Thyroxine-binding globulin in infant protein-calorie malnutrition

In the acute phase of kwashiorkor, TBG maximal binding capacity for thyroxine is significantly decreased (56.1% of normal, p < 0.001). As for TBPA and albumin, this finding seems to be mainly the result of reduced biosynthesis, although high cortisol and hGH plasma levels described in protein-calorie malnutrition may be contributory factors. TBG maximal binding capacity returns to normal after two weeks of nutritional treatment. The values then assumed, as those characterizing the normal group of euthyroid Senegalese children, are higher than those reported in white Caucasian children. These data confirm previous work by Starr and Nicoloff (16) suggesting a genetically determined racial difference. © 1974 by The Endocrine Society.