[Blood levels of thyroid hormones, insulin and cortisol in children with retardation of physical development in malnutrition].

The content of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), insulin and cortisol was studied in the blood of children with growth retardation A 60%-increase in T3 concentrations was detected whereas T4 levels remained unchanged. Insulin concentration in the blood reduced by 62%, this being an early indicator of changes in anabolic processes. Cortisol levels decreased by 25% as well. The results suggest that changes in hormone levels in children with growth retardation are associated with adaptation reactions of the body.