T 4

Thyroxine (T 4 )

Thyroid hormone that regulates many essential body processes.

Mentioned in: Hypothyroidism

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T₄,

symbol for thyroxine.

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thyroxine (T₄) [thi-rok´sin]

a thyroid hormone that contains iodine and is a derivative of the amino acid tyrosine, occurring naturally as l-thyroxine; its chemical name is tetraiodothyronine. It is formed and stored in the thyroid follicles as thyroglobulin and released from the gland by the action of a proteolytic enzyme. It is deiodinated in peripheral tissues to form triiodothyronine (T₃), which has a greater biological activity.



Thyroxine acts as a catalyst in the body and influences a great variety of effects, including metabolic rate (oxygen consumption); growth and development; metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, electrolytes, and water; vitamin requirements; reproduction; and resistance to infection. Pharmaceutical preparations of thyroxine, extracted from animals or made synthetically, are called levothyroxine.

free thyroxine the fraction of thyroxine in the serum that is not bound to a binding protein.

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Patient discussion about T 4.

Q. i've been having a neckache 4 2 wks what could be causing it?

A. Most episodes of neck pain are caused by mechanical disorders associated with gradual changes associated with aging, or with overuse of the neck or arms. About 10% of instances of neck pain are associated with systemic illnesses, such as polymyalgia rheumatica.

Muscle strains usually related to sustained physical activity such as sitting at computer terminals for prolonged periods of time. Acute strain may occur after sleeping in an awkward position.

Osteoarthritis resulting from the narrowing of the intervertebral discs located between the vertebrae of the spine. The adjacent vertebrae grow spurs in response to the increasing pressure placed on them. The bony growths can cause localized pain in the neck or arm related to nerve compression. For the complete list: http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/neckpain.asp

Hope this helps.

Q. what is a high blood sugar for a four yr old?My grandkid is 4 with a bloodsugar of 195 after eating

A. Sorry, it didn't paste it well. These are the levels:
Below 5 years old first thing in morning or 2 hours before or after meal should be between 80 to 200. Before bedtime snack is should be above 150.
Here is a website you can check:
http://www.boystownpediatrics.org/PedsAdvisor/content/pa/index.asp?page=pa_selfgluc_pep.htm

Q. My 4 year old child's face appeared swollen when he woke up this morning. Could it be something serious? I didn't notice any bite/sting marks on him and he is not allergic to anything I know of.

A. Causes of generalized swelling include:

Allergic reaction. Sudden swelling of the hands and face may be a severe allergic reaction and needs immediate medical evaluation.
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. These diseases can cause swelling when the body produces antibodies and other cells that attack and destroy tissues in the body.