Thyroid function in kwashiorkor
Rao, K.S.; Raghuramulu, N.; Srikantia, S.G.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 59(8): 1300-1303
1971
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 4108906 Document Number: 44110
Uptake of 131I and plasma protein-bound I (PBI) were estimated in Indian children 2 to 5 years old, 22 with kwashiorkor and 9 normal. Those with kwashiorkor had normal uptake but PBI was low, below 3.5 micro g/ 100 ml, in 12, becoming normal on recovery in 3 to 4 weeks after treatment with standard diets giving 200 kcal/kg and milk protein 4 g/kg bodyweight. Perchlorate discharge test was negative in normal children and positive in 5 of 11 with kwashiorkor. All those 5 had low PBI and only one other child with low PBI had a negative result. PBI was not related to uptake of 131I by thyroid or to serum albumin; uptake was not related to displacement of 131I by perchlorate. Results suggest impairment of thyroxine synthesis in about half the children with kwashiorkor.