PEDIATRICS Vol. 36 No. 6 December 1965, pp. 877-881
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THYROXINE METABOLISM IN OBESE ADOLESCENT MALES

Wellington Hung M.D.1, Graciano P. Gancayco M.D.1, and Felix P. Heald M.D.1

1 Divisions of Endocrinology and Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of the District of Columbia, and the Departments of Pediatrics, George Washington and Georgetown University Schools of Medicine, Washington, D.C.

The metabolism of radiothyroxine was studied in 9 obese euthyroid adolescent males, ranging in age from 12 to 16 years and at two stages of sexual maturation. The mean half-life for thyroxine in stage 3 boys was 5.22 days, while that for stage 5 boys was 5.50 days. The mean half-life for thyroxine in non-obese stage 3 boys is 5.32 days, while that for non-obese stage 5 boys is 5.82 days. Our studies fail to detect any abnormalities of thyroxine metabolism in obese adolescent males. We feel that there is no justification for the use of desiccated thyroid in the treatment of obesity in adolescents.

Submitted on February 23, 1965
Accepted on March 24, 1965