Determinants of deranged thyroid function parameters in children admitted for management of diabetic ketoacidosis

Abstract

Background: Sick euthyroid syndrome is frequent in children admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This study evaluates the interplay of various metabolic factors with occurrence of deranged thyroid function tests in children admitted for management of DKA.Methods: 194 children admitted for management of DKA were selected from hospital records. Children on thyroxine replacement or those with overt hypothyroidism or anti-TPO antibody positive were excluded. Tests for liver function, renal function, lipid profile, serum osmolarity, thyroid function, c-peptide levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin were done for all. Children were divided into a euthyroid group (n=88) and an euthyroid sick syndrome（ESS）group (n=106).Results:The ESS group had a higher WBC, PG, β-HB, TG, AG, and HbA1c and lower HCO3-, PA, and ALB levels compared with the euthyroid group (P<0.05). FT3 levels were significantly correlated to β-HB, HCO3-, AG, PA, and HbA1c. (r=-0.642, 0.681, -0.377, 0.581, -0.309, respectively; P<0.01) FT4 levels were significantly correlated to β-HB, HCO3-, and ALB levels (r=-0.489, 0.338, 0.529, respectively; P<0.01). TSH levels were significantly affected by HCO3– only (r=-0.28; P<0.01). HCO3– level was the most important factor deciding adjudication to euthyroid or ESS group on logistic regression analysis (OR=0.844, P=0.004, 95%CI=0.751­-0.948).Conclusions: Lower levels of free thyroid hormones and occurrence of ESS is associated with a higher degree of acidosis in children admitted with DKA. Lower levels of markers of nutrition such as serum albumin and pre-albumin levels are associated with lower levels of free thyroid hormone concentrations in children with DKA.