The effect of blood exchange transfusion on Thyroid function tests

Abstract

Blood exchange transfusion is a frequent procedure in neonatology units. At the same time Thyroid function tests are employed in neonatal screening. The changes of thyroid hormone level after blood exchange transfusion were not yet exactly determined. This prospective pilot study in 20 icteric newborns shows significant decrease in hormone concentration after blood exchange transfusion which rises to normal after three days for T4 and T3RU, whereas TSH level remains still low at this time.