Abstract：Objective To study the risk factors and treatment outcome of hypothyroidism in very low birth weight/extremely low birth weight (VLBW/ELBW) infants. Methods The VLBW/ELBW infants who were diagnosed with hypothyroidism from September 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled as the case group (n=29). The children with normal thyroid function, matched at a ratio of 1:3, were enrolled as the control group (n=87). Clinical features were compared between the two groups. The correlation of thyroid function with gestational age and birth weight and the risk factors for hypothyroidism were analyzed. Results A total of 162 VLBW/ELBW infants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, with 29 infants in the case group (an incidence rate of hypothyroidism of 17.9%). The lower the birth weight, the higher the incidence rate of hypothyroidism (P < 0.05). Triiodothyronine (T3) and free T3 were positively correlated with gestational age (P < 0.05). T3 and free thyroxine were positively correlated with birth weight (P < 0.05). Small for gestational age, multiple birth, maternal age ≥ 35 years, and use of dopamine were independent risk factors for hypothyroidism (P < 0.05). In the case group, 16 infants were treated with levothyroxine (5-10 μg/kg daily), and the thyroid function returned to normal after 2 weeks of treatment. Conclusions There is a high incidence rate of hypothyroidism in VLBW/ELBW infants. Small for gestational age, multiple birth, advanced maternal age, and use of dopamine are risk factors for hypothyroidism. The infants treated with levothyroxine should be followed up regularly to ensure an appropriate dose.
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