Studies of thyroxin secretion and degradation rate in children with different thyroidal functional states. Comparison of thyroid function in children and adults

Fractional turnover rate, degradation rate, and other parameters of thyroxin metabolism and the secretion rate of organic iodine were studied in a number of euthyroid normal children, euthyroid obese children, and children with altered thyroid function. The results give further evidence of a higher metabolism of thyroxin in children as compared with adults. In obese children, a significantly lower fractional turnover rate of thyroxin was found; this may indicate lower peripheral demands for thyroxin and lower tissue metabolism in these children.