Persistent infantile hypothyroidism attributable to thyroxine-binding globulin deficiency

Pediatrics. 1999 Aug;104(2 Pt 1):312-4. doi: 10.1542/peds.104.2.312.

Abstract

An infant diagnosed with thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) deficiency after newborn screening demonstrated persistent elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and abnormally low free thyroxine (fT4) levels. Treatment with thyroxine (T4) normalized fT4 and TSH levels during the first 5 years of life, but withdrawal of T4 supplementation at that time was associated with return of hyperthyrotropinemic hypothyroidism. To our knowledge, this patient is the first reported case of TBG deficiency-associated hypothyroidism. In rare instances, TBG deficiency may lead to hypothyroidism requiring hormone supplementation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypothyroidism / etiology
  • Hypothyroidism / physiopathology*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Thyrotropin / blood
  • Thyroxine / blood
  • Thyroxine-Binding Proteins / deficiency*

Substances

  • Thyroxine-Binding Proteins
  • Thyrotropin
  • Thyroxine