STUDY OF THYROID HORMONE ALTERATIONS IN MALNOURISHED CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS IN A TERTIARY CARE SETTING.

Background: Malnutrition continues to pose a serious threat to child health in low-resource settings, contributing to high rates of disease and mortality in early childhood. This study focuses on analyzing thyroid hormone levels in malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Srinagar, Kashmir.

Material and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Department of GMC Srinagar from May 2024 to April 2025. A total of 70 children with malnutrition were enrolled and classified into moderate (MAM) and severe (SAM) malnutrition based on WHO standards. Comprehensive clinical assessment, including nutritional status and anthropometric measurements, was carried out. Laboratory evaluation included serum levels of T3, T4, TSH, total protein, and albumin. Data were analyzed to identify differences between the MAM and SAM groups.

Results: Significantly lower levels of T3, T4, serum protein, and albumin were found in children with SAM compared to those with MAM (p < 0.001). TSH levels did not show a notable difference between the two groups. A significant link was also observed between low T3 levels and reduced albumin concentrations.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that thyroid dysfunction, including low T3, may be a protective metabolic adaptation in malnourished children to conserve vital resources like protein and energy.