Effect of dopamine infusion on thyroid hormone tests and prolactin levels in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of dopamine on thyroid hormone tests and prolactin (PRL) and to assess requirement for L-thyroxin (LT4).

METHODS

The infants (n = 102) were divided into three groups (Group 1; received no dopamine, Group 2 received ≤25 mg/kg cumulative dose and Group 3; received >25 mg/kg cumulative dose). Blood samples were taken at 6-8 days (timepoint 1), 13-15 days (timepoint 2), and 4-6 weeks of life (timepoint 3).

RESULTS

Respiratory distress syndrome was higher in group 2 and 3. Patnet ductus arteriosus was higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2. Duration and cumulative dose in group 3 were higher than group 2. There was no difference between thyroid hormones that were taken after stopping infusion at timepoint 3 among all groups. No therapy with LT4 was needed. PRL levels were higher at timepoint 1 in group 1 than compared to group 2 and 3 (p < 0.05), and no difference between group 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). This difference was disappeared at following timepoints.

CONCLUSIONS

The release of TSH, FT3, FT4 and PRL were not inhibited and prophylactic thyroid hormone treatment was not required in VLBW infants receiving dopamine infusions.