic acid sulfate (TriacS) RIAs to characterize sulfation pathways in fetal thyroid hormone metabolism. 3'-T1S and TriacS levels were measured in serum samples obtained from fetal (n = 21, 94-145 d gestational age), newborn (NB, n = 5), and adult sheep (AD, n = 5) as well as from fetuses after total thyroidectomy (Tx), or sham-operated twin fetuses controls, conducted at gestational age 110-113 d (n = 5). Peak levels (expressed as ng/dL) of both 3'-T1S and TriacS occurred at 130 d gestation.

Thyroid function and dysfunction in premature infants.

During the past four decades major advances in the management of premature infants have led to progressive reduction in mortality. During this period mortality in very low birth weight infants (VLBW, <1500 grams and <30 weeks gestation age) has decreased, and more than 50% of infants less than 24 weeks gestation age now survive, increasing the population of VLBW infants in intensive care nursery environments. Thyroid function in these infants is characterized by decreased TSH and T4 responses to parturition, low serum total T4 and TSH levels and variable free T4 concentrations during the first 2-4 postnatal weeks of life.

Compound W, a 3,3'-diiodothyronine sulfate cross-reactive substance in serum from pregnant women--a potential marker for fetal thyroid function.

Compound W, a 3,3'-diiodothyronine sulfate (T2S) cross-reactive material in maternal serum, was found to be useful as a marker for fetal hypothyroidism. In the present report, we explored its biochemical properties and studied its concentrations in cord and in maternal serum obtained from various gestational periods and at term from different continents. Mean W concentrations, expressed as nmol/L T2S-equivalent, in maternal serum during gestation showed a moderate increase at 20-26 wk (1.

Fetal-to-maternal transfer of thyroid hormone metabolites in late gestation in sheep.

3,3'-Diiodothyronine sulfate (T2S) derived from T3 of fetal origin is transferred to the maternal circulation and contributes significantly to the maternal urinary pool. The present study quantitatively assesses the fetal to maternal transfer of T4 metabolites compared with those of T3. Labeled T4 or T3 was infused intravenously to four singleton fetuses in utero in each group at gestational age 138 +/- 3 d.

A short history of pediatric endocrinology in North America.

Pediatric endocrinology evolved as a subspecialty from the era of biochemical and metabolic clinical investigation led by John Howland, Edwards Park, and James Gamble at Johns Hopkins; Allan Butler at Boston University and Harvard University; Daniel Darrow at Yale University; and Irving McQuarrie at the University of Rochester and the University of Minnesota during the early 20th century. The father of the new subspecialty was Lawson Wilkins, a private pediatric practitioner in Baltimore, Maryland, who was invited by Dr. Edwards Park to establish an endocrine clinic at the Harriet Lane Home at Johns Hopkins in 1935.

The diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the newborn by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of random urine specimens.

Definitive neonatal diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is frequently complicated by normal 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels in 21-hydroxylase-deficient patients, residual maternal steroids, and other interfering substances in neonatal blood. In an effort to improve the diagnosis, we developed a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method for simultaneous measurement of 15 urinary steroid metabolites as early as the first day of life. Furthermore, we developed 11 precursor/product ratios that diagnose and clearly differentiate the four enzymatic deficiencies that cause CAH.