0 a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that controls metabolism (= chemical processes in the body) and is important for normal development in children
1 the main chemical produced in the body by the thyroid (gland) (= organ in the neck), which increases the metabolism (= changing of food into energy) and in this way, makes the body grow and develop
The rate of production of thyroxine is diminished.
However, in elderly patients, the beneficial effects of thyroxine are by no means universal and treatment with thyroxine is not without its risks.
It is important to take into account both the age of the patient and symptoms before commencing thyroxine therapy.
Fetal hypothyroidism necessitated 4 intraamniotic injections with thyroxine.
Sub-clinical hyperthyroidism can also occur when patients are taking thyroxine.
Conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine is slow, and will not boost levels of triiodothyronine (and cardiac output) early postoperatively.
None had known thyroid disease, previous thyroid surgery or were taking ant-thyroid drugs, thyroxine, amiodarone or lithium.
An interesting alternative for treatment of postoperative cardiac failure in children is the use of thyroxine.
