HYPOTHYROIDISM IN INFANTS WITH NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Thyroid function indices were studied in five children with nephrotic syndrome in the Ist year of life. Four had primary hypothyroidism as d efined by low serum free tri-iodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (F T4), and high serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. One pati ent with low serum FT3 and FT4 had a normal TSH level, T-4 replacement therapy lowered TSH to normal levels in all four patients and normali zed FT4 in three of them, There were no significant changes in serum F T3 levels. Adrenal function was studied in three patients, none had ad renal calcification or hypoadrenocorticism. This study supports the ex istence of a hypothyroid state in some infants with nephrotic syndrome , Routine thyroid screening and early replacement therapy is recommend ed.