Thyroid Hormone Levels in Term Neonates with Early-onset Sepsis and Healthy Controls in Northwest India

Abstract

Background: Neonatal sepsis is responsible for about 30%–50% of the total neonatal deaths in developing countries. Thyroid hormone changes are highly common in hospitalized patients or with critical illnesses. The aim of the study is to compare thyroid hormone profile in term neonates with early-onset sepsis (EOS) and healthy controls and their association with outcome of sepsis. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 neonates, 75 cases with EOS and 75 healthy controls, were included in this study. EOS was defined according to the European Medical Agency Sepsis Criteria of neonatal sepsis. Results: The mean free triiodothyronine and mean thyroid-stimulating hormone level in neonates with EOS were significantly lower than in control group. Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis causes significant alteration in thyroid hormone profile in term neonates with EOS.