An Overview on Different L-Thyroxine (l-T4) Formulations and Factors Potentially Influencing the Treatment of Congenital Hypothyroidism During the First 3 Years of Life

• Published in: Frontiers in endocrinology (Lausanne) Vol. 13
• Main Authors: Stagi, Stefano, Municchi, Giovanna, Ferrari, Marta, Wasniewska, Malgorzata Gabriela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 09.06.2022
• Subjects: central nervous system; children; congenital hypothyroidism; Endocrinology; L-thyroxine (L-T4); pharmacological interferences; plastic period
• ISSN: 1664-2392; 1664-2392
• DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.859487

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a relatively frequent congenital endocrine disorder, caused by defective production of thyroid hormones (THs) at birth. Because THs are essential for the development of normal neuronal networks, CH is also a common preventable cause of irreversible intellectual disability (ID) in children. Prolonged hypothyroidism, particularly during the THs-dependent processes of brain development in the first years of life, due to delays in diagnosis, inadequate timing and dosing of levothyroxine (l-thyroxine or l-T 4 ), the non-compliance of families, incorrect follow-up and the interference of foods, drugs and medications affecting the absorption of l-T 4 , may be responsible for more severe ID. In this review we evaluate the main factors influencing levels of THs and the absorption of l-T 4 in order to provide a practical guide, based on the existing literature, to allow optimal follow-up for these patients.