Objectives:

Our aim was to assess normative data regarding the thyroid gland volume of Turkish newborns with normal thyroid stimulating hormone levels and to detect whether regional differences existed.

Method:

A total of 201 full-term newborns (term, 37–42 weeks; within 0– 30 days of birth; 104 girls; 97 boys) from four different zones in Turkey (Marmara, Eastern Black Sea, Eastern Anatolian, and Aegean) were included in this study. Thyroid volumes were measured by ultrasonography by using a similar method, and the results were compared.

Results:

In our study, the newborns’ mean thyroid volume was 0.58 ± 0.19 mL. Thyroid volumes from the Marmara, Eastern Black Sea, Eastern Anatolian, and Aegean regions were 0.50 ± 0.12, 0.79 ± 0.23, 0.56 ± 0.16, and 0.43 ± 0.17 mL, respectively. The ultrasonographically assessed thyroid volume was significantly greater for newborns from the Eastern Black Sea (p < 0.001), followed by the Eastern Anatolia, Marmara, and Aegean regions. No statistically significant difference existed among the latter three zones.

Conclusions:

The neonates’ normal thyroid volumes varied among the different regions. Newborns from the Eastern Black Sea region possibly have a greater thyroid volume because of a residual effect secondary to a history of iodine deficiency in that region, as well as a correlation between a mother and a neonate in terms of thyroid functions. Thus, in newborns from the East Black Sea region, additional screening tests may be added to routine screening in selected groups.

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