PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Here we review typical thyroid function alterations observed 
in the critically ill pediatric patient.
RECENT FINDINGS: Abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis have 
recently been confirmed to be prevalent in similar proportions in pediatric and 
adult patients. Significant benefits of therapy have yet to be demonstrated.
SUMMARY: At present, there is no evidence of benefit in giving thyroid hormone 
to patients with nonthyroidal illness who have low serum T3 or T4 
concentrations, including preterm infants and postcardiac surgery patients.