An analysis of perinatal factors of low T3 syndrome in preterm neonates with a gestational age of 28–35 weeks

OBJECTIVE: Low triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) is a common endocrine disease in preterm neonates. Various serious acute or chronic diseases result in LT3S. Few studies have investigated the causal relationship between perinatal factors and LT3S in preterm neonates with a gestational age (GA) of 28–35 weeks. The present study comprehensively analyzed the perinatal factors of LT3S in preterm neonates. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of neonates with and without LT3S from January 2018 to November 2019. Compared to 206 preterm neonates without LT3S, 158 neonates were diagnosed with LT3S, excluding neonates with congenital malformations, other endocrine diseases, genetic diseases and inherited metabolic diseases. RESULTS: Five perinatal risk factors for LT3S were confirmed using univariate and multivariate analyses: smaller gestational age, lower birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), neonatal sepsis, and dopamine use. CONCLUSIONS: LT3S in preterm neonates was associated with multiple perinatal factors, including smaller gestational age, lower birth weight, RDS, sepsis, and dopamine use. Preterm neonates with a GA of 28–35 weeks who are exposed to a series of high-risk perinatal factors must be closely observed, diagnosed early and treated for primary diseases promptly to reduce the occurrence of LT3S and improve the outcomes. KEY MESSAGE: 1. Few studies have investigated the relationship between perinatal factors and Low triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) in preterm neonates with a gestational age (GA) of 28-35 weeks. 2. LT3S was associated with multiple perinatal factors, including smaller gestational age, lower birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), sepsis, and dopamine use.