Loss of Thyroid Hormones into Feces in Children on Regular Hemodialysis

In 20 children on hemodialysis in vitro tests of thyroid function were made. Total T4, free T4 and total T3 were below the normal mean. The daily loss of T3 into feces was significantly higher in dialysis children than in healthy controls. The loss of T4 into feces was somewhat higher in dialysis children than in healthy controls. The amount of hormonal iodine loss into feces was calculated. It was significantly higher in children on hemodialysis than in controls. It is concluded that the loss of thyroid hormones into feces is the major cause of low serum thyroid hormone levels in children on hemodialysis.

Bei 20 Hämodialysekindern wurden die in vitro Werte zur Beurteilung der Schilddrüsenfunktion bestimmt. Gesamt-T4, freies T4 und Gesamt-T3 waren niedriger als die mittleren Serumkonzentrationen. Der tägliche fäkale Verlust an T3 war bei Dialysekindern signifikant höher als bei gesunden Kindern. Der Verlust an T4 war etwas höher in der Gruppe der Dialysekinder als in der Kontrollgruppe. Die Menge des fäkalen Verlustes an Hormonjod wurde berechnet. Sie war bei Dialysekindern signifikant höher als in der Kontrollgruppe. Es wird angenommen, daß der Verlust von Schilddrüsenhormonen in den Stuhl die Hauptursache für die niedrigen Schilddrüsenhormonkonzentrationen im Serum von Dialysekindern ist.

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