A recent study from Athens University Medical School published in the February 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism shows that children born with the assistance of in vitro fertilization (IVF) are likely to have an elevated TSH level (thyrotropin).  However, in this case, the children had normal thyroid hormone levels and no evidence of TPO antibodies. Consequently, children fitting this profile are said to have euthyroid hyperthyroprotinemia with essentially normal thyroid function.

The researchers concluded that a significant elevation of serum TSH compatible with a mild TSH resistance of the thyroid (meaning that the elevated TSH did not cause hyperthyroidism or reflect hypothyroidism) was found in IVF children compared to controls. This elevation was not due to the presence of thyroid antibodies. The researchers suggest that this might represent a slight epigenetic developmental abnormality related to the pre-implantation manipulation of the embryo. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to better determine their significance.

Source:
Sakka SD, Malamitsi-Pucher A, Loutradis D, Chrousos GP, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, “Euthyroid Hyperthyrotripinemia in Children Born after in Vitro Fertilization, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Feb 3, 2009.