Thyroid hormone supplementation for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in infants undergoing cardiac surgery.

Paediatric studies have demonstrated that cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with a decline in thyroid hormone levels. Adult patients who undergo open heart surgery and receive triiodothyronine supplementation have demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in cardiac output which has been associated with an improved clinical outcome. Thyroid hormone supplementation in infants may also reduce post-operative morbidity and mortality.