Reference Interval of Thyroxine and Thyrotropin of Healthy Term Nigerian Newborns in Jos University of Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objective To establish a local Reference Interval of Serum Thyroxine (T4) and Serum Thyroid stimulating Hormone(TSH) of healthy Nigerian Newborns in Jos University Teaching Hospital Jos. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty healthy term Nigerian Newborns who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion were selected by simple random sampling. Cord blood sample taken from the Newborns were analyzed for levels of T and TSH (Thyroid stimulating 4 hormone) using the Enzyme Link Immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Reference intervals were determined by Rank Procedure of non- parametic method. Results TSH Mu/LReference Interval Lower reference limit 0.22 (0.21 – 0.23) mU/L Upper reference limit 29.2 (21.8 – 29.2) mU/I Reference Interval = 0.21 – 29.2 mU/L TSH Mean = 3.31mU/L± 2.56 T4 nmol/LReference Interval Lower reference limit 63.0 (55.0 – 66.0) Upper reference limit 201.2 (201.1 – 202.9) Reference interval = 63.0 – 202.9 T Mean = 143.5 ± 136 nmol/L 4 Conclusion This study revealed the serum values of T and TSH in these healthy Nigerian Newborns. These values can be 4 used to diagnose congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and ultimately used for screening for congenital hypothyroidism in this region of iodine deficiency disorder (IDD). This may form a basis for establishing a neonatal screening program in collaboration with pediatricians in this region as CH is one of the commonly screened inborn errors of metabolism.