A systematic review of thyroid dysfunction in preterm neonates exposed to topical iodine

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#administration-topical #female #humans #hyperthyroxinemia #hypothyroidism

A systematic review of thyroid dysfunction in preterm neonates exposed to topical iodine

Aitken et al., 2014 | Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed | Systematic Review

Citation

Aitken Julie, Williams Fiona L R. A systematic review of thyroid dysfunction in preterm neonates exposed to topical iodine. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2014-Jan;99(1):F21-8. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2013-303799

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether maternal exposure to iodine or neonatal exposure to topical iodine-containing solutions increases the risk of transient thyroid dysfunction in neonates born <32 weeks' gestation or <1.5 kg. DESIGN: Systematic review. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic searches were conducted using Medline and the Cochrane Library. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: A study was eligible for review if it reported neonatal exposure to topical iodine or maternal iodine exposure. The key outcome measure was neonatal thyroid function. The search had no restrictions on date of publication, type of study or language. RESULTS: 794 papers were identified during the initial search; 15 studies were fully reviewed. The incidence of (transient) hypothyroidism/hyperthyrotropinaemia following exposure to topical iodine ranged from 12 to 33 per 100 infants; the incidence in non-exposed infants was 0. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that neonatal exposure to iodine-containing disinfectants causes thyroid dysfunction in infants born <32 weeks. None of the studies evaluated neurodevelopment. Larger scale studies are needed to determine definitively the nature of the relationship and the impact of exposure on neurodevelopment. In the meantime, it would seem prudent to restrict exposure of iodine-containing skin disinfectants in preterm infants; chlorhexidine might be a credible alternative.

Key Findings

794 papers were identified during the initial search; 15 studies were fully reviewed. The incidence of (transient) hypothyroidism/hyperthyrotropinaemia following exposure to topical iodine ranged from 12 to 33 per 100 infants; the incidence in non-exposed infants was 0.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 15
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthyroxinemia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Iodine Compounds
  • Maternal Exposure
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Thyroid Gland

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: iodine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09