Association of thyroid gland volume, serum insulin-like growth factor-I, and anthropometric variables in euthyroid prepubertal children

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Oct;94(10):4031-5. doi: 10.1210/jc.2009-0939. Epub 2009 Jul 14.

Abstract

Context and objective: Few studies have focused on the interrelation between thyroid size, anthropometric variables, and IGF-I in adults, but such data are lacking for children. We have investigated thyroid gland volume and several hormonal and anthropometric variables in prepubertal children.

Design and participants: A total of 859 prepubertal euthyroid Danish children aged 4-9 yr underwent a thorough clinical investigation, including anthropometrical measurements and determination of TSH, thyroid hormones, autoantibodies, urinary iodine excretion, and thyroid volume (TV) by ultrasound. Longitudinal growth data from birth were available.

Results: TV increased significantly with age (r = 0.487; P < 0.001). Mean TV +/- sd for different age groups were as follows: 4 yr, 2.2 +/- 1.4 ml; 5 yr, 2.5 +/- 1.3 ml; 6 yr, 2.8 +/- 1.3 ml; 7 yr, 3.2 +/- 1.3 ml; 8 yr, 3.5 +/- 1.3 ml; 9 yr, 3.7 +/- 1.3 ml. We found a significant positive association between IGF-I and TV (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in multiple regression analyses, TSH (P < 0.013), free T(4) (P < 0.001), lean body mass (P < 0.001), and body surface area (P < 0.001) as well as other anthropometrical measurements were identified as factors significantly associated with TV. Family history of thyroid disease and presence of incidental abnormal ultrasound findings were also positively associated with TV (P = 0.025 and 0.022, respectively).

Conclusions: In our cohort of prepubertal Danish children, the GH/IGF-I-axis was positively correlated with thyroid size, suggesting a role in the regulation of thyroid growth. Moreover, anthropometric measurements, in particular body surface area, were the best predictors of TV.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Biomarkers / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers / urine
  • Body Size*
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Child, Preschool
  • Denmark
  • Female
  • Human Growth Hormone / blood
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Iodine / urine
  • Male
  • Mothers
  • Puberty*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Thyroid Function Tests
  • Thyroid Gland / anatomy & histology*
  • Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging
  • Thyroid Hormones / blood
  • Thyrotropin / blood
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Thyrotropin
  • Iodine